Customer Reviews

The Vauban Fortifications of France (Fortress)

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The author provides a descripton of the life of Vauban and introduces the reader to the fortifications he was involved with in France. His three systems are described and the author explains that Vauban did not actually divide his own work into these "systems" since that was a term applied by others later. This small work is packed with a large amount of information on Vauban and his works. The only problem is some illustrations which are a bit confusing since they have been mislabelled or poorly represent a Vauban fortification. In one case the artist marked an orlon incorrectly. Otherwise the book makes a nice introduction and basic reference.

This book, despite it relatively short length of 64 pages, provides a very good introduction to its subject. A description of Vauban's multi-faceted strategy in fortress making is provided (i.e., defense in depth, use of water, modifications of previously existing fortifications, etc.). To supplement this discussion excellent illustrations are provided that not only illustrate the fortresses per se but various aspects of design that were essential to Vauban's fortresses. For example, good discussion and illustrations provided regarding countermining shafts, internal access passageways that allowed troops to move from one section of fortress to another even under heavy attack, magazine designs, etc.

All and all a very good introduction for the reader interested in the topic with only about an hour's of time available to get up to speed on the topic.

A very good book in a good series by Osprey. The subject could have many huge volumes written on it so you are only getting a brief overview but it is very informative. The photographs and artwork really do add to the description. If you want a book on Vaubaun entire career and every fortification he built you will need a bigger book but for an introduction this is a good book. Not as wrapped up in engineering as some larger books on the subject so easy enough for all ages to understand. I would recomend this book to students of history, fortification buff, wargamers, modelers etc.