Books on battle tactics (rather than strategy) in the Napoleonic era

Started by henjed, 16 December 2024, 04:59:18 PM

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henjed

Hello, 

I'm dipping my toes into the Napoleonic era, a little anxiously, and am looking to pick up a good, solid, detailed but readable book on how the armies of the period actually fought in battle - I have seen recommended generally books by Muir, Nosworthy, Nafziger and Rothenberg (there are probably others).  What do you you good people think is a good one to start with?

Mike H

fsn

Have you looked at the Ospreys? They're a good starting point.


(There's more than these 3.)

My "go to's" are Nosworthy and Rothenberg.
Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

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henjed

Yes, I spotted those - but I was hoping for something comprehensive that might cost less than buying three or more of those, especially since I don't yet know what sort of Napoleonic games (nation or sub-period) I may end up dabbling in.

fsn

Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

fsn

Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

henjed

So they're better than the Nafziger and Muir books?  If you were to buy one of the two - Nosworthy and Rothenberg - which would you buy :-)

Mike

fsn

I'm reading the Muir at the moment. Lot's of experiential stuff so far.

Nosworthy gets cited in most of the sources I've read. It's more detailed about actual tactics. Rothenberg covers a much wider range of subjects. 
Nafzinger's "Imperial Bayonets" is actually excellent as well. Lots of diagrams and discussions of "firing systems"

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Imperial-Bayonets-Napoleonic-Contemporary-Regulations/dp/1914059581/ref=asc_df_1914059581?mcid=d984af4835ea3202a1ddd307f560bfed&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=697166214675&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4877243696526104877&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046501&hvtargid=pla-1245444150426&psc=1&gad_source=1 £19.50

If I understand you aright, I'd go for Nosworthy. It's a chunky volume at about 500 pages, but an easy enough read - or Nazfinger at 300 pages, and not as analytical.



Enjoy!
Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

henjed

Thanks - as for understanding me, even I sometimes have to grasp uncertainly at my own meaning. Words can be fugitive things - and thoughts even more so.

fsn

Lord Oik of Runcorn (You may refer to me as Milord Oik)

Oik of the Year 2013, 2014; Prize for originality and 'having a go, bless him', 2015
3 votes in the 2016 Painting Competition!; 2017-2019 The Wilderness years
Oik of the Year 2020; 7 votes in the 2021 Painting Competition
11 votes in the 2022 Painting Competition (Double figures!)
2023 - the year of Gerald:
2024 Painting Competition - Runner-Up!

sultanbev