Written by Philip Haythornthwaite (Osprey Publishing: Men-at-Arms 236, 240, & 248)
Frederick the Great’s Army: The Prussian War Machine
Introduction: The Prussian army of Frederick II was the envy and terror of 18th-century Europe. Renowned for its iron discipline and blistering rate of fire, it was an army that often achieved the impossible. This comprehensive three-volume set from Osprey is the gold standard for wargamers, providing a detailed look at the organisation, tactics, and striking uniforms of the force that forged the Prussian legend.
Frederick the Great’s Army 1: Cavalry
This volume examines the organization, tactics, and uniforms of the renowned Prussian cavalry, including cuirassiers, dragoons, and hussars, which were considered a model for other European armies.
Frederick the Great’s Army 2: Infantry
This book focuses on the organization, uniforms, and tactics of the Prussian infantry, which was the backbone of Frederick's army throughout the Silesian and Seven Years' Wars.
Frederick the Great’s Army 3: Specialist Troops
The final volume in the series covers the artillery, engineers, and other specialist troops. Frederick recognized the importance of these arms and expanded them significantly..
Historical Accuracy: Haythornthwaite’s expertise ensures that the evolution of Prussian military thought is well-documented. For the wargamer, seeing the transition from the rigid formations of the 1740s to the more flexible (if exhausted) units of the later Seven Years War is incredibly helpful for scenario design. The plates also offer great inspiration for our 2-mounted-figure brigade commanders, helping to depict the professional, focused look of the Prussian officer corps.
Conclusion: These three volumes are the "Prussian Bible" for Seven Years War hobbyists. They offer the perfect blend of tactical theory and visual detail, ensuring that your Baccus miniatures don't just look like a blue blur, but a historically accurate representation of the finest army of the age.
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