Soldiers of the Revolutionary War by Stuart Reid and Marko Zlatich

Osprey Publishing

Every so often Osprey Publishing review their extensive and popular range of Men at Arms publications and produce a "special" which combines a number of previous publications into one comprehensive volume. In this case the five Men at Arms volumes covering George Washingtons Army and King Georges Army (Men at Arms series (273, 290, 285, 289, and 292) have been bound together under one title.

Obviously if you have previously purchased these publications then this latest issue may be of little interest. But if you have not, then the cover price of £19.99, compared with almost £50 for the separate Men at Arms issues makes this a real bargain.

The format is the familiar one, with pages of excellent colour illustrations, each supported by a short description. While the main body of the text gives a very brief history of the historical background to the period, and then a fairly extensive and incisive narrative of the individual units covered, their uniforms and equipment. This is in turn supported by a range of contemporary illustrations in the sections covering Washingtons army, and also re-enactors photographs for the British.

Personally I think the sections covering the Continental forces are superior to the British. First the title Soldiers of the Revolutionary War is somewhat of a misnomer in regard to the British as the period covered runs from 1740-1793, and includes sections on the Jacobite rebellion and the various colonial conflicts in the Indies both East and West. having said that, the text is interesting, supported by many illustrations as is usual with Stuart's work. But I am afraid that I feel the photographs on re-enactors rather let down the rest of the work, their is one particular picture of a platoon of Grenadiers that..... well  buy the book and see what you think! Having said that, this is a minor quibble and a matter of my personal taste.

All in all this is a very useful addition to your military library, and perhaps a must for anyone new to the period and seeking affordable and comprehensive references for painting and organising their wargames army.

ISBN: 1 84176 615 1

Paperback 240pp: £19.99/$27.95

John Chilton

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