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Books at On Military Matters


Updated as of 3/14`/2024

ABBREVIATIONS: dj-dust jacket, biblio-bibliography, b/w-black and white, illust-illustrations, b/c-book club addition.
rct - recent arrival or pending publication, spc - OMM Special Price
Franco-Prussian Wars

1-38080 Baldick, Robert SIEGE OF PARIS, THE Part of the Batsford 'Famous Battle Series'. Maps b/w illust, index, biblio. 1 vol, 248 pgs 1964 LONDON, BATSFORD PUBLI'NG
V.GOOD-dj ......$18.00

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1-238670 Bird, Grenville THE DESTRUCTION OF THE IMPERIAL ARMY: Volume 1 - The Opening Engagements of the Franco-German War 1870-71 First in a four-volume series covers the opening months of the Franco-German War between Napoleon's Imperial Army and King Wilhelm's German armies when within the space of four weeks in summer 1870. The basic narrative is taken from the numerous volumes French official account, La Guerre de 1870-71, published by the Section historique de l'Etat-major de l'Armee, plus an earlier German official history that includes detailed annexes providing copious orders of battle, battle unit reports, and casualty records for almost every engagement.

The first volume in the series covers the background to the conflict, the opposing armies, war plans, mobilization and the opening engagements of the conflict including the combats at Saarbrucken, Wissembourg, Froeschwiller, Forbach, and the retreat to the Moselle.

Subsequent volumes will take a similarly detailed and comprehensive look at the three major encounters around Metz at Borny, Vionville and St Privat; the short-lived campaign of the Army of Ch?lons and the fighting at Nouart, Beaumont and Sedan, and the oft-overlooked sieges of Strasbourg and Metz and the battles of Servigny-Noiseville and Landonchamps. 1 vol, 608 pgs 2023 UK, HELION AND COMPANY
NEW-pb, available mid September 2023 ......$80.00 with a discount of 15% rct

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1-238672 Bird, Grenville THE DESTRUCTION OF THE IMPERIAL ARMY: Volume 2 - The Battles Around Metz 1870 The second in a four-volume series examines the events of the opening months of the Franco-Prussian War. This volume covers the three major encounters that took place around Metz in mid-August 1870; Borny/Colomby fought on the 14th; the encounter at Vionville/Mars la Tour on the 16th; and Gravelotte/St Privat on the 18th. Complemented by a number of maps and black and white and color illustrations.

Besides the usual official Prussian histories and commander memoirs, this volume uses the basic narrative taken from the numerous volumes of the French official account, La Guerre de 1870-71, French commander memoirs, and numerous official and semi-official staff studies published during the 1880-90's. Includes detailed annexes providing copious Orders of Battle, after battle unit reports, and casualty records for almost every engagement. 1 vol, 424 pgs 2023 UK, HELION AND COMPANY
NEW-pb, available mid October 2023 ......$80.00 with a discount of 15% rct

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1-238673 Bird, Grenville THE DESTRUCTION OF THE IMPERIAL ARMY: Volume 3 - The Sedan Campaign 1870 Third in a four volume series, examines the events of the opening months of the Franco-Prussian War. Covers the Opening Engagements and The Battles around Metz, the third volume take a fresh and detailed look at both the military and political background to this short but decisive campaign which saw French and German forces clash at Nouart, the encounter battle at Beaumont and the pivotal engagement of the campaign, fought between Marshal MacMahon's Army of Chalons, and the combined German armies under General Moltke outside the walls of Sedan. Includes extensive orders of battle and casualty lists derived from the French and German official histories. Contains 129 color photos, 65 b/w photos, 5 color illustrations, 24 b/w illustrations, and 17 color & b/w maps. 1 vol, 552 pgs 2023 UK, HELION AND COMPANY
NEW-pb, available mid February 2024 ......$80.00 with a discount of 15% rct

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1-914026G Di Silva, Pacal VAE VICTUS BOARD GAME # 26: The war of 1870 Rules in English.

Early August 1870. The Prussian Chancellor Bismarck has accomplished a diplomatic master stroke thanks to the Ems Dispatch: France has just declared war on Prussia. Prussia was able to gather all of the German states around it while Napoleon IIIs empire remains alone with no nation willing to support the perceived aggressor.

