The US Army 1890-1920 (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

Philip Katcher (Author), Jeffrey Burn (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: November 22, 1990

Between 1890 and 1920 the US Army underwent profound changes in organization, function, composition and appearance. The Army was transformed from a small, blue-clad force whose primary weapon was the single-shot rifle, into a mighty host of men dressed in dirt-coloured combat uniforms, using automatic weapons, tanks and aircraft to fight enemies on fields across the world. This book details the Army's developments during its involvement in the Spanish-American War (1898), the Boxer Rebellion (1898-1901), and World War I (1914-1918). Particular attention is given to the evolution of the Army's uniforms, which are illustrated vividly throughout the book.

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 Katcher was born in Los Angeles, California, to parents involved in the film industry. He was educated at the University of Maryland and served in the US Army in Vietnam. He has also been an active participant in living history activities, especially of the 18th and 19th centuries. He has written a number of books on various periods of US military history and presently is editor/publisher of Military Images magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; 2nd edition (November 22, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855321033
• ISBN-13: 978-1855321038
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.1 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #959,463 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another fine overview ! (007), May 23, 2006

By 

Troy Tempest (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The US Army 1890-1920 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

I freely admit to not having much of a knowledge of the US Army, especially before and during WWI, and found this book immensly valuable. Philip Katcher and Gordon Rottman have done a great job for both the casual and dedicated reader of this field, and Jeffrey Burn and Ron Volstadt once again provide some excellent colour panels. The authors take you from the era of naval pre-eminence that existed in the US in the late 18th century, to the Spanish-American war and America's involvement in ground fighting in the Philippines. This revealed large shortcomings in most aspects of the current US Army, everything from weapons all the way to the lack of a general staff.

After the stalemate of the Mexican conflict petered out, America found herself in WWI, and the authors explore all the difficulties faced in Europe by the American army and Marine Corp, especially the reliance on non-American weapons, and General Pershing's persistent aim of retaining the AEF as a single American army under American command. This view was not a welcome one for the French. Ultimately we learn of the timely American contribution in response to the German Spring Offensive, which helped turn the tide in favour of the Allies, and the emergence of a battle tested and confidant American army. With ample photos and the before mentioned excellent colour plates accompanying the clear and very readable text, this is a great introductory volume on the subject.

A top read!

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting but not good enough, July 20, 2001

By 

Fernando I. Moreno Villa "fmorenov" (Mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The US Army 1890-1920 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

This book provides detailed descriptions of US Army uniforms and orders of battle up to 1919, but talks little about the weapons and actions in which the troops were involved.

The text doesn't mention anything about the US actions in Arcangel or Vladivostok, the Central-American interventions nor the small actions in North-Africa. Instead, there are brief notes about the campaigns in Mexico, Cuba and China. It is more focused in uniforms and military dress regulations than in historical facts. Art plates are not of the same quality and detail compared with other Osprey M-A-A books. It was not what I expected...