Wars and Soldiers in the Early Reign of Louis XIV: Volume 1 - The Army of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, 1660-1687 (Century of the Soldier)

Artist and Author is Bruno Mugnai.
   Hats off  to them - Helion have produced another classic study of an influential army. This is the best book of the year I have seen so far. There was a real need for a decent study on the enigmatic Dutch during the early wars of Louis XIV and this study fills the need admirably. The two crucial sections are the Dutch army on campaign detailing the activities in the period against France, Cologne and Munster and the other on the uniforms and equipment including the Provincial Militia (who were part of the unique Dutch military system) - these are the centrepieces of the book but there are also chapters including orders of battles and army lists. The Netherlands had some great artists working during this 'golden age' and many with military details are reproduced and analysed. The original illustrations by the author of the flags and soldiers are all masterful and full of detail for the costume historian or reenactor. This volume certainly bodes well for the series to come - filling a void with a depth and clarity that does the subject matter proud. I shall be definitely be looking out for further titles in the series.