By Jay Luvaas (Original Publication: 1966)
In the King's Own Words: A Masterclass in 18th Century Generalship
Introduction: Unlike a standard biography, Jay Luvaas’s Frederick the Great on the Art of War is a brilliantly curated collection of the King’s own writings, instructions, and reflections. Luvaas synthesises Frederick’s Military Testaments and his specific instructions to his generals into a cohesive manual of arms. It provides a rare, primary-perspective look into the mind of a commander who was simultaneously a philosopher, a cynic, and a tactical genius, covering every aspect of warfare from the grand strategy of the European theatre to the placement of a single picket.
The 6mm Connection: This book is a goldmine for the 6mm wargamer looking to move beyond "generic" tactics. Frederick’s obsession with terrain and the precise spacing of his lines is perfectly reflected when using Baccus figures. His instructions on how infantry should advance—maintaining a steady pace and only firing when the whites of the eyes are visible—justifies the high discipline ratings I give my Prussian battalions. Specifically, his notes on how an overall commander (represented in our games by three mounted figures) should position themselves to observe the "unfolding of the line" have changed how I occupy high ground on the tabletop.
Historical Insight: The most significant "lightbulb moment" is Frederick’s surprisingly practical (and often ruthless) view on logistics and the quality of his own men. He famously remarked that if his soldiers began to think, not one would remain in the ranks. Reading his specific fears about desertion and the necessity of keeping the "bread wagons" close at hand adds a layer of narrative tension to our games; I no longer see a 12-figure cavalry unit as just a combat asset, but as a screen to prevent my own "pressed men" from vanishing into the woods.
Conclusion: If Duffy provides the anatomy of the Prussian army, Luvaas provides the soul. This book is essential for any player who wants to truly "inhabit" the role of an 18th-century monarch. It rounds out the project by moving us away from modern military thinking and back into the rigid, formalised, and yet terrifyingly fluid art of war as understood by Old Fritz himself.
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