By Christopher Duffy (Original Publication: 2003)
Rossbach and Leuthen: The Annus Mirabilis of 1757
Introduction: Prussia's Glory is a focused and exhilarating narrative that examines the two most famous victories of Frederick the Great’s career: Rossbach and Leuthen. Occurring within just one month of each other in late 1757, these battles saved the Prussian state from total collapse. Duffy provides a masterclass in military history, blending high-level strategy with the gritty tactical reality of the 18th-century battlefield to explain how Frederick overcame staggering odds against both the French-Imperial and Austrian armies.
The 6mm Connection: This book is the ultimate tactical primer for any wargamer using Baccus 6mm figures. The scale of the manoeuvres described—particularly the grand flanking march at Leuthen—is exactly the kind of "sweep" that 6mm handles better than any other scale. Duffy’s detailed maps (crucial for our map key usage) show the precise positioning of the 24-figure infantry battalions and the 12-figure cavalry regiments as they transitioned from column to line. It provides the perfect historical justification for the movement rates and command friction we experience in our Black Powder games.
Historical Insight: The most significant "lightbulb moment" is the tactical breakdown of the Prussian cavalry at Rossbach under Seydlitz. Duffy demonstrates that it wasn't just "bravery," but the disciplined timing of the charge and the ability to rally and strike again that shattered the French. This insight reinforces why our Brigade Commanders and Overall Commander (the three-mounted-figure stand) must be positioned aggressively to capitalise on these narrow windows of opportunity before the enemy can reform their lines.
Conclusion: Prussia's Glory is an essential volume because it captures the Prussian military machine at its absolute zenith. It rounds out the project by providing the "how-to" for Frederick’s most brilliant tactical successes. For anyone looking to recreate the sheer drama of the Seven Years' War on the tabletop, this book serves as both a roadmap and an inspiration for what a well-drilled army can achieve when led by a master of the art.
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