Osprey Men-at-Arms Series SC (1973-2011 OSPREY) comic books 1978-1980

Volume 28 - 1st printing. "The Russian Army of the Napoleonic Wars!" Written by Albert Seaton. Art by Michael Youens. This book recounts the development of a standing Russian army from the end of the 16th century to the million strong force that resisted Napoleon. The Russians were heavily defeated at the battle of Austerliz but in the Armistice period that followed the Russians regrouped and several improvements were made. In1812 when Napoleon invaded this new army was protected at the cost of Moscow . The Russians faced Napoleon for the last time at the Battle of Leizig where together with their allies they inflicted a severe defeat. These battles are discussed in full and are accompanied by several contemporary illustrations. Eight colour plates accompany the text to show the uniforms and equipment used by the Rusian soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars. Softcover, 48 pages, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 68 - 2nd and later printings. "Napoleon's Line Chasseurs!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Angus McBride. The chasseurs, being the indigenous French light horse, can perhaps therefore be equated best with the infantry demi-brigades of this period, a half-trained, unprofessional, make-shift collection, making up with zeal what they lacked in experience, a qualification which in no way diminished the importance of their role within Napoleon's all-conquering army. Emir Bukhari's fine text examines the dress and equipment of Napoleon's line chasseurs, plus the histories of individual regiments in a volume containing a plethora of illustrations and diagrams including eight full page colour plates by popular artist Angus McBride, showing a variety of uniforms in admirable detail. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 70 - 1st printing. "The US Army 1941–45!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Chris Collingwood. At the time of the Second World War, the United States Army took an unusual approach, for the period, towards the design of its uniforms. Rather than attempt to find an all-purpose outfit, such as the British battledress, it attempted to design special-purpose dress for every possible duty, from combat in cold climates to dress parades in hot ones. Here Philip Katcher provides an extensive examination of the many different types of uniform and equipment which saw service during the conflict. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 74 - 1st printing. "The Spanish Civil War 1936–39!" Written by Patrick Turnbull. Art by Jeffrey Burn. By the spring of 1936 an armed clash was imminent between the forces of Spain's extreme Left and extreme Right. Viewed largely as a confrontation between democracy and fascism, the resulting civil war proved to be of enormous international significance. Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy intervened to assist General Franco, while the Soviet Union came to the aid of the Republican forces. This book explains the background to the war and charts the course of the nearly three-year long conflict through to General Franco's victory. Photographs and colour plates illustrate the uniforms and equipment of the Republican and Nationalist armies. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 75 - 1st printing. "Armies of the Crusades!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Gerry Embleton. In the early crusades men of all ranks from all over Europe took the cross and went to fight Islam as volunteers. Some went out of religious fervour, others to escape the plagues and famine which were rife at the time, still others in search of land or a fortune in loot. Fighting alongside all of these were the armies raised in Outremer, the Holy Land itself. Together they waged a bloody religious war, the participants of which included such forces as the Knights Templar, the Teutonic Knights, and the Byzantine Army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 76 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Hussars!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Angus McBride. Napoleon's Hussars made their first real impact in 1806 with their astonishing pursuit of the Prussians over 1,160km from the river Saale to the Oder in twenty-five days. They then capped this feat on arrival when, by dint of audacious demonstrations by the 500 men of the combined 5th and 7th Hussars, the 6,000-strong Prussian garrison was bluffed into capitulating its fortress at Stettin along with 160 cannon. This splendid volume by Emir Bukhari describes the organisation, war records, dress and equipment of these most colourful of Napoleon's troops. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 77 - 1st printing. "Flags of the Napoleonic Wars (1)!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Guido Rosignoli. In the summer of 1804, the eagle was chosen as the symbol of the French Army by Napoleon himself. The Emperor's sculptor, Chaudet, made the original model, and from this were cast bronze copies in the workshop of Thomire, which would be proudly borne into battle by many a French regiment. This fascinating work by Terence Wise explores in depth the flags, colours and guidons of the Napoleonic wars, concentrating on France and her allies, and covering every faction from Baden to Würzburg. This book is a must for anyone interested in this fascinating topic. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 78 - 1st printing. "Flags of the Napoleonic Wars (2)!