Napoleon's Line Infantry (Men at Arms Series, 141) [Paperback]

Philip Haythornthwaite (Author), Bryan Fosten (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 1983

Napoleon's line infantry was founded upon that of the Ancien Régime. A total re-organisation began on 1 January 1791 with the abolition of the old regimental titles, and over the next two years an increasing number of conscript and volunteer battalions were formed. Their quality varied from the proficiency of the early National Guard regiments to the untrained and ill-equipped rabble of the levée. To combine the discipline and steadiness of the regular army with the revolutionary fervour of the new army, the Amalgame was decreed on 21 February; by this measure each regular battalion became the nucleus of a new Demi-Brigade.

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

Philip Haythornthwaite is an author and historical consultant specialising in the military history, uniforms and equipment of the 18th and 19th centuries. His main area of research covers the Napoleonic Wars. He has written some forty books, including more than 20 Osprey titles, and innumerable articles and papers on military history, but still finds time to indulge in his other great passion: cricket.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (July 28, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 085045512X
• ISBN-13: 978-0850455120
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #886,087 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BEST OF THE NAPOLOEN MEN-AT-ARMS!, November 24, 1999

By 

Jose (U.S.A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Napoleon's Line Infantry (Men at Arms Series, 141) (Paperback)

This book is definitely my favorite out of all the Men-at-Arms series for Napoleon, filled with 48 enjoyable pages. 8 pages (27 troops total) of it are beautiful colored pictures of Napoloen's troops. Along with that, every page has pictures ( not colored ) and diagrams. If I could give it more then 5 stars I would.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Napoleon's Line Infantry, February 4, 2008

By 

K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Napoleon's Line Infantry (Men at Arms Series, 141) (Paperback)

This book is an all-round great source on the infantry regiments of Napoleon's conquering armies. The text is clear and concise, and tackles a number of different topics with satisfying depth. These include organization, battle tactics, weaponry, and a very detailed section on uniforms that takes up practically half the book. Another very useful section is a list of all the infantry regiments, and the major battles that each one served in.

As the previous reviewer stated, the color plates are simply excellent; the uniforms and weapons of the troops, as well as the soldiers themselves, are all attractively presented and well-colored. As with most Osprey men-at-arms books, this would be a worthy purchase for a history teacher, wargamer or painter studying this era, or anyone with an interest in Napoleon's Army.

5.0 out of 5 stars Napoleon's Line Infantry., January 25, 2012

By 

Vincenzo L. Falcone - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Napoleon's Line Infantry (Men at Arms Series, 141) (Paperback)

This volume focuses on the military aspects of Napoleon's line infantry from roughly 1792 through 1815. It provides full details of the French military units of battale, and gives a full and chronological account of the standars & insignias, uniforms of the military rank and file along with their officers, as well as looking at the list of the units, their weapons and equipment as well as a breakdown of units by regiment and line - all in an easy to follow style that keeps the reader both engaged and educated in equal portions.

Philip Haythornthwaite has furnished his readers with a wealth of information on this topic that applies to all manner of people with an interest, be they: historians, modelers, war-gamers or someone just looking to learn more on the subject matter.

This 40 page volume book contains eight color plates displaying twenty seven uniforms of the troops of that time; beautiful illustrations with rich, robust colour. Added to this are about a dozen black and white illustrations from the time, and black and white photographs of surviving buckles, hats, shako plates and various other kit that are preserved today.

The material is well researched, and well written, making it easy to follow so much information easily and enjoyably. Whether you are looking for information to aide you in painting your miniature models, assist you in assembling your recreation uniform, or just reading it for the enjoyment, this book can and will satisfy all areas of interest.