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

 Science of Arms

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

Volume I: Preparation for War and the Infantry

by

Stephen M. Carter

 

 For those of us who are very interested in the history of warfare this book is a Godsend. This is not just the author's idea of what took place or was thought of about both the preparations and how the infantry worked in the last years of the 17th century. As the author states:

 "This Science of Arms series is based on the original French military treatises and the translated versions published in London by Charles Bill, Henry Hill and Thomas Newcomb in the 1670s and 80s. These cover more than formations and weapons drill. They explain the military practice of the age and when combined, we gain a fresh perspective on warfare. By comparing the details held in the treaties to battle plans and eye-witness accounts, the reader can plug the unsaid gaps that were taken for granted but long forgotten."

 The book has a large amount of information, from preparing your magazine, to the artillery of the time and even its construction, and what you should seek to find and see in your Captain General, General Officers, and your General Staff. At this point we have only gone through half of the book! Then we go through a whole section on 'modeling' your infantry, cavalry, and artillery. The book uses the word modeling to show the formations, usage, and even the costs incurred with these three types of arms.

 The last part of the book is all about the infantry. From weapons, various exercises, and even to the duties of Sergeants etc. it is all here. It will show you how to advance the 'Swedish way' and how to correctly 'volley attack with your grenadiers'. 

 So, if you happen to have about 50 friends, and the money, you can equip them and then the book will show you how to put them through the paces. You can teach them all of the steps to arm and fire their muskets and how to use their pikes correctly.

 The book is a gold mine for both the military history lover and the wargamer. Thank you, Casemate Publishers, for allowing me to review this excellent addition to my library. I will have a review of Volume 2 of the series coming up.

 

Robert Peterson

Book: Science of Arms: The Art of War in the Century of the Soldier 1672-1699 Volume I: Preparation for War and the Infantry

Author: Stephen M. Carter

Publisher: Helion & Company

Distributor: Casemate Publishers