Wars and Soldiers in the Early Reign of Louis XIV: Volume 1 - The Army of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, 1660-1687 (Century of the Soldier)

The Author Bruno Mugnai is a prolific artist and author, who brings us an exciting edition to Helion's growing Century of the Soldier series. Like Helion's other titles in their range, this is a softback is in their 'Falconet' series and comes in at a hefty 250 pages with fourteen pages of excellent colour illustrations. and is lavishly illustrated with a additional eighty-six black and white contemporary and newly commissioned illustrations. In addition the book has Bruno's reliance on non-English original and secondary sources brings a completely new and fresh perspective to the subject and for that alone would recommend this book to anyone interested in the subject matter.The first chapter gives an excellent and in-depth description of the rise of the standing army, the golden age of the Dutch Republic. The second gives an even more detailed description of the organisation, supply and logistics of the Dutch army. the information within this chapter is laid out logically and in a easy to read and understand format.Chapter three deals with the army on campaign and is divided into four sections covering Warfare in the Netherlands and then the campaigns of 1660-64, 1665-67, and 1672-78. The extensive not only add to the vast amount of information with this volume in a easy to read format, they also show the exhaustive amount of research the author has conducted in researching the book.The final chapter gives a detailed description of the uniforms, equipment and standards for the foot, dragoons, horse and militia of the Dutch armed forces. the book is nicely finished off by two excellent appendix and details of each of the colour plated.

Bruno Mugnai starts with this book new sub-series within ‘Century of the Soldier 1618-1721’, which will brings us 8 volumes depicting armies from the second part of 17h century. In first part we can read about Dutch armies for the period of 1660-1687. Book is composed of four main chapters, with two appendixes and colour plates (of which some more later). It starts with useful chronology of events, helping in guiding readers through rather turbulent time for Dutch Republic. First chapter focus on different armies of the period, similarities and differences between them. Second chapter covers organisation of different branches of Dutch army: command, infantry, cavalry and dragoons, artillery and finally militia. Their chapters presents different campaigns of the Dutch army: 1600-1664 war waged against Cologne and Munster, Second war with England (1665-1667) and fights against French in period 1672-1678. Final chapters focus on uniforms, equipment and flags of each formation mentioned in second chapter. First appendix presents selection of Orders of Battle and muster rolls, second is list of different units serving in Dutch army during the period.As Bruno Mugnai is well known artists, colour plates made by him are important part of the book. 7 plates with soldiers presents 19 different soldiers from all formations. Further 8 plates present coat of arms of Dutch provinces and army flags: 8 coat of arms + more than 20 different flags. Of course there are also black and white illustration, mix of period pieces (like battle scenes and portraits) and author’s own reconstruction of the troops and their clothing. We received here well researched book, based mostly on secondary sources, i.e. Olaf van Nimwegen’s monumental work depicting Dutch armies in 1588-1688. Of course some primary sources are used as well, i.e. Le Mercure Hollandois for period 1672-1678. In all Mugnai’s book is good opening for new sub-series for CoS, especially useful for all readers interested in wars waged in Western Europe during the reign of Louis XIV.

A superb start to a new series! Bruno Mugnai has done it again filling a previously annoying gap in my/our knowledge of the Dutch army of this important period of history, yet another chapter in the “Louis XIV versus the World” saga. While we have plenty of information on the Dutch army of William III at the time of the Glorious Revolution through to the end of the century, this new book provides a fascinating and detailed insight into the development of a ‘national’ Dutch army in the years pre dating William’s accession to the British throne. Chapters cover in great detail the organisation of the Dutch army , it’s experience on campaign against the Bishoprics of Cologne and Munster, the Second Anglo-Dutch War and the Franco-Dutch War 1672-78 against Louis XIV of France, the Bishop of Cologne, and for a time Charles II of England in the Third Anglo-Dutch War. We also get some very useful information on unit organisation, commanders, uniforms and flags, as well as orders of battle. Most of this information has as far as I am aware never been presented in such a clear and comprehensive way before and the author’s obviously rigorous research is supported by animpressive bibliography. As has come to be expected with books from Helion, this one is loaded with 86 black and white pictures, many of which are contemporary prints, three maps and twelve glorious colour pages of flags and uniforms penned by the author himself. If this is the standard being set for the remaining seven books in the series then I await them in great anticipation.

This book did not meet my expectations, the first part was taken up with the history of the period which was for the most part a bad english translation rehash of information already available In books written by recognised historians. When it moved on to the military of the republic this was better, with well researched information and extremely useful notes. The colour plates were of high quality and of great interest. Unfortunately faults with the grammer continued. Study of the early armies of the United Provinces is not easy in english and this book could have been alot better: concentrating on the soldiers, their arms and equipment.

Excellent service, book arrived quickly & full of fascinating information.