French Emigre Armies of the Revolutionary Wars Volume 1

French Émigré Armies of the Revolutionary Wars tells the story of these counter-revolutionary forces for the first time in English. Their origins, organisation, uniforms, and fates are described in detail by drawing on primary documents, testimony and recently discovered artwork and illustrated with specially commissioned colour images.

The French Revolution emerged from a period when recognised norms within and among nations were pushed to breaking point and beyond. Nevertheless, there were Frenchmen who sought to stop and even reverse the unfolding events. After they had been forced to seek sanctuary in neighbouring territories, they formed military units so that their opposition could become an armed counter-revolution. In some cases, the effort was to be short-lived, but for others, it was to last for more than a decade.

Conventional historiography has, for the most part, left this story unheeded or marginalised. In French Émigré Armies of the Revolutionary Wars, the authors aim to provide an authoritative yet concise guide to these units for military historians, enthusiasts, model makers, and wargamers. As well as giving a differently nuanced account for general readers interested in the French Revolution.

This, the first volume, is focused on the Armée des Princes (1791–1792) while the second will cover the Armée de Condé (1793–1801). 

"....Whether you are a seasoned historian, a wargamer or reenactor, or just someone with a passing interest, the story flows beautifully....With 24 pages packed with images each with an impressively detailed commentary, you can almost imagine yourself marching alongside the Armée des Princes....if you’re curious about the French Revolutionary Wars, counterrevolutionary movements, or the wild world of eighteenth-century European military culture, this is the book for you. It is both a joy to dip into and a solid reference you will want on your shelf. If this first volume is anything to go by, the rest of the series promises to be something special." carryingsonupthedale blog

"...An excellent source of information on these hitherto neglected armies and their units, though one may
doubt whether their less than stellar performance on campaign will result in many wargamers raising émigré forces for their tabletop battles. The varied, colourful uniforms may also offer inspiration for wargamers raising eighteenth century 'ImagiNations' armies for fictitious campaigns of the type described by Charles Grant and Charles Stewart Grant." Miniature Wargames Magazine, April 2026