Wars and Soldiers in the Early Reign of Louis XIV Volume 8

Whatever names historians have given to the conflicts fought between Sweden and Denmark-Norway, and despite all the battles, sieges, winter campaigns, and guerrilla warfare, these events have often been viewed—within a broader European context—as taking place on the periphery. The struggle for dominance in Europe was not decided in some remote Hyperborean land, but rather in Flanders, the Rhineland, and the Mediterranean.

Nevertheless, even in Northern Europe, the wars left a deep imprint on society, affecting the economy, domestic policies, and diplomacy throughout the region. After its devastating wars against Poland, Russia, the Holy Roman Empire, Brandenburg, and the Netherlands, Sweden emerged as a major ally of Louis XIV. Both France and Sweden shared an interest in curbing the Netherlands’ dominance as a seafaring and commercial power, while Denmark-Norway consistently found itself on the opposing side of this rivalry.

The Swedish army was still regarded by contemporaries as a model military force. Even after the reforms of Gustavus Adolphus, Swedish generals continued to develop new military doctrines, supported by a state administration capable of sustaining prolonged warfare. Equally significant was the political and military trajectory of Denmark, which—more than any other power during this period—stood on the front lines against the “Lion of the North.”

This volume brings together the history, organization, equipment, uniforms, and ensigns of both armies, along with chapters dedicated to the Duchy of Courland and Royal City of Danzig.

"Wars and Soldiers in the Early Reign of Louis XIV, Volume 8 is a rewarding companion. It will not supplant a narrative history, but it will enhance every narrative history you own — especially when you take it to the wargaming table. It gives substance to the otherwise airy abstractions of seventeenth century warfare. If you’re already comfortable with the era, or if you have a project in mind, this volume should tick all your boxes, as it did mine. Do not expect it to hold your hand — dive in, drink deep, and let the indexes and appendices be your guides. I am glad to own it, and am certain I will return to it often as I do repeatedly with Bruno’s earlier works. Highly recommended for serious students of Louis XIV’s early wars (especially those among us who like to carry history onto the table)." carryingsonupthedale blog