With Zeal and With Bayonets Only

[carojon]

Just recently finished reading Matthew H. Spring's AWI analysis of British and Provincial troops on campaign in North America 1775 -1783.



I've posted some thoughts about this very interesting and thought provoking book so if you would like to know more then just follow the link to JJ's

https://jjwargames.blogspot.co.uk/2018/02/with-zeal-and-with-bayonets-only.html

Jonathan (JJ)

[Inhaber Jerry]

Interesting write up. Thank you.

Matthew Spring has positioned his work in a burgeoning field of research on the military culture of the Old Regime armies. I'd recommend, if you are interested, reading Kevin Linch and Matthew McCormack's work on the British army during the Napoleonic Period: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/britains-soldiers-9781846319556?cc=us&lang=en&

The price is exorbitant, thanks to it being an academic text, but it is extremely well researched drawing on gender, culture, soldier civilian relationships, burgeoning patriotism, ideas of education and the evolving understanding of the common soldier in intellectual thought to provide a clearer and more nuanced depiction of the contemporary perceptions of military service.

It moves beyond the agreed class consensus that the nobility were meant to project on lower status peoples (which we are aware existed thanks to their own correspondence with each other and to each other) and reveals that actually, the military gentleman did view the common soldier as an integral asset to be looked after, and provided with care and support.  Even if some civilians did not.

Also seek out Ilya Berkocvich's book on Old Regime army motivations. Fantastic insights: http://www.history.ac.uk/reviews/review/2183

And Matthew McCormarck's analysis of the Militia's position within the cultural frameworks of the eighteenth century. Just as good: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/embodying-the-militia-in-georgian-england-9780198703648?cc=us&lang=en&

These are all far more expensive than the works usually picked up at the local wargame show or by more military centric publishing companies. However, they provide a real glimpse of the past and of the common solider which far outstrips the work done by historians outside of Faculty. Matthew Spring excluded.

[vtsaogames]

Inhaber Jerry, what is your take on Urban's "Fusiliers"? I found it quite interesting.

It seems to me that the British tactical edge increased even as their strategic situation grew darker. Camden was a stunning success and Guilford Courthouse an amazing feat against an force twice as large, even if pyrhhic.

[carojon]

Inhaber Jerry, thank you for your comment and the further reading suggestions, I will certainly check out the titles suggested, as they look like quality work.

Cheers
JJ

[Antonio J Carrasco]

I agree with the recomendation of Inhaber Jerry about Ilya Berkocvich's book. And it is not that expensive as the other two, at least in its paperback edition.

[vtsaogames]

Question on the Berkovich book: does it have a lot of maps and diagrams? If so, then I'll be looking for the paperback edition. If not, then I'll get the Kindle version. Kindle does not show maps and such that well but is mighty convenient otherwise and doesn't tax my groaning bookshelves.

[Antonio J Carrasco]

Question on the Berkovich book: does it have a lot of maps and diagrams? If so, then I'll be looking for the paperback edition. If not, then I'll get the Kindle version. Kindle does not show maps and such that well but is mighty convenient otherwise and doesn't tax my groaning bookshelves.

You can go for the Kindle edition. It is not heavy on maps/diagrams. I must check my copy, but I don't remember it has any, actually.

[janner]

Many thanks for the review - another to add to my list 

Have you looked at Herrera's For Liberty and the Republic?

[Inhaber Jerry]

You can go for the Kindle edition. It is not heavy on maps/diagrams. I must check my copy, but I don't remember it has any, actually.

No maps or diagrams. It is not a book on campaign history, but on the motivation, identity and military culture of old regime armies. It is Ilya's doctoral thesis edited for academic and specialised lay consumption. Be prepared for a lot of cultural and social theory. However, it is the definitive study at the moment.