Osprey's "Elite" series covers a wide variety of topics and subjects, but generally sticks with troops and the way they fight. This edition is on something that many of us rarely think about and that is the way French Army fought during the period following the French Revolution until the end of Napoleon.

During this time period, there was a shift away from how the French Continental army fought its battles. Some of this was a direct result of the experience of the British in North America during the American Revolution. You see, it was 'normal' at the time for troops to line up against each other in several lines. If you have seen the movie 'Patriot', you know what this is like. The two lines of troops battered away at each other, moving  to envelope their foe. Cavalry was used to charge into the enemy line and disrupt their fire.

Cannon were designed to mow down men in the opposing line. Round shot would take out all in its path, but this could be 3 deep or more depending on how the ball entered the formation. Grape shot would knock down more of the front line, but leave the lines behind untouched.

Line battles also did not work well over rough terrain or if there were a lot of trees, houses or other obstacles as the line would have to be disrupted to go around these.

The American Revolution showed two things. One was the effect that skirmishers had on these battles. These men were not required to march in line, but could be positioned behind obstacles and spread out more. However, they needed more training. It was also thought the columns of troops should be used until they reached the battlefield then spread out. The drawback of this is that a column could be easily ambushed and of course, a well placed cannon ball would kill or wound dozens.

This book tells of the tactics in place during 1792 and the evolution of these tactics through the time of Napoleon. Napoleon and his generals were not only some of the finest tacticians of the time, but also had the finest army in the world. The result was an unprecedented series of victories. The book also looks at how the tactics for these victories lead to Napoleon's eventual defeat and the factors that played against these tactics.

This is superbly illustrated by Peter Dennis, who provides an excellent series of diagrams of some of the more famous battles to go along with the descriptions of these events. Period illustrations are also included as are modern day photos of the various battlefields. In all, a book that draws you in and one that I found to be especially interesting. I know you will as well.

Overall another superlative Osprey book and one that is both an interesting and enjoyable read. I'm sure you will agree.

January 2008.

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