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Guido Rosignoli. From the Liebfahne and Ordinärfahne of Austria, to the eagle and wreath of Russia, the flags of the Napoleonic Wars comprised a range of designs and colours. The second in a series of three volumes focusing on flags of the Napoleonic Wars, this book examines the patterns, colours and guidons of Austria, Britain, Prussia and Russia, offering a rare glimpse into an often-overlooked subject in Napoleonic history. The text is packed with illustrations throughout, including colour plates, sketches and tables detailing flag variants, patterns and inspection colours. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 79 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Egyptian Campaigns 1798–1801!" Written by Michael Barthorp. Art by Gerry Embleton. The imaginative strategic plan of Revolutionary France to cut Britain's lifeline to India by seizing Egypt and the Levant was an epic adventure, set amongst some of the most ancient places of history, then almost unknown to Europeans. The conflicts proved once again the supremacy of the British fleet and furthermore that a reformed British Army was a force to be reckoned with. This fascinating book by Michael Barthorp provides an outline of the campaigns and examines in greater detail the armies which marched and fought amid the desert sands and relics of earlier civilisations. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 80 - 1st printing. "The German Army 1914–18!" Written by Robert Marrion and Donald Fosten. Art by Gerry Embleton. The Imperial German Army began the Great War as the most professionally impressive conscript force in the world. This fascinating book by Donald Fosten and Robert Marrion explores in great detail the organisation, tactics, weapons, uniforms, equipment and origins of this army that fought in World War I from its start in 1914 to their ultimate defeat in 1918. Numerous contemporary photographs serve to illustrate this engaging and informative text which covers such wide-ranging topics as conscription, artillery and the army veterinary service. Eight full page colour plates by military artist Gerry Embleton, together with extensive commentaries provide a wealth of information concerning the uniforms and equipment of troops from a variety of services. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 81 - 1st printing. "The British Army 1914–18!" Written by Robert Marrion and Donald Fosten. Art by Gerry Embleton. Between 1869 and 1874, Edward Cardwell, Gladstone's Secretary for War, undertook major reforms to modernise the British Army. The Crimean War, and campaigns in India, had revealed serious administrative and command shortcomings. Cardwell's legislation was aimed at curing these faults and served as the foundation of a new-style army. His successors put into practice further improvements in tactics, training and command structure and by the outbreak of war in 1914, the British Army had developed into one of the best professional fighting forces in Europe. This book details the development, composition and uniforms of this 'new' army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 82 - 1st printing. "The US Army 1890–1920!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Chris Warner. This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of the US Army from 1890 to 1920. The Spanish-American War, China, Mexico and World War I are all covered, and uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 83 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Guard Cavalry!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Angus McBride. This title examines some of the most colourful and fanciful uniforms in military history, those of Napoleon's Guard Cavalry. The detailed text covers units such as the Grenadiers à Cheval; the Empress's Dragoons; the Chasseurs à Cheval; the Mamelukes; the Gardes d'Honneur; the Polish Lancers; the Dutch Lancers; the German Lancers and the Lithuanian Tartars. A plethora of illustrations complement the text, including eight fine full page colour plates by inimitable Angus McBride, providing admirably detailed reconstructions of uniforms and accompanied by ten pages of commentaries. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 85 - 1st printing. "Saxon, Viking and Norman!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Gerry Embleton. If there is one thing we can be sure of concerning the Saxons, Vikings and Normans who inhabited the medieval world, it is that they were a good deal more advanced than some writings would have us believe. This fascinating book by Terence Wise explores the history, organization, clothing, equipment and weapons of Saxon, Viking and Norman peoples, covering wide-ranging topics such as Anglo-Saxon shields, Viking raiding ships and the organization of Norman armies.The absorbing and readable text is enriched by numerous illustrations and museum photographs with commentaries, plus eight superbly drawn full page colour plates by renowned military artist Gerry Embleton. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 86 - 1st printing. "Samurai Armies 1550–1615!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Richard Hook. In 1543 three Portuguese merchants entered a turbulent Japan, bringing with them the first firearms the Japanese had ever seen: simple matchlock muskets called arquebuses. They proved a decisive addition to the Japanese armoury, as for centuries the samurai had fought only with bow, sword and spear. In 1575, one of the greatest original thinkers in the history of samurai, Oda Nobunaga, arranged his arquebusiers in ranks three deep behind a palisade and proceeded, quite literally, to blow his opponent's cavalry to pieces, marking the beginning of a new era in Japanese military history. