Wars and Soldiers in the Early Reign of Louis XIV Volume 9

In the mid-seventeenth century, Sweden emerged as one of Europe’s foremost military powers, achieving a level of influence and battlefield effectiveness that belied its limited population and economic resources. This volume examines how Sweden not only achieved this remarkable ascent, but sustained it through decades of almost continuous warfare against formidable opponents including Poland-Lithuania, Denmark-Norway, the Habsburg Monarchy, and Muscovy.

Rather than focusing solely on battlefield performance or leadership, the book places the organisation, structure, and material culture of the Swedish army at the centre of the analysis. It explores recruitment systems, regimental organisation, command structures, and the practical realities of maintaining armies in the field, demonstrating that Sweden’s success rested on a coherent and innovative military system fully comparable to those of France or the Dutch Republic.

Covering the period from the wars of the 1650s through to the reforms of the later seventeenth century, the study is richly illustrated with detailed colour plates depicting infantry, cavalry, dragoons, artillery, and household troops, alongside uniforms, equipment, standards, guidons, and regimental colours. Many of these illustrations are supported by surviving originals held in Scandinavian and European museum collections, including captured colours and standards from Denmark and other theatres of war.

By integrating operational history with organisational analysis and visual evidence, this volume provides a comprehensive account of the Swedish army at the height of its power. It will be of interest not only to specialists in Scandinavian and early modern warfare, but also to readers concerned with the broader development of European armies, military administration, and the conduct of war in the seventeenth century.

"[This] is a hefty tome but less a heavy academic slog and more a sharply focused visual guide to one of early modern Europe’s most effective armies.....What really makes the book stand out, though, is the artwork. The colour plates are crisp and full of practical detail, showing soldiers as they actually appeared on campaign rather than as parade-ground figures. Infantry look worn but functional, officers are marked by subtle signs of rank rather than flashy excess, and the cavalry clearly lean toward swords and close combat instead of pistol fire. The captions do a lot of quiet work here, drawing attention to small but telling details like hats, cartridge boxes, and differences between units. That said, the book doesn’t pretend to be something it isn’t. If you’re after deep campaign narratives or detailed operational analysis, you may feel it ends just as it gets interesting. But that limitation feels deliberate. As an accessible, visually driven introduction to the Carolean army, it does exactly what it sets out to do—and does it very well." carryingsonupthedale.com Blog

"An excellent guide to the swedish army of the later seventeenth century that may inspire wargamers to raise troops - or use proxy figures - to refight the Battle of Lund." Miniature Wargames, Aug 2026