Historical Maps of the Napoleonic Wars
By Simon Forty and Michael Swift

Amongst my many strange foibles is a liking for maps. I remember being involved in a wargames campaign organised by Dave Millward, based on the war of the Triple Alliance. I discovered a series of maps of Hispanic America produced by the US military between the wars, and I spent weeks poring over them. Comparing them with modern editions, studying the military topography, making sense of the historical actions.

Mind you maps can also deceive, Paddy Griffith has a large map mounted on his dining room wall that looks very very impressive, however Paddy, who has studied and walked that particular battlefield is very clear about the inaccuracies that it contains. But in some ways those very inaccuracies add to the fascination.

I was looking forward to studying this volume that collates a number of maps held in the archive of the Public Records Office. And a very diverse and encompassing collection it is. Many of the major battles are included, with the principle sieges involving British troops in the Peninsular featuring prominently.

I also like the more unusual subjects covered. So the detailed fortifications of Quebec and the physical charts of the United States are truly fascinating.

But perhaps it is the maps of the naval actions that are of the greatest interest, especially because of the detail that is included when portraying the fleets themselves with accompanying frigates, or perhaps shore installations.

There is one major problem though, and that is that the maps have necessarily had to be reduced in size in order to be reproduced in this book, so much of the detail simply cannot be seen unless you invest in a decent magnifying glass, and this may put some purchasers off.

However I enjoyed this book and am sure to return to it regularly.

JOS

Publisher Brassey's 
ISBN 1857533275 
Size (hxw) 234 x 156mm 
Binding HB 
Pages 320 

PRICE Normal Price:
£20.00 (approx. $30.77)

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