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 87 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Marshals!" Written by Emir Bukhari. Art by Chris Warner. Much has been made of Napoleon's Marshals' personal rivalries, jealousies, greed and lust for power. They had every soldier's vices and virtues; the were glory-seeking, self-aggrandising and envious of social status. Napoleon's method of command was such that he expected his marshals to obey, not initiate; and he slowly set out to ensure that his senior officers became merely blind agents who executed his orders without hesitation, discussion or personal opinion. Emir Bukhari presents an account of these soldiers who, whilst far from brilliant strategists, nevertheless performed a vital role and were exceptional leaders of men. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 89 - 1st printing. "Byzantine Armies 886–1118!" Written by Ian Heath. Art by Angus McBride. The Byzantines had a remarkably sophisticated approach to politics and military strategy. Unlike most of their contemporaries, they learnt very early in their history that winning a battle did not necessarily win a war, and they frequently bought off their enemies with treaties and bribes rather than squander men and matériel in potentially fruitless campaigns. The Byzantine army of the 10th and early 11th centuries, at the height of its power and efficiency, was the best-organised, best-trained, best-equipped and highest-paid in the known world. This splendid book by Ian Heath examines the Byzantine Armies from 886-1118, including the lusty, hard-fighting, hard-drinking 'barbarian' Varangian guard. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 90 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's German Allies (3)!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Richard Hook. In the battles of Jena and Auerstädt, where the Prussians were crushed by Napoleon, the Saxons excelled beyond comparison. Amidst the defeat and confusion, they withdrew in full control, with regular pace and band playing, stopping to engage whenever the enemy grew too close. Recognising the martial value of such troops, Napoleon swiftly took steps to assure a military alliance. In this absorbing addition to the Men-at-Arms series, Otto von Pivka explores the organisation, campaign history and uniforms of Napoleon's formidable Saxon allies, with numerous illustrations and eight superb full page colour plates by Richard Hook. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 91 - 1st printing. "Bengal Cavalry Regiments 1857–1914!" Written by Ronald Harris. Art by Chris Warner. The British connection with India dates from the formation of the Honourable East India Company in the 17th century, when a military force was needed to protect Britain's valuable trading interests. By 1914, there were over 40 regiments of Indian cavalry, all of which were commanded by British officers. This book provides an overview of the component cavalry regiments in the years between the Great Mutiny of 1857 and the outbreak of World War I. Numerous contemporary photographs and eight colour plates offer a rare glimpse into the distinctive uniforms of the cavalry. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 92 - 1st printing. "Indian Infantry Regiments 1860–1914!" Written by Michael Barthorp. Art by Jeffrey Burn. The Indian Army underwent significant changes in command, organization and composition from the time of the Indian Mutiny of 1857-59, to the outbreak of World War I. Prior to the Mutiny, the government of British India was exercised by the East India Company, who divided the country into three Presidencies, each with its own army under its own commander-in-chief. When Lord Kitchener was appointed Commander-in-Chief India in 1902, he undertook a major reorganization of the entire army. This book examines the infantry regiments of the Indian Army, at a time when it saw extensive action in campaigns throughout China, Egypt, the Sudan, Burma and Tibet. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 93 - 1st printing. "The Roman Army from Hadrian to Constantine!" Written by Michael Simkins. Art by Ronald Embleton. The year AD 122 was the first time a Roman Emperor had set foot in the Province of Britannia since the invasion in AD 43. No doubt he had read many reports concerning the damage caused by marauding tribesmen crossing from what is now Scotland into the Province. Hadrian, therefore, decided - in the words of his biographer - 'to build a wall to separate the Romans from the Barbarians'. This engaging work from author Michael Simkins explores in depth the organisation, equipment, weapons and armour of the Roman Army from Hadrian to Constantine, one of the most exciting periods in Roman history. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 94 - 1st printing. "The Swiss at War 1300–1500!" Written by Douglas Miller. Art by Gerry Embleton. During the 14th and 15th centuries military tactics in Europe underwent a period of sustained transformation of which the outcome was the rejuvenation of the footsoldier as the major tactical unit. One nation alone stands principally responsible for this development – the Swiss Confederation. For centuries the mounted knights had 'ridden roughshod over the populations of Europe'. It was in the Swiss halberdier and later the pikeman that the mounted men-at-arms were to meet their match. This absorbing text by Douglas Miller provides an account of rise of the Swiss army to its tactical zenith, beginning with the classic encounter at Morgarten. