Military Experience in the Age of Reason

Taking the Age of Reason as approximately 1715-1789, Duffy seeks to portray what it was like to be a (European) soldier of the period, looking at both peacetime and wartime conditions. Most examples are from the campaigns of Frederick the Great, but the western theatre of the Seven Years War and the American Revolution* also make strong showings. The rank and file, regimental officers, and the high command all get dealt with.

A pretty good book, presuming some background knowledge but seemingly aimed at the general reader rather than the fellow expert. Citations are sparse but the bibliography is extensive, including many eighteenth century works. Unfortunately, the version I read was a carelessly done ebook (bought at Kobo), whose OCR show more errors and similar infelicities put a damper on my enjoyment.

* An interesting tidbit is that, apparently, French officers who fought for the American Revolution were slightly less likely to support the French one when it broke out some years later than colleagues who stayed in Europe. show less

If you're at all interested in the subject, just read it already.