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French Napoleonic Infantry Tactics 1792–1815 (Elite, 159) Paperback – November 20, 2007

by Paddy Griffith (Author), Peter Dennis (Illustrator)
4.6 out of 5 stars 107 ratings
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Osprey's examination of French infantry tactics during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). For over 20 years France was the dominating, controlling and conquering power of the western world, a result not only of Napoleon's inspired leadership, but of the efforts of almost an entire generation of Frenchmen under arms. The French Revolution heralded both social change and a seismic shift in how armies were organized, trained and deployed.

This book provides an analysis of the preparation of French troops from manual regulations to the training ground, studying the changing quality of command and control within the army, which initially ensured that the French infantry were virtually unstoppable. Paddy Griffith not only explores the role of the French infantry at the apex of their powers and their actions in key battles, but also provides a detailed explanation of their eventual decline leading to defeat at Waterloo, providing a critical overview of French Napoleonic infantry tactics.

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  1. Part of series
    Elite
  2. Print length
    64 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Osprey Publishing
  5. Publication date
    November 20, 2007
  6. Dimensions
    7.25 x 0.25 x 9.75 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    1846032784
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1846032783
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From the Publisher

Elite Series

Battlescenes

Full colour battlescenes

Beautifully illustrated battlescenes are included to bring the narrative of the conflict to life.

Photographs

Photographs

Each volume features a wide range of photographs, which provide unparalleled detail on the uniforms, insignia and equipment used by the combatants.

Uniform Illustrations

Detailed uniform illustrations

Specially commissioned full colour illustrations are included alongside comprehensive captions to give a full breakdown of the attire and equipment used on the battlefield.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“This is superbly illustrated by Peter Dennis, who provides an excellent series of diagrams of some of the more famous battles to go along with the descriptions of these events. Period illustrations are also included as are modern day photos of the various battlefields. In all, a book that draws you in and one that I found to be especially interesting. I know you will as well. Overall another superlative Osprey book and one that is both an interesting and enjoyable read. I'm sure you will agree.” ―Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (January 2008)

“Paddy Griffith's French Napoleonic Infantry Tactics 1792-1815 covers the history of Bonaparte's Grande Armee, surveying tactics and using original drill manuals and writing to discuss French infantry organization and strategy.” ―The California Bookwatch (January 2008)

About the Author

Paddy Griffith is a freelance military historian based in Manchester. His groundbreaking books on low-level tactics include Forward Into Battle (1981 and 1990), Battle Tactics of the Civil War (1986) and Battle Tactics of the Western Front (1994). He has also written extensively on wargames, and is currently active in the South Manchester Tactical Society and in the Battlefields Trust.

Peter Dennis was inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn, leading him to study Illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and modelmaker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Osprey Publishing; Illustrated edition (November 20, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 64 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1846032784
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1846032783
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.25 x 0.25 x 9.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 107 ratings

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Paddy Griffith

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4.6 out of 5 stars
107 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-illustrated and informative, with good coverage of French infantry tactics. They appreciate its readability, with one customer noting how it brings the text to life. The encyclopedia content receives positive feedback, with one review highlighting the detailed plate commentary. However, the book's interest level receives mixed reactions, with one customer finding it uninteresting and another describing it as a waste of time and money.

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13 customers mention "Information quality"10 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's well-illustrated monograph format, with detailed explanations of formations that help readers better understand the successes of French Napoleonic infantry tactics.

"I read about the Napoleonic wars quite a bit. It is nice to have pictures of how the soldiers actually did their jobs. Good reference book...." Read more

"...The book is also full of black-and-white photos and contemporary images that illustrate many of the battles, leaders, and common soldiers of the..." Read more

"...overview focused on French infantry tactics -- which makes it valuable to the novice...." Read more

"Osprey always produce great and informative books. Fantastic art and graphics." Read more

3 customers mention "Encyclopedia content"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the encyclopedia content of the book, which provides a true macro overview of French infantry tactics, with one customer highlighting its poorly-known details on the Napoleonic era.

"...Overall, this Elite title is an excellent source on the infantry tactics employed by Napoleon and his contemporaries, and is a most worthy addition..." Read more

"...The book's strength is that it is an overview focused on French infantry tactics -- which makes it valuable to the novice...." Read more

"...recommend for anyone who wants more than just a high level understanding of French infantry tactics." Read more

3 customers mention "Readability"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one noting how it brings the text to life.

"...this one contains eight full-color plates, which do a good job of breathing life into the text when it becomes hard to visualize...." Read more

"I read it. It is a good book. Learned a lot so I am happy. I do not like having to do reviews." Read more

"Worth reading, but has some flaws..." Read more

3 customers mention "Interest"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the book uninteresting and annoyingly repetitive.

"...Basically this book will stay on my shelves as a sad piece of no interest. Not really pleased with the purchase." Read more

"...Unfortunately, very little else is included. The book is annoyingly repetitive and disorganized...." Read more

"...knowledge (that is why I ordered the book-duh), a near complete waste of time and money." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Donald F.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good research
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I read about the Napoleonic wars quite a bit. It is nice to have pictures of how the soldiers actually did their jobs. Good reference book. Lots of information and illustrations.
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  • K. Murphy
    5.0 out of 5 stars French Infantry Tactics 1792-1815
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    'French Napoleonic Infantry Tactics 1792-1815' is an examination of infantry formations and fighting styles used from when France declared war on England in 1792 to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815. But I guess you figured that much already...

