In the Emperor's Service: Wallenstein's Army, 1625-1634: 39 (Century of the Soldier)

The naive figurative art work and the tiresome rehash of engravings by Callot and De Gheyn are shortcomings as is the use of general material - useful in itself - not directly connected with the topic. When the latter is removed the volume becomes a lot thinner. Wallenstein is strangely AWOL for a great part of the book and Spring’s account of Lutzen is original but plodding.On the positive side there is detail of the kind not easily found elsewhere. The flag art work is good as are the originals illustrated.I really enjoyed Spring’s ‘Bavarian Army’ and purchased this on the back of it but found this ‘follow up’ disappointing.

Brilliant,most detailed coverage of wallensteins input into 30 years war

Excellent volume , far superior in focus to the Bavarian Army of the Thirty Years War.

A book I got to read about wallenstein didn't disappoint just got me to look for a book that goes further in depth about a man that could have made himself a king if he hadn't got assinated

Laurence Spring in his new book from the ‘Century of the Soldier 1618-1721’ series yet again is focusing on Thirty Years War. This time the topic he is looking into is Imperial army under command of Albrecht von Wallenstein, in period 1625-1634. After brief introduction, which is in fact short summary of rise and fall of the famous general, we can focus on the main essence of the book – description of his army.Main seven chapters of the book presents different aspects of the army led by Wallenstein. Readers can find here information about organisation of different regiments, the way they were recruited, equipped and clothed. Careers of the most important sub-commanders (like Piccolomini or Holk) and their relation with Wallenstein are presented as well. Whole one chapter focus on the case of colours (flags) of the regiments, with the often references to those that survived, as war loot, in Swedish collection. As Wallenstein was well known as great logistician, we can read plenty interesting information about cost of raising his army – from soldiers’ pay, through cost of clothes, weapons and provision, to ways that troops were located in garrisons and camps during the campaign. As often in the others works of Laurence Spring, we can find source references to different armies of the period, especially Swedish one, which helps to compare situation of the Imperial army with both enemies and allies alike.Final two chapters are focused on two military episodes connected with Wallenstein – unsuccessful siege of Stralsund and famous battle of Lützen. Four appendixes are: list of senior officers in Wallenstein’s army, regiments raised during his time in command of Imperial forces, coat colours of the regiments from different armies fighting in TYW (Imperial, Danish, Catholic League, Saxony, Swedish and Brandenburg) and finally list of Swedish colours (standards) of the army marching through Wittenberg on 3rd of September 1631.As always with the ‘Century of the Soldier’ series book, we can find here selection of colour plates. This time it is well known Mark Allen, that drawn them. Readers can find 4 plates with the reconstruction of the soldiers, their uniforms and equipment and 4 more plates with reconstruction of Imperial flags (for infantry, cavalry and dragoons). There’s also more than 60 black and white illustrations from the period, with wide range of commanders’ portraits, soldiers and battle plans. Alan Turton prepared 4 maps: battles of Alte Veste (1), Lützen (2) and siege of Stralsund (1).To summarize, it is very useful and interesting book, filling yet another gap about TYW history on English-language market. It’s good to see that ‘Century of the Soldier’ continue to provide such good quality research, that should be finding its way to the book shelves of the history enthusiasts and wargamers.

This is the third 30 Years War book I have read by Laurence Spring and it is probably the best yet. Full analysis of the army from rations to quartering - coat colours and standards - arms and armour as well as tactics are all considered in detail. Special focus is on the famous pivotal battle of Lützen analysing the battle and its aftermath. Also the siege of Stralsund is examined. Well illustrated including many from the time in the form of engravings and colour plates by Mark Allen who also reproduces the flags and standards. If you have an interest in the 30 Years War you will probably enjoy this book as it is well-written and informative. A very absorbing book

Another book on the 30 Years War from the prolific Lawrence Spring. As the title hints, this one focuses in detail on the army of the legendary/infamous Albrecht Von Wallenstein both before and after his assassination in 1634. Much of the book deals with individual aspects of the army, e.g. raising the regiments, the men and officers, uniforms, flags and so forth, each in some depth, complemented by chapters of the siege of Stralsund and the battle of Lutzen. The book is well illustrated throughout with many maps and contemporary b&w pictures and as is the norm these days there are several pages of glorious colour illustrations by the talented Mark Allen. The author includes a comprehensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources. I learnt much from reading this book and can recommend it highly even if you have only a passing interest in the 30 Years War.

Having bought the author's previous work on the Bavarian army of the period I had no qualms at all in ordering this book. I was not disappointed in any way by the decision.The first thing to note is that the author does not contine himself to the usual range of secondary sources that publications on the TYW have relied upon in the past. A soon through the bibliography lists works in German,French, Swedish and English.It also includes on impressivelisting of Primary sources and archival material all of which lends depth and credibility to the textThe book itself follows a conventional enough format with sections raising and equipping the army. These sections are a gold mine of information anyone with an interest in the period. An attempt is made to provide uniform and Colour details, but as with all attempts to examine these subjects previously, what little do know only serves to highlight just how much remains. unknown and probably unknowable. Nevertheless, for wargamers and military modellers these sections are invaluableThe book is packed with nuggets of information; the section tabling the number of Foot regiments in existence, raised and disbanded on an annual basis gives a fascinating insight as to just now much period armies must have been in a permanent state of fluxIn short - a Must-Read for anyone interested in the subject.