Second Hand Matchlock Musketeer

Keith Roberts examines the English matchlock musketeer during the period 1588–1688, with illustrations by Stephen Walsh. Published as number 43 in Osprey’s Warrior series, this book explores both the soldier’s battlefield role and the practical realities of military service.

The chapters explain the changing role of infantry and introduce the matchlock’s mechanism, musket and associated equipment. Recruitment, organisation, regimental uniform and training are considered alongside professionalism, pay, plunder and rations, giving readers a rounded picture of the musketeer’s working life.

Coverage extends to battle, firing systems and siege warfare, as well as the effects of wounds and disease and the circumstances of discharge. The emphasis on everyday experience complements the discussion of weapons and tactics, making the book useful to readers interested in the English Civil War and seventeenth-century military history.

Colour artwork and black-and-white illustrations accompany the text. A bibliography, colour plate commentary and index provide supporting reference material. This 64-page English-language paperback offers a focused study for military history readers, historical modellers and wargamers.