In this revolutionary history of military uniforms, the author explains the secret meaning of uniforms, their origin, design and construction, and presents some of the most extraordinary uniforms ever made. Military uniforms represent the very best and very worst of mankind. Introduced as an attempt to civilise soldiers and make their presence acceptable to civilians, the very fabric of uniforms contains references to a darker, barbaric past when warriors wore furs and feathers to frighten their victims. Brassey's Book of Uniforms is a vivid collection of uniform information and over 200 colour illustrations, appealing not only to the military historian and enthusiast, but also to the worlds of design, art, social history and fashion.
This is a state-by-state analysis of the uniforms issued to Confederate troops in the American Civil War, from manufacture to supply, for South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri, Kentucky and Maryland.
Camouflage has come a long way from jungle drab to modern-day colorful fluorescents—and this volume covers its history and development, with 450 patterns from around the world. It includes the pioneering and now highly collectible camouflage equipment of the German Army in World War II; the famous Tigerstripe worn by American soldiers in Vietnam; and the classic designs worn by today’s armies, including the U.S. Military “woodlands” pattern and the British DPM (Disruptive Pattern Material).
This volume is aimed at anyone with an interest in the English Civil War of 1642-1660. It is a thorough analysis of both Royalist and Parlimentarian armies, with chapters detailing the development of their uniforms, weapons and equipment, from the first hastily raised units at Edgehill to the professional armies of Naseby and Dunbar.
This new addition to Brassey's History of Uniforms series covers the German Army at war from 1914-1918 and is the partner volume to the title World War One: British Army. The author analyses the uniforms, equipment, and weapons used by the German army on the Western Front. Many classic German items of equipment were created in this period and those innovations in equipment assisted their successes on the battlefield. Lavishly illustrated and includes not only details of service dress and regimental distinctions but also information on the Pickelhaube, steel helmet, personal equipment, and weapons.
Drawings, reproductions of statuary, and color photographs of reconstructed apparel and fighting positions enhance the reference for collectors, military historians, war-gamers, military modelers, and others interested in the Roman imperial army. A chronology of wars from Augustus' campaign in Gaul in 27 BC to Aurelianus's various battles in the 270's AD is followed by chapters on the organization of the army, armor and helmets, military clothing, and weapons and equipment. Museums with relevant exhibits are also listed. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
From its origins to its use in combat today, The Little Book of Camouflage tells the history of camouflage in conflict. Its conception, its uses and the colours are looked at, as well as the key patterns such as the German uniforms of World War II, the ever-recognisable American type worn during Vietnam and the British DPM forming a sort of recognition guide to the various patterns in use in the armies of history and present day. Illustrated throughout with the patterns themselves and images of camouflage in use, Tim Newark presents a quick and detailed look at the most prolific camouflage patterns.
As a young man Winston Churchill set out to become a hero, to make a name for himself in the public eye as a soldier and so make possible a life of politics and statesmanship. There were many chances to fail and many close calls in the face of sword, spear and bullet along the way. Yet Churchill survived and succeeded – an early measure of his courage and stubborn will that the world would come to know so well in the Second World War. This is the first full-length, fully-researched biography of Churchill's colourful military career. Using an unrivalled range of sources, and with previously unpublished photographs, and detailed maps by Sir Martin Gilbert, it brings to life Churchill's motives, abilities, experiences, successes and failures, and his unswerving sense of destiny as an officer in the British Army. The result is a story to echo the man himself – rich in action, courage, charismatic self-belief, patriotism and humour. Making extensive use of the contemporary accounts of Churchill and his fellow soldiers and archival documents from three continents, illustrated with many maps and previously unpublished photographs, Douglas S. Russell vividly brings to life the military career of the vigorous young officer of hussars who later became the greatest Briton of the twentieth century. From Sandhurst to the mountainous North-West Frontier of India, to the charge of the 21st Lancers at Omdurman, from the South African veldt to the deadly trench warfare of the Great War, the author – whom Sir Martin Gilbert calls 'a keen portraitist' – tells the gripping story of Churchill's army life with careful attention to historical detail and all the drama that the real life adventures of his subject deserve.
Brassey's History of Uniforms is a major series of books providing definitive and authoritative information on the uniforms and equipment worn by the great armies of the past. Each book is written by a noted authority on the subject and is lavishly illustrated with black and white and color photographs as well as artwork commissioned from leading military artists.
