Waterloo: Napoleon's Last Army
Featuring the Art of Keith Rocco
Research and Text by Paul L. Dawson
Published by
Lombardy Studios
Cuirassiers, Hussars, and Dragoons oh my! That is not even mentioning the Chasseurs and Lancers. Of course, we also have to add in all of the different types of infantry and artillery.
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| Naturally, the pictures in the book do not have the watermark. It is just so they are not passed about the internet. This picture is Artillerie a Pied de La Garde |
This is a big coffee table sized book. However, unlike most books that size that are long on pictures and not very deep, this book is extremely informative while also being canyon depth. When you hold the book in your hand it has real heft to it. Then after you look at the picture on the cover you realize you might just have a treasure in your hand. Once you open it there is no more doubt. This is the definitive book on the dress and equipment of all the units of the L'Armée du Nord that Napoleon commanded in the 1815 campaign.
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| 93e Regiment de Ligne Tambours |
This is what Lombardy Studios has to say about the book:
"64 original paintings portraying many of the French Army units at Waterloo
Over a decade of research and artistic rendering by Keith Rocco went into producing the paintings in this book
150+ photographs of historical artifacts from the holdings of three museums and seven private collections
Foreword by David Markham, President, International Napoleonic Society"
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| 7e Dragons 1815 Chef dEscadron Marligne |
"176 oversize-format 9 3/8” by 13 1/2” large pages
128 pages featuring 64 Keith Rocco soldier paintings – 32 Imperial Guard and 32 Line units
Full color throughout
Fine high-grade, art quality paper
Facing pages feature descriptive text relating to the subject of the painting along with captioned photos of rare artifacts depicted within the artwork
An added plus: 28 more pages dedicated solely to beautifully photographed and captioned artifact photos
Illustrated Uniform Glossary in French and English
Index of units and officers that are portrayed in the book’s paintings
4 large horizontal battle paintings on 2-page chapter title spreads, including:
Plancenoit – Guard Infantry & Artillery chapter. A NEVER-BEFORE-PUBLISHED PAINTING OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD FIGHTING IN THE CEMETERY! The artist created this painting especially for this book.
Empress Dragoons – Guard Cavalry chapter.
The Great Gate of Hougoumont – Line Infantry & Artillery chapter.
Quatre Bras – Line Cavalry chapter."
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| Shako Plate and Cockade of a Grenadier in the 27th Line Infantry |
This is an absolutely amazing magnum opus for both Mr. Rocco and Mr. Dawson. Speaking of Mr. Dawson (historian, researcher, and author), he has put over two decades worth of time into this book. So, if you are keeping score this book has over thirty years of research put into it. Very few books can boast that claim.
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| Coat of the 25th Line Infantry Regiment Voltigeur Company |
Every page is a blaze of color and information. This book is a miniatures wargamer's treasure trove. Actually, I take that back. This is a treasure for anyone who has the slightest interest in the last French Army that Napoleon commanded.
This little tidbit of history is on page twelve:
"At Waterloo, the 3rd and 4th Regiments of the Foot Grenadiers attacked the Allied line in a final, futile attempt by Napoleon to break the British before the Prussians could tip the balance against the French"
In 1815, the 1st and 2nd Regiments of Foot Grenadiers were the 'Old Guard'. The 3rd and 4th Regiments were the 'Middle Guard'.
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| Line Lancers Helmet |
The pictures that I have included are only a tiny amount of what you will find in its pages. To be honest, I am usually not impressed by books that have this many paintings and pictures. My tastes turn more to the books that are heavy on type and maps. So, even I was surprised how much this book enraptured me. Of course, for each Rocco illustration there is also a full page of information about the formation shown.
I must admit that I have always had a soft spot in my heart for Cuirassiers. I have watched all cavalry charges on film innumerable times. However, if the charge includes those armored fellows, I am rapt to the screen. Oh, the 'Big Boots' or 'Gods' of the Imperial Guard are incredibly impressive but give me a Cuirassier charge any day. The pictures that Mr. Rocco has done of my favorite horsemen have left me in awe of his ability.
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| I had to add this picture of Mr. Dawson in the uniform of 'The Gods' |
I would definitely say run, walk, or crawl (or use your mouse) and head toward Lombardy Studios to pick up your own copy. You will not be sorry. Thank you, Mr. Lombardy, for allowing me to review this garden of Napoleonic delights. Now, please excuse me. I have to watch some War and Peace.
Robert
Lombardy Studios:
Waterloo: Napoleon's Last Army Featuring the Art of Keith Rocco and Research and Text by Paul L. Dawson:
P.S. for you board wargamers the work is proceeding well on Mr. Lombardy's new Stalingrad game.
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