Product Description

After defeating Austria at Austerlitz in 1805, Napoleon took over the territory then called 'Illyria' in western Croatia, but had to fight to occupy it in 1806-07. After defeat in 1809, Austria ceded more Balkan territories to the French Empire, but invaded and liberated these territories in 1814. This title examines the many former Austrian regiments from the areas that were taken into the French forces, for instance, Illyrian Chasseurs, Croatian and Dalmatian Regiments. Examined are the troops' uniform, weapons and organisation, all illustrated with detailed, colour artwork.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #549980 in Books
• Published on: 2004-06-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

About the Author
Vladimir Bmardic was born in Zagreb in 1973. After graduating from the University of Zagreb with a History degree, he trained as a journalist. He has a keen interest in the history of Central and Eastern European military organisations, especially during the Napoleonic period. Vladimir is married and currently lives and works in Zagreb, Croatia. Darko Pavlovic was born in 1959 and currently lives and works in Zagreb, Croatia. A trained architect, he now works as a full-time illustrator and writer, specialising in militaria. Darko has illustrated a number of books for Osprey and has also written and illustrated titles for the Men-at-Arms series on the Austrian army of the 19th century.

Customer Reviews

excellent
This title covers the various regiments from the Eastern side of the Adriatic who fought for Napoleon, an area well known throughout history as a recruiting ground for armies. It's a fascinating book because many of the men in the regiments described by the author also fought against Napoleon. The text is divided into five sections, an example being Illyria. The text describes how the regiments remained loyal to whoever they were fighting for at the time and the exploits of the Croatian Provisonal Regiments are certainly worth viewing. The colour plates are brilliant and the background scenes bring the figures to life and help create a periodic atmosphere. The only negative side is the numerous black and white prints. Although they are interesting in themselves, many appear to have come from originals in colour, hence the need for a text describing the colours. However, overall, this title will certainly be popular with both enthusiasts and wargamers, who I'm sure will be adding new regiments to their armies based on this text. A sure hit.

Recommended
Napoleon's Balkan Troops will be welcomed by anyone interested in the Napoleonic period. It covers the troops fighting for Napoleon along the Eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, an area generally overlooked but extremely important. Many of them also fought in the 1812 Russian Campaign. Several nationalities are described, including Croatian, Illyrian and Dalmatian regiments. The author offers details on the military actions of these Regiments, who fought both for and against the French and it soon becomes clear that much of the information found here is missing in other books covering the same regiments. Of particular interest is the Provisional Croatian Regiments and I'm sure many a wargamer will be adding these regiments to their armies after reading Brnardic's book. The artwork is brilliant and the background scenes bring the troops portrayed to life. However, what spoils the title is the black and white prints. Many of them appear to be originally in colour and the text description doesn't really make up for the loss. Overall however, this title is a perfect addition to any collection concerning both Napoleon's Troops and his opponents.