Science of Arms: The Art of War in the Century of the Soldier 1672-1699 Volume 2 by Stephen M. Carter

 Science of Arms

The Art of War in the Century of the Soldier 1672 - 1699

Volume 2

by

Stephen M. Carter

 This volume continues where Volume I left off. Here, there are 146 pages of an idiot's guide to cavalry during this time period. From its duties in the army as a whole to its use on the battlefield and everything in between is shown the reader. The book even has insights into how to quarter your cavalry for the winter. Training your troopers is gone into in depth.

 The next 50 pages or so goes into, and just as in depth, about how to train, handle, and use your artillery. This part goes into all of the myriads of different artillery sizes and guns that were in use at the time and each one's specific use. For the military modeler and wargamer this information, as is the two volumes as a whole, is invaluable.

 The last 140 pages or so was, to me, the best parts of the book. This takes the reader and explains exactly how to use your army. This goes from the mundane to how to fight a campaign. The chapters in this part of the book are:

Starting the Campaign

The Army Command

Maxims on Moving the Army

Maxims on Lodging the Army

Maxims on Forcing Passages

Maxims for Defensive Marches

Maxims on Standing Camps & Garrisons

Maxims on Guarding Places

Maxims on Offensive Marches

Giving Battle 

 The last chapter also has a two-page illustration of an army in the line of battle with all of the frontages of the different troop types. It not only informs you of what to do if you won the battle, but also how to deal with a defeat. 

The frontpiece also has a wonderful picture or engraving of Louis de Bourbon Prince de Condé (The Great Condé). 

 This is a marvelous two book series on the complete ways that armies were raised, trained, and fought in the late 17th century. The author has done so many of us a wonderful service by releasing these in a clear and easily read manner. These volumes are for any reader who is interested in military history, a wargamer, or someone who does historical modeling. Thank you, Casemate Publishers, for the chance to review this excellent addition to the military history genre. 

Robert Peterson

Book: Science of Arms: The Art of War in the Century of the Soldier 1672-1699 Volume 2 

Author: Stephen M. Carter

Publisher: Helion & Company

Distributor: Casemate Publishers