Napoleon's Italian Troops (Men at Arms Series, 88) [Paperback]

Otto Pivka (Author), Mike Chappell (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 26, 1992

The Republican French were active in the export of revolution, and in 1796-1800 Napoleon saw that the inhabitants of northern Italy were ripe for conversion to the cause. French victories in 1798 and 1800 secured his hold on the area, and he at once began reorganising the many small states which then made up the territory of Italy into units more suitable for his military and dynastic ambitions. Otto von Pivka explores the organisation, history and uniforms of the Italian troops who fought under the Emperor during the Napoleonic Wars.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French, German

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; First Edition edition (March 26, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850453038
• ISBN-13: 978-0850453034
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,148,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A dated source, other Italian publications available, March 7, 2001

By 

Bob Fletcher (London UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Napoleon's Italian Troops (Men at Arms Series, 88) (Paperback)

This was and is a great starter into looking at Italian and Neapolitan uniforms. The uniform plates are nice, but there are more indepth period plates available. Unit histories are brief and the Neapolitans get little to no treatment and what is said is with a definite bias. Uniform plates at the museum of San Martino can be viewed for the Neapolitan plates. An Italian publication reprint of first hand artist sources from 1850s is available from Sugarco Milano. The Italian General Staff publishes a full color publication (but expensive) on the Cisalpine republic, Lombard legion etc. A cheaper publication is also available. Use the Osprey title as a starter. Osprey will do better to replace the title with a several part treatment.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Second to none, September 14, 2000

By 

Amin Ibrahim - See all my reviews

This review is from: Napoleon's Italian Troops (Men at Arms Series, 88) (Paperback)

This excellent book tells you all you need to know about the Italian troops during the Napoleonic wars. The plates are excellent, as are the descriptions. It follows the Cisalpine republic, the Kingdom of Italy, and the Kingdom of Naples. There is also a very informative section that tells us what units fought where and when. A must for Napoleonic buffs and wargamers.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice primer with great illustrations, July 19, 2004

By 

danny boy "dbswongv" (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Napoleon's Italian Troops (Men at Arms Series, 88) (Paperback)

This is nice booklet on the Italian troops. Nevermind their battlefield performances, just admire the uniforms which are very nicely executed by Mike Chappell. That kettledrummer has to be seen to be fully appreciated. Murat had such great sartorial tastes!