I thought that I’d contribute to a debate on my first post on this superb forum. Recently, I’ve rekindled a near obsession with the uniforms of the Napoleonic Wars. Having started this affliction as a teenager, here I am, some 40 years later, trying to buy up all the books I sold to help fund a trip to play cricket in Singapore in my youth. I’ve reignited my love for Ospreys, found Andre Joineau and discovered Knotel. So, I thought my fellow Napoleonicists might like to see a collection of what I think are some of the best Napoleonic uniform editions around.
But before you jump into the PDF, there are some caveats. I’ve only reviewed the editions I own, so they are genuine reviews. You may notice some obvious omissions; I haven’t included Rousselot, for instance, because I don’t own any of his work. But he is, of course, one of the masters. I don’t have any Elting collections either. I don’t own the great Funckens. So, with these health warnings, I hope you enjoy the volumes I do have.
You will also notice that it is actually a Top 12. Many thanks all. Best wishes Geoff
Forthoffer Uniforms
http://forthoffer.free.fr/
Thank you Markus. I love the Rousselot plates, but sadly I don’t have them in my collection yet. They are first class. Thanks for the link too and for comment. Best wishes Geoff
In case you don't have access to the Knötel plates, perhaps this may be of help: http://uniformenportal.de/index.php?/category/102
I also have the complete collection of Lienhart/Humbert plates which will be published on the uniform portal - but time is still so rare 🙄
In your uniform book selection the Rousselot plates are missing - these are a must have for uniform research upon the French troops, although "out of time" due to newer findings (as by Paul Dawson or Yves Martin)
Greetings from Berlin
Markus Stein
in case you like all Knötel plates, Richard Knötel of the Große Uniformkund fame, you can buy them as PDF very reasonable from the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Heereskunde.
As for others, as you bemoan like the Herbert Knötel / Elting compendium, don't worry not to own it, obsolete and full of mistakes.
Thanks Geoff, I have most of these myself, and I really enjoyed your thoughts