    This title contains numerous interesting, and sometimes poorly-known details on the Napoleonic and in general French fighting styles of the era. The debates amongst the military experts of the time (such as, what should that man in the third rank do-try to fire past his comrades, run ahead or to the side and skirmish, or just hold a pike and 'hang around'?) are dealt with, although history, rather than the opinions of the author, are allowed to answer them.

    The first 28 pages of the book deal with a variety of subjects concisely yet also with detail. These include the roles and changing tactics of the skirmishers and 'light infantry', the tactics (or lack thereof) of the democratic/Revolutionary armies, rectangular defensive formations designed to ward off cavalry, and some bold offensive column formations. Some of the conflicting literary works of the contemporary military thinkers are also examined.

    The next major section of the book, well-titled La Grande Armee, examines the battle tactics employed by Napoleon himself, particularly between 1805 and 1808. Two particular topics addressed here are those of firepower and the tactical flexibility of Napoleon's Army.

    The next section, titled 'The Peninsular War' is for the most part an examination of the tactics used against the Brits and Spanish 1808-14. The final section, 'Corrupt Gigantism' looks at the reforms of 1808 and the unusual dilemma of the 'overcrowded battlefield'.

    As with all Osprey Elite titles, this one contains eight full-color plates, which do a good job of breathing life into the text when it becomes hard to visualize. Plate 'C' illustrates the defensive square formed during the Egyptian Campaign in 1798, while Plate 'H' looks at the French deployment at Waterloo. The formations and movements of the battles of Jemappes, Wattignies, Bergen, Auerstadt, Wagram, and Sorauren are also illustrated.

    The plate commentary is highly detailed; one can glean at least as much useful information from it as from the main text. The book is also full of black-and-white photos and contemporary images that illustrate many of the battles, leaders, and common soldiers of the period.

    Overall, this Elite title is an excellent source on the infantry tactics employed by Napoleon and his contemporaries, and is a most worthy addition to Osprey's sizeable library on the topic.
    19 people found this helpful
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  • Ray
    4.0 out of 5 stars Macro overview for the newcomer
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    This is a true macro overview of French infantry tactics during the Napoleonic Wars. Of course Griffith reviews the perennial issue of line vs. column -- an argument that didn't resolve itself on the field of battle as a variety of French commanders swore by and used both tactics during the war.

    Griffith doesn't just discuss the issue as a maneuver theory, but also looks at how lines and column were used on the battlefield and on what type of terrain. He also reviews "l'order mixte" and skirmish tactics.

    These discussions take place against the historical context of the French army during the Revolutionary period, the Grande Armee during the height of its capabilities, and during the period of the French army's qualitative slide as the original Grande Armee died off through attrition.

    The book's strength is that it is an overview focused on French infantry tactics -- which makes it valuable to the novice. However, if you are already familiar with Napoleonic battles you will probably see this book as "old news."
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Ken Wallace
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative
    Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I learned a lot about the evolution of French tactics during this formative time period. Highly recommend for anyone who wants more than just a high level understanding of French infantry tactics.
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  • COL Ripper
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great detailed book.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Osprey always produce great and informative books. Fantastic art and graphics.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars As expected
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Informative
    Helpful
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  • Abdul Gadi
    5.0 out of 5 stars good book
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I read it. It is a good book. Learned a lot so I am happy. I do not like having to do reviews.
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  • Michael Reese
    3.0 out of 5 stars Napoleon was too flexible
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Written by an Englishman this book doesn't compare in detail with the book on British Napoleonic Infantry Tactics by Osprey. Covers the period but written without the detail in the other book. Suspect there may be a better source. Good illustrations of formations. OK.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • bir-hacheim
    5.0 out of 5 stars Une analyse claire et de bien belle facture
    Reviewed in France on October 6, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    Depuis déjà bien longtemps, Paddy Griffith travaille sur les stratégies et tactiques militaires particulièrement à l'époque de la Révolution et de l'Empire de Napoléon 1er.

    On appréciera dans cet ouvrage qui fait pendant à celui de Philip Haythornwhaite sur l'armée britannique: la genèse de l'organisation et des tactiques de lArmée Royale française avant la Révolution, l'adaptation aux levées en masse pratiquées lors des guerres de la Révolution et le pragmatisme qui va prévaloir dans les premières années des armées impériales. Il faudra l'usure de la Grande Armée, la montée en puissance des armées nationales es Alliées et la terrible stratégie et tactiques de Wellington pour briser définitivement l'outil napoléonien à Waterloo.

    Un ouvrage très didactique superbement illustré, avec 8 planches couleurs de bien belle facture qui feront date.

    Exceptionnel ... et en anglais...
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  • skuzzer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent easy reading
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Gr8 for tactical experiences for Waragaming
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  • Passarelle
    5.0 out of 5 stars French Napoleonic Infantry Tactics 1792-1815. Tactical aspects of 8 battles.
    Reviewed in Germany on January 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Booklet of 64 pages, but up to the standards of Osprey Elite Series. 8 color plates showings parts of the tactics used at Jemappes, Wattignies, The Pyramids, Bergen, Auerstadt, Wagram, Sorauren and Waterloo. Interesting read. Well researched. Bibliography.
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  • Charleville
    5.0 out of 5 stars #1
    Reviewed in Canada on March 4, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    #1
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  • Schneidi
    5.0 out of 5 stars French Tactics
    Reviewed in Germany on February 28, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Alles bestens
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