Wars and Soldiers in the Early Reign of Louis XIV Volume 6 Part 2

In the 17th century, Italy was the third-largest country by population in Europe, after France and Germany, passing into second position for a century after 1650. Northern as well as southern Italy constituted a key place in the strategic duel between Spain and France, and the Peninsula lied on the front line in the struggle against the Ottoman Empire. Moreover, Italian states constituted good examples of fairly efficient governance machines, which developed many matters, included the ‘Military’. Some of these states experienced long periods of wars, to the point that the claim regarding social elites progressively demilitarized to an unequalled extent anywhere else in Europe should be considered no longer valid. 

This second volume looks at the armies of the lesser Italian States. The armies of Genoa, the Papal States, Tuscany, Parma, Modena, Mantua, Lucca, and many others are all examined in detail never before seen in the English language. This volume also covers the nature and execution of military affairs and war in Italy. The book is lavishly illustrated and comes with 16 especially commissioned colour plates drawn by the author himself.

"...As an inveterate admirer of Bruno’s work I can wholeheartedly recommend this book as it is yet another valuable addition to the series, whether for general historical and military research purposes or for wargamers searching for something by way of a different sort of project. I will certainly be painting up a unit in pink!" Colin Ashton, CarryingsOnUpTheDale.com

"...The author has again produced his own beautiful illustrations of uniforms in colour to go with the black and white period pictures and maps which the book contains giving an overall excellent publication. Both volumes together cover the subject very well and for anyone interested in warfare and history of the late 17th Century they are a welcome addition to the other available information on the period." Rob Anderson