The other day. . .

. . . a like-new used copy of this wonderful book by David Chandler arrived with the daily mail. A few weeks ago, I asked a question here about how troops fought during the early part of the 18^th century – before the rise and prominence of Prussia’s Frederick II. Among all of the great information that several of you sent my way, Paul Robinson of Grimsby, England recommended this particular book (Many thanks, Paul!). Well, like any good wargamer/amateur historian/one-time graduate student, I immediately began looking around for a used copy of said book.

Briefly, The Art of Warfare in the Age of Marlborough examines thoroughly what took place on battlefields in Europe, in theory and in practice, between about 1690-1750 with regard to infantry, cavalry, artillery, and combat engineering. The book also explains how recruiting and training were accomplished as well as discussing various weapon and the resulting tactical innovations that took place during this period.

Mr. Chandler focuses primarily on the English and French armies, but he also makes connections and comparisons to the armies of Russia, Austria, Sweden, and Prussia where appropriate. All of this is fascinating stuff and enables one to learn what came before Frederick the Great and Napoleon I even later. I haven’t put down the book since it arrived!

Together with the various works by Christopher Duffy on warfare in the 18^th century, The Art of Warfare in the Age of Marlborough by David Chandler helps to present a comprehensive picture of military practice and innovation in Europe during this period. If you have not already doe so, find and/or place an order for a copy through your local library, or better still, track down a used copy in a second-hand bookshop or online and add it to your own book collection.