Game components:
One 59 x 41 cm map
216 die-cut counters and markers
1 booklet of rules and 3 scenarios
2 player aid cards
1 vol, 24 pgs 2020 FRANCE, CERIGO EDITIONS
NEW-pb, available mid March 2020 ......$35.00 rct

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2-201020 Fermer, Douglas SEDAN 1870: The Eclipse of France The Franco-Prussian War was a turning point in the history of nineteenth-century Europe, and the Battle of Sedan was the pivotal event in that war.

For the Germans their overwhelming victory symbolized the birth of their nation, forged in steel and tempered in the blood of the common enemy. For the French it was a defeat more complete and humiliating than Waterloo.

Douglas Fermer's fresh study of this traumatic moment in European history reconsiders how the mutual fear and insecurity of two rival nations tempted their governments to seek a solution to domestic tensions by waging war against each other. His compelling narrative shows how war came about, and how the dramatic campaign of summer 1870 culminated in a momentous clash of arms at Sedan. He gives fascinating insights into the personalities and aims of the politicians and generals involved, but focuses too on the experiences of ordinary soldiers and civilians. 1 vol, 256 pgs 2016 UK, PEN AND SWORD
NEW-pb ......$25.00 with a discount of 15%

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1-204630 Fermer, Douglas THREE GERMAN INVASIONS OF FRANCE: The Summer Campaigns of 1870, 1914 and 1940 Tension and rivalry between France and Germany shaped the history of Western Europe in the century from 1860. Three times that hostility led to war and the invasion of France -- in 1870, 1914, and 1940. The outcomes of the battles that followed reset the balance of power across the continent. Yet the German invasions tend to be viewed as separate events, in isolation, rather than as connected episodes in the confrontation between the two nations.

Douglas Fermer's fresh account of the military campaigns and the preparations for them treats them as part of a cycle of fear, suspicion, animosity and conflicting ambitions extending across several generations. In a clear, concise account of the decisive opening phase of each campaign, he describes the critical decision-making, the maneuvers and clashes of arms in eastern France as German forces advanced westwards.

Includes 30 illustrations. 1 vol, 288 pgs 2014 UK, Pen and Sword
NEW-dj, available late March 2014 ......$40.00 with a discount of 15%

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1-39440 German General Staff FRANCO-GERMAN WAR 1870-1871, THE (5) VOLUME SET Classic work, long out of print 5 vol, 2900 pgs 1995-96 NASHVILLE, BATTERY PRS
NEW-hardcover, facsimile reprint ......$275.00

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1-39441 German General Staff FRANCO-GERMAN WAR, VOLUME #1 This is the first volume in the five volume German General Staff history for the Franco-German War. This volume covers the outbreak of war to the Battle of Gravelotte in August 1870. 1 vol, 582 pgs 1995 NASHVILLE, BATTERY PRESS
NEW-hardcover, facsimile reprint ......$55.00

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1-39442 German General Staff FRANCO-GERMAN WAR, VOLUME #2 Volume II to the five volume official history set done by the German General Staff for the Franco-German War. This volumes the Battle of Sedan and the end of the Second Empire 1 vol, 582 pgs 1995 NASHVILLE, BATTERY PRESS
NEW-hardcover, facsimile ......$55.00

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1-39443 German General Staff FRANCO-GERMAN WAR VOLUME #3 Volume III in the five volume German General Staff history for the Franco-German War. This volume covers the siege of Paris and the new Third Republic 1 vol, 582 pgs 1995 NASHVILLE, BATTERY PRESS
NEW-hardcover, facsimile ......$55.00

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1-39444 German General Staff FRANCO-GERMAN WAR, VOLUME #4 Volume IV in the five volume German General Staff official history for the Franco-German War. This volume covers the Battles in the Provinces 1 vol, 582 pgs 1995 NASHVILLE, BATTERY PRESS
NEW-hardcover, facsimile ......$55.00

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1-39445 German General Staff FRANCO-GERMAN WAR, VOLUME #5 Volume V in the five volume German General Staff official history for the Franco-German War. This volume covers the German victory, the 1 vol, 582 pgs 1996 NASHVILLE, BATTERY PRESS
NEW-hardcover, facsimile ......$55.00

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1-191710 Henderson, Majot G.F.R. THE BATTLE OF SPICHEREN-August 1870 This account, penned by a noted British military historian of the late nineteenth century, remains one of the best narratives. Comprehensive maps. 1 vol, 256 pgs 2010 UK, HELION & COMPANY
NEW-pb ......$50.00 with a discount of 15%

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1-219630 Jouineau, Andre and Mongin, Jean L'ARMEE DE NAPOLEON III: Dans La Guerre De 1870 Even though the formidable war machine which Napoleon III's army had become had already been through several campaigns in Europe, Asia, Africa, and also in America, and made a good impression on European general staffs, was it really ready to face a modern army like Prussia's on its own soil?

The uniforms, equipment and weapons of all the Imperial Army corps are presented here with extraordinary uniform plates by Andre Jouineau, the famous illustrator-researcher. The texts are by Jean-Marie Mongin and go well beyond the customary details, delving into the organization and the strength of this formidable force, which quite unpredictably suffered what some people in many ways still consider a humiliating defeat, even today.

Discover the campaign clothes - and the great parade uniforms - of the Cent-Gardes squadron, the Guides, the Cuirassiers at Reichshoffen, the Marsouins at Bazeilles, the Hussars, the Turks, the Zouaves, but also that terrible year's 'Moblots' (conscripts), the heroes of Bourbaki's army, and the volunteers of the last months of this war which was, when all is said and done, a foundational conflict. This volume is for the uniform and figurine buffs; it's a small, practical tool, precise, clear, logical and visual. Includes almost 140 uniform plates, maps, and more than 1000 infantry, artillery. and cavalry drawings. 1 vol, 0 pgs 2019 FRANCE, HEIMDAL
NEW-hardback, [French text] available late March 2019 ......$58.00 with a discount of 15% rct

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1-228120 Nash, N.S. THE SIEGE THAT CHANGED THE WORLD: Paris 1870-1871 The Siege of Paris from September 1870 to the city's capitulation in January 1871 was the result of Louis Napoleon III, Emperor of France's disastrous decision to declare war on Prussia. The Prussian Army of King William I proved vastly superior to their adversaries.

After victories at Metz and Sedan, the Prussians marched on Paris virtually unopposed. By 19 September the city was encircled with the population discontented, disillusioned, and rebellious. Civil disorder was rife as starvation took a grip. On the inevitable surrender in late January and the declaration of the German Empire, France's humiliation was complete. This in turn led to the temporary establishment of the Paris Commune an embryonic communist government, and civil war.

As well as providing a vivid description of the siege and fighting, the author of this well researched account analyses the long-term effects be they social, military and political both on France and wider Europe. He argues that while the siege was not particularly costly in terms of human life, its legacy was the reduction of French global influence, the growth of German militarism, the evolution of international communism and changes in the world order. 1 vol, 224 pgs 2021 UK, PEN AND SWORD
NEW-dj, available mid September 2021 ......$43.00 with a discount of 15% rct

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1-50221 Nutt, Tom FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR PAINTING GUIDE:V1 Imperial French A4, brief description off the units on both sides (14) pgs of full color computer graphics uniform detail, o/b's. 1 vol, 48 pgs 2017 US, ON MILITARY MATTERS
NEW-softcover ......$24.00

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1-50222 Nutt, Tom FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR PAINTING GUIDE:V2 German A4, brief description off the units on both sides -- (14) pgs of full color computer graphics uniform details. Covers the NORTH GERMAN CONFEDERATION ARMY: Saxony, Hesse, etc; o/b's. 1 vol, 48 pgs 2017 US, ON MILITARY MATTERS
NEW-softcover ......$24.00

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1-50223 Nutt, Tom FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR PAINTING GUIDE:V3 South German Confederation & French Republican Armies A4, brief description off the units on both sides (14) pgs of full color computer graphics uniform details. Covers the SOUTH GERMAN CONFEDERATION ARMY:Bavaria, Baden, etc; o/b's. 1 vol, 48 pgs 2017 US, ON MILITARY MATTERS
NEW-softcover ......$24.00

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1-240351 Shann, Stephen STUDIES FROM THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR: Volume 1 The Mitrailleuse The book seeks to reappraise the Mitrailleuse as used by the French in 1870, which was comprehensively disregarded after the Franco-Prussian War by the Germans and most English-language books. Examines how the weapon came to be developed and brought into service, its technical specifications, and accounts of its performance in battle. 1 vol, 60 pgs 2013 UK, PARTIZAN PRESS
NEW-pb, available late October 2023 ......$28.00 rct

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1-90251 Smith, Nigel ARMIES OF THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR:Part One-French 8.5x11, Covers the French Imperial and Republican Armies 1870-71. Includes organization, uniforms, flags and weapons. Bios on French Commanders, extensive o/b's, eight pages of color. 1 vol, 80 pgs 2017 US, ON MILITARY MATTERS
NEW-wirebound softcover ......$20.00

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1-90252 Smith, Nigel ARMIES OF THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR:Part Two Prussian and the German States 8.5x11, Covers the Prussian and the German States 1870-71. Includes organization, uniforms, flags and weapons. Bios on Commanders, extensive o/b's, b/w & color. 1 vol, 96 pgs 2017 US, ON MILITARY MATTERS
NEW-wirebound softcover ......$20.00

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1-914152 various VAE VICTIS # 152 Sedan 1870 Wargame of Franco-Prussian War 1870 with the French Army of Chalons attempting to relieve French forces trapped by the German siege of Metz.

Complexity: 7/10; Solo playability: 6/10; Duration: 3-4 hours; One turn = 1 day; One counter = 1 division (and 1 SP = 2000 men, 1000 cavaliers or 2 batteries); Scale: 10 km between 2 zones
1 vol, 84 pgs 2020 FRANCE, CERIGO EDITIONS
NEW-softcover ......$26.00 rct

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1-914164 various VAE VICTIS # 164: Storm over Belfort 1870-1871 (Wargame) NEWS (hexes): Test of Faith, The Fulda Gap, Almoravid, Successors, Give us Victories

BOARDGAMES: Vietnam; Tetrarchia; Piacenza; Into the Woods; Monty's D-Day; Third World War; Saladin; Army Group Center 2nd Ed; North Africa; Wars of Religion; Donnerschlag

FIGURINES: Art de la Guerre : la cavalerie a travers les ages; Flodden; Clash of Katana; Project Z; Venatores et Noxiip Borders of Blood

HOBBY: Convention musee de la Legion Etrangere a Aubagne

SCENARIOS: M44; ASL;

NEWS (rules): Three Ages for Rome; The Age of Alexander; Castles in the Sky; Beyond the Empire; Rapid Fire;

ART of WAR: Les 103 jours du siege de Belfort

WARGAME: Storm over Belfort 1870-1871 1 vol, 84 pgs 2022 FRANCE, CERIGO EDITIONS
NEW-pb, [Magazine in French, Rules in English] available late August 2022 ......$28.00 inc

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3-43490 von Boguslawski, Major Albrect TACTICAL DEDUCTIONS FROM THE WAR OF 1870-1871 Covers battles of Spicheren, Worth, Mars-la-Tour, Gravelotte-St.Privat, Sedan from a Prussian officer who participated in the Franco-Prussian War. Discusses the effectiveness of the breechloading rifles - the chassepot and needlegun; Krupp breechloading artillery; an early model machine gun the mitrailleuse; also examines the command and control problems coupled with the tactics and formations used during the war. It's truly one of the most insightful books ever written on the subject. 1 vol, 160 pgs 2024 US, ON MILITARY MATTERS
NEW-perfect bound softcover edition ......$25.00 rct

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2-72580 Wawro, Geoffrey FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR, THE Follow on to his well received AUSTRO-PRUSSIAN WAR book, an analysis of the German conquest of France. W/w illust/maps, biblio, index. 1 vol, 400 pgs 2005 LONDON, CAMBRIDGE UNIV
NEW-pb ......$51.00

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1-229302 Weaver, Ralph THE REPUBLIC FIGHTS BACK: The Franco-German War 1870-1871: Volume 2 - Uniforms, Organisation and Weapons of the Armies of the Republican Phase of the War The Franco-German War of 1870-71 saw the demise of one empire, that of Napoleon III and the birth of another, a new German empire under the rule of the king of Prussia and his first minister Bismarck. After the debacle of the French surrender at Sedan vast new armies were raised, both in France and Germany.

The French Republican government, under the tireless enthusiasm of Leon Gