Napoleonic Infantry: Napoleonic Weapons and Warfare (Napoleonic Weapons & Warfare)

In the armies of the Napoleonic era, the infantry formed the most numerous, and arguably the most important, of all the 'arms'. But the winning of the battle is in the detail - the proper management of those arms. In this book, companion to the similar work on cavalry, the author looks toward what actually happened in the battles of the period, rather than what should have occurred, according to the regulations. The infantry's weapons are examined: the use of the musket, bayonet, pikes and swords, the manner in which they were used in attack and defence, exemplified by contemporary accounts and illustrations. Misconceptions are explored and questions answered: for example, why the bayonet was so highly regarded when it inflicted hardly any casualties, why the merits of the column and the line are not clear-cut and how, whether in square or skirmish line, the infantry of the Napoleonic Wars actually fought. 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But the winning of the battle is in the detail, the proper management of those arms. In this book Philip Haythronthwaite, one of the world's leading Napoleonic authorities, looks toward what actually happened in the battles of the period, rather than what should have occurred, according to the regulations. The infantry's weapons were examined in close detail: the use of the musket, bayonet, pike and sword, the manner in which they were used in attack and defence, exemplified by contemporary accounts and illustrations. Misconceptions are explored and questions answered: for example, why the bayonet was so highly regarded when it inflicted hardly any casualties, why the merits of the column and line are not clear-cut and how, whether in square or skirmish line, the infantry of the Napoleonic Wars actually fought. Philip Haythornthwaite's lively and informed approach to his subject offers new insights into the conduct of Napoleonic warfare. This is a book certain to fascinate both the Napoleonic enthusiast and those readers coming to the period for the first time. -- Dust jacket One of the world's leading Napoleonic authorities, supported by over 100 period illustrations, tells the surprising story of what actually happened in the emperor's infantry battles as compared to what should have occurred if they'd gone by the regulation book. Descriptions of infantry weapons feature the muskets, bayonets, pikes, and swords that were so important in battle, while accounts from those who were there show how they were employed in attack and defense. Many misconceptions are clarified--including why the soldiers had such high regard for the bayonet when it inflicted few casualties. This perceptive study shows why the winning is in the details--and the proper management of all those arms.