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 95 - 1st printing. "The Boxer Rebellion!" Written by Lynn Bodin. Art by Chris Warner. In the year 1900, an unprecedented co-operation occurred between the eight major military powers of the world. For more than a year military and naval personnel from Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States fought together against a common enemy. That enemy was a society whose goal was the extermination of all 'foreign devils' in China – the I Ho Ch'uan, or Righteous Harmonious Fists, better known to the West as the Boxers. This engaging account, packed with original photographs and full colour artwork, tells the story of this unique occurrence in military history. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 96 - 1st printing. "Artillery Equipments of the Napoleonic Wars!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Richard Hook. In the first half of the 18th century the French had been the European leaders in artillery, possessing the only standardised range of pieces. These pieces, were sturdy but extremely heavy. This books shows how at the beginning of the Seven Years' War, Austria seized the lead by introducing new light field pieces - the 3pdr., 6pdr., and 12pdr. guns - and some excellent light howitzers. Other powers adopted this new system, however no complete overarching methodology existed until the implementation of the Gribeauval system, which was to revolutionise the artillery of Europe and make possible the highly efficient field artillery of the Napoleonic Wars. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 97 - 1st printing. "Marlborough's Army 1702–11!" Written by Michael Barthorp. Art by Angus McBride. The succession of the French Duke of Anjou to the Spanish throne in 1700 provoked the formation of a Grand Alliance to thwart the king's expansionist ambitions. Led by the Duke of Marlborough, the army of the Grand Alliance declared war on France. Between 1702 and 1711, this united force, comprised of English, Dutch, Danish, Prussian, Austrian and other German troops, were victorious at such historic battles as Blenheim, Oudenarde and Malplaquet. This book chronicles Marlborough's campaigns in the War of the Spanish Succession, detailing the tactics, troops and uniforms of his army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 98 - 1st printing. "Dutch-Belgian Troops of the Napoleonic Wars!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Chris Warner. In a desperate attempt to stop the trafficking of British goods, Napoleon absorbed Holland, parts of Westfalia, the Duchy of Oldenburg and the Hanseatic towns of Hamburg, Bremen and Lübeck into Metropolitan France in 1810. The armies raised from these areas fought as allies of the French or as part of France itself from 1795 to 1813. This book examines the history, uniforms, orders of battle and colours and standards of the troops from the Batavian Republic and its short-lived status as the Kingdom of Holland. The text is enhanced with numerous illustrations, including maps, charts and detailed colour plates. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 99 - 1st printing. "Medieval Heraldry!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Richard Hook. Coats of arms were at first used only by kings and princes, then by their great nobles, but by the mid-13th century arms were being used extensively by the lesser nobility, knights and those who later came to be styled gentlemen. In some countries the use of arms spread even to merchants, townspeople and the peasantry. From the mundane to the fantastic, from simple geometric patterns to elaborate mythological beasts, this fascinating work by Terence Wise explores the origins and appearance of medieval heraldic devices in an engagingly readable style accompanied by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Richard Hook. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 100 - 1st printing. "Women at War 1939–45!" Written by Jack Cassin-Scott. Art by Angus McBride. Though for centuries fighting was considered primarily a man's job, the world wars of the 20th century demanded women's involvement in the war effort. By World War II women were playing a major auxiliary role in all branches of the armed forces. From the daring female fighter pilots of besieged Russia to the heroic American nurses on the front line, this book looks at the vital jobs that women undertook at a time of national crisis. Numerous fascinating photos and eight full colour plates detail the uniforms and equipment of the British, American German and Russian women who participated in this global conflict. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 101 - 1st printing. "The Conquistadores!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Angus McBride. On 12 October 1492 Columbus discovered the New World. In the following decade a number of Spanish colonies were founded in the West Indies, many of the settlers being ex-soldiers. They were a hardy, adventurous and unruly crew, no longer able to find suitable employment in Europe. They carved a foothold for Spain in the Indies, but quickly became restless in the role of settler. Anxious to avoid the dull work of the administrators and planters, these men began to seek new territories to exploit, once again turning their faces towards the unknown. This title documents both the Conquistadores themselves, and their formidable enemies in the New World - the Aztecs, Incas and Maya. