An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Uniforms of the 19th Century An Expert Guide to the American Civil War

I originally purchased this book for myself. As it was so interesting, I sent a copy of it for my son's birthday. We both think it is great. As a fine artist, the illustrations are exceptionally clear and very accurate portrails (we both liked the short "vignettes" (i.e.: the descriptions of the uniforms and the short stories as with Colour Sgt. Bourne of Rourkes Drift fame.) My son says he was very impressed with it (and gave it a positive thumbs up). If you are looking for a great reference book to the Imperial Armies and the standing armies of other countries that were once prominent during the Victorian-Edwardian Age or for just fun reading, this is your book. Very user friendly! Thank you for carrying such a fine product in your collection. Sincerely yours, Two History Buffs, Walter G Smythe, (USA Ret.) and Walter G.H.Smythe, Wareham, MA. Read more

One of the best Book that show all uniform in full color and in very High detail which I use for my art project. I'm looking forward to buy some more! Only down side is there is not picture at the back in most uniform but it is very easy to imagine them Read more

Got the the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Military Uniforms of the 19th Century: An Expert Guide to the American Civil War, the Boer War, the Wars of German and ... Colonial Wars, today and from a guy who has aload of books on uniforms I,m happy to say that this one is very good. The narrative is interesting and detailed to a certain degree, no real problems, also great period paintings, uniform unit/description plates ( if this is the right term for this ) these plates list in example all the regiments involved in several of the topics as well as their unit colour distinctions and or badges. Though the illustrations are in the main, excellent, there appears to be more than one artist, the drawings done by one of artists has the uniforms and equipment as well as the overall body and face of the figures in top notch form, this artist does the majority of the uniforms, on the other hand the second one sorry to say is a bit on the lower scale, not to say that they are completly bad but you will notice the differance between the two,there is also as other reviewers pointed out some errors in weapon depictions on the french soliders in particular which is as mentioned puzzling, having said that, this does detract from the overall appeal of the book. I love these type of books on uniforms, it is also a good one for younger boys who might be liking this kind of stuff, as it is an easy read as well as the above mentioned, I of course don't enjoy every book on uniforms that has come out, but I like this one. So far I have noticed two errors thus far, One being the second artists rendering of civil war U.S.Cavalrymen, here the yellow piping is orange and not the yellow it would have been, two, another drawing, this one done by the better artist, who in his depiction of another civil war U.S.Cavalryman has given his regimental number as 7, this is an error as the 7th Cavalry was not formed until after the war had ended in 1866, But again this are but only two examples and if there are more they will be of a minor nature, one if is really interested in militaria one can always cross referance with other sourses to see the complete picture, this how one becomes expert in this area. So the book was well worth the shot I gave it and as some one who knows his stuff, I was not disapointed. Read more

This is a great book with great illustrations, unfortunately there are some minor inaccuracies and misprints, for example in the Union Civil War section they say a Picture of General Hancock is General Reynolds, and on the boxer rebellion there is a misprint that says a Bengal Lancer is a US army artillery officer and vice versa, again minor details, this is an excellent illustration of 19th century uniforms. Read more

Great illustrations throughout this book. Covers mainly European armies but North and South America and some Asian armies are covered. A brief history of the conflicts these uniforms were used. My only gripe would be the editors need to add a color plate page for matching uniform colors. Read more

These series of books are very affordable (under $20) and beautifully presented. Full colour throughout, they detail uniforms of many nations in the 19th century. Read more

I have the one Napolean, and planning on getting the one on the Romans next. CHEERS. Read more