This book is fascinating both from the historical point of view and for the military figure modeler point of view.

It consists of a series of watercolor copies of the original lithographs depicting military uniforms of the Napoleonic era. It should be pointed out that the original collection was completed after Napoleon’s death and during a period where anything related to Napoleon was -politically- out of favor. Moreover, the original collection is considered a milestone document as not only images are included, but each depiction also has accompanying text describing details of the uniform or the unit.

This particular edition also has 5 illustrations that are not part of the original collection but fit the era and scope of the edition, so they were included to provide an even rounder documentation of military uniforms of the French Imperial Army in the 1798-1814 period.

The book includes uniforms for the following unit types or ranks: Generals and Staff, Infantry, Auxiliary Troops, Foreign Troops, Line Cavalry, Medical Personnel, Artillery, Engineers, Guard Infantry, Guard Cavalry, Guard Artillery and Sappers, Naval Forces, Army of the Orient and Military School.

It should be highlighted that the collection includes images of rarely depicted auxiliary troops and foreign troops. It also includes images that cover the side and backs of the uniforms. Finally, the book includes an Appendix with a full list of all the prints in the Collection.

You can see from the scans in this review that all reproductions are in full color, with vivid colors and superb detail.

If you are into Napoleonic Uniforms (either as an historian or a figure modeler) you are going to love this book.

Highly recommended.

I would like to thank Casemate Publishing, Helion & Company and IPMS/USA for the review sample.