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 102 - 1st printing. "The Wild Geese!" Written by Mark McLaughlin. Art by Chris Warner. In the early years of the English Civil War, a French traveller in England remarked that the Irish 'are better soldiers abroad than at home'. Between 1585 and 1818, over half a million Irish were lured from their homeland by promises of glory, money and honour in a constant emigration romantically styled 'The Flight of the Wild Geese'. Throughout this period, the Irish brigades in France and Spain participated in conflicts ranging from the wars of the Spanish and Austrian Succession to the Napoleonic Wars. Spanning over two centuries of history, this book examines the uniforms and organization of the Wild Geese in France and Spain. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 103 - 1st printing. "Germany's Spanish Volunteers 1941–45!" Written by John Scurr. Art by Richard Hook. The Spanish Civil War had been a conflict between the nationalists and conservatives on one side, and what they saw as the opposing anarchic atheistic Marxism which was eroding the traditional Catholic values of Spain. The nationalists eventually won with the aid of Germany against the Soviet backed Marxists, and four years later, the Spaniards seized the opportunity to settle a score with those who had attempted to disintegrate their country. John Scurr's book provides an absorbing account of the organisation, campaigns and uniforms of Germany's Spanish volunteers who fought from 1941-45. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 104 - 1st printing. "Armies of the Vietnam War 1962–75!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Mike Chappell. Philip Katcher provides an overview to the conflict that engulfed Vietnam following the division of the country into two along the 17th Parallel in 1954. The uniforms and insignia of the US forces, including the army, Special Forces, air force, navy and marine corps, are dealt with in detail, together with those of the ARVN, the Allied Forces (such as the Royal Thai Army and Korean troops), and also the Communist NLF (Viet Cong) and NVA forces. Mike Chappell's colourful artwork provides plenty of detail to accompany this authoritative text. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 105 - 1st printing. "The Mongols!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Angus McBride. The history of the Mongol armies is a catalogue of superlatives. No armies in history have ever won so many battles or conquered so much territory. No army has ever provoked such justifiable terror and loathing in its victims, or slaughtered so many of its vanquished. What other army in history has marched on Russia in the winter and survived, let alone won victories? The stories of these and many other amazing feats of this 'barbarian' people are here brought vividly to life by Stephen Turnbull, from the birth of Genghis Khan in the wind-swept steppes of Mongolia, through the conquest of China and beyond. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 106 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's German Allies (4)!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Richard Hook. In 1805, Bavaria allied itself with France and Bavarian troops served with Napoleon during the 1809 campaign against Austria, and participated in the Russian campaign of 1812, before eventually abandoning the Emperor's cause in 1813 prior to the battle of Leipzig. They then engaged Napoleon's troops in combat at the battle of Hanua in an unsuccessful attempt to cut off their retreat to France. This book by Otto von Pivka provides an in depth examination of the organisation, equipment, weaponry and uniforms of Napoleon's Bavarian allies. The fascinating text is accompanied by numerous illustrations and eight full page colour plates. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 107 - 1st printing. "British Infantry Equipments (1)!" Art by Mike Chappell. The period covered by this book begins with the British infantryman entering the Peninsular War wearing the lethal knapsack equipment of the day, and ends with the introduction of the first equipment set made entirely of woven cotton webbing [the 1908 pattern described in the accompanying Men-at-Arms 108: British Infantry Equipments 1908-80]. Mike Chappel's detailed text presents an in-depth study of British infantry equipments from 1808-1908, in a volume complemented by plenty of illustrations and photographs, including eight full page colour plates by the author himself. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 108 - 1st printing. "British Infantry Equipments (2)!" Art by Mike Chappell. The conflict in South Africa from 1899 to 1902 gave the British military establishment reason to effect swift reforms in the period which followed the end of the hostilities. The humiliating defeats suffered at the hands of a comparatively small number of Boer citizen-soldiers in the opening months of the war showed up deficiencies in leadership, training and equipment. In a companion volume to Men-at-Arms 107: British Infantry Equipments 1808-1908, Mike Chappel examines the period from 1908-80 in a text complemented by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by the author himself. Softcover, PC/PB&W.