Thursday, May 9, 2013

Osprey Publishing: French Musketeer 1622-1775

O, Osprey Publishing, how do I love thee? Coming this July, to Osprey's Warrior line, is French Musketeer 1622-1775.
The works of French novelist Alexandre Dumas have been reproduced time and again on stage and screen. Based on a genuine memoir by an officer named D’Artagnan, Dumas published The Three Musketeers. The King’s Musketeers were formed in 1622 and were populated by young men of noble birth, but often of poorer means. The Musketeers served as a form of military academy, which enabled these men to qualify for commission into the regular army, but the academy was not just a schoolroom - the Musketeers served in all major battles and campaigns of the period; their reputation for bravery was well deserved. This title explores the history behind the legends created by Dumas. Drawing on historical and fascinating accounts the truth of this most colourful and flamboyant of units is revealed.
I'm s huge fan of Osprey Publishing, with something like a hundred titles in my book collection. Though focused on militaria, the slim books are also social histories, with a wealth of period detail; this is particularly true of the Warrior series, which go into greater depth than the more broadly-focused Man-at-Arms books.

Looks like I'll have to read Matchlock Musketeer again a few times, to tide me over 'til July.

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