For enthusiasts of military history, particularly those fascinated by the intricacies of 19th-century warfare and military attire, a new publication demands attention. Verlag Militaria, based in Vienna, has released a comprehensive two-volume book set that delves into the uniforms of the Franco-Prussian War, and it is an invaluable resource for anyone studying this pivotal conflict.
This set, comprising two substantial volumes, meticulously details the uniforms of both the German and French armies involved in the Franco-Prussian War. Volume 1 focuses on the German forces, while Volume 2 is dedicated to French Uniforms Franco Prussian War era. Available in English, French, and German, the English edition bears the ISBN 978-3-903341-04-3. Spanning an impressive 800 pages, the collection boasts over 2,500 photographs, a mix of color and black-and-white images, bringing to life the sartorial aspects of this historical clash. While priced at € 129.90, the sheer depth and breadth of content, coupled with the physical weight of 5 kg, justify the investment for serious collectors and historians.
Cover of the two-volume book set on French and German uniforms of the Franco-Prussian War.
Volume 1 is the work of Markus Stein & Gerhard Bauer, offering a detailed examination of German military dress, while Volume 2, focusing on french uniforms franco prussian war, is authored by Louis Delpérier, Laurent Mirouze & Christophe Pommier.
The depth of research and visual documentation is immediately apparent when exploring sample pages. The meticulous detail provided allows for an unprecedented understanding of the uniforms worn during this conflict.
Sample page from the Franco-Prussian War uniform book showcasing detailed illustrations of French military attire.
Another sample page from the book, displaying illustrations of German uniforms used in the Franco-Prussian War.
While the reviewer found the German military uniforms to be presented with a slightly more systematic approach, the photographic richness of the French volume more than compensates. Within the french uniforms franco prussian war volume, readers will discover original uniform items representing nearly every branch of the French military. This includes exceptionally rare pieces of equipment, offering a tangible connection to the soldiers of the era. Though the German volume has minor omissions in tunic coverage, such as Saxon, Hesse, and Baden examples, the inclusion of Brunswick Polröcke and an astounding array of period photographs more than balances any perceived gaps. These period photos are particularly valuable, illustrating the authentic appearance of German troops in the field.
Among the captivating period images is a striking photograph of a Prussian hussar, a testament to the diverse and fascinating uniforms of the time.
The strength of the volume on french uniforms franco prussian war lies not only in showcasing the visually striking elite units like the Imperial Guard, Zouaves, and Chasseurs d’Afrique, with their flamboyant and recognizable attire.
It extends its coverage to the less glamorous but equally important uniforms of the Mobile and National Guards, illustrating the breadth of French military personnel involved in the conflict.
Furthermore, the book even includes artifacts linked to the fighters of the Parisian Commune, a post-war uprising, such as a rare kepi, offering an even wider scope of French military-related attire from this tumultuous period.
In conclusion, this two-volume set is more than just highly recommended; it is an essential acquisition for anyone seriously interested in the uniforms of the Franco-Prussian War. Its comprehensive visual approach, featuring both original artifacts and period photographs, provides an unparalleled resource for researchers, collectors, and enthusiasts alike, particularly those focused on French uniforms Franco Prussian War.
