The Mexican-American War, 1846-1848 (Men-At-Arms Series, 56) [Paperback]

Philip Katcher (Author), Gerry Embleton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: May 25, 1989

‘There never was so fine an American army,’ wrote second-lieutenant, John Sedgwick, in describing the troops under Major-General Zachary Taylor in 1846. Another then second-lieutenant, destined to see many more armies; U.S. Grant, also thought highly of them: ‘The rank and file were probably inferior … to the volunteers that participated in all the later battles of the war; but they were brave men, and then drill and discipline brought out all there was in them.’ Philip Katcher writes the story of the regulars and volunteers who fought in the Mexican-American War, detailing the infantry, cavalry, artillery and staff of both the American and Mexican armies.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

Phililp Katcher lives and works in Pennsylvania USA, and has written over 20 titles in the Men-at-Arms Series including the highly successful five-volume set on Armies of the American Civil War.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (May 25, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850452538
• ISBN-13: 978-0850452532
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.1 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #876,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good reference for the beginner, April 10, 2002

By 

Peter Stines (Anahuac, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mexican-American War, 1846-1848 (Men-At-Arms Series, 56) (Paperback)

This book came out several decades ago and was my introduction to the Osprey "Men-At-Arms" series. The author, Philip Katcher has been a reenactor and student of period uniforms for many years and his text is a good, basic primer. Gerry Embleton is one of the better illustrators for this series. The information on the U.S troops, both militia/volunteer and Regulars came primarily from the works of James Walker and Samuel Chamberlain. These two sources were eyewitnesses to the war, and while Chamberlain is cocky, and self centered, his comments on clothing and equipment are accurate.Its significant in that photography was coming into use at this time and provides a "first hand" look at some of the uniforms. Katcher and Embleton relied on the late Joseph Hefter for sources on the Mexican Army. At the time this book was first published, Hefter was THE source on the Mexican troops but new information has come to light and I'd like to see the text updated and have Embleton do more detailed plates, but as is, this book is useful.Very few photographs exist of "soldados" from this period. The serious student should also refer to BRASSEY'S HISTORY OF UNIFORMS volume on the Mexican War.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Mexican-American War, 1846-1848 (Men-At-Arms Series), April 2, 2000

By 

Charles D. Wilson "tactiledave" (Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mexican-American War, 1846-1848 (Men-At-Arms Series, 56) (Paperback)

I teach middle school history. This is an excellent resource book. The color plate illustrations are exactly what the students need.The text is very informative. There is an equal balance in coverage of the U.S. And Mexican sides. Color illustrations cover U.S., Mexican and Texian forces envolved in the conflict.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good table-reference, October 13, 2006

By 

Stratiotes Doxha Theon "2 Thes 2:15" (Richmond, Missouri) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mexican-American War, 1846-1848 (Men-At-Arms Series, 56) (Paperback)

Like the other books in the Men-At-Armes series, this one has plenty of colorful artwork depicting men in uniform. The Texas Ranger, a wooly looking character in buckskins, is perhaps the one that stands out most in this volume as an especially rough looking character. The text is acceptable and informative. A good reference for getting a feel for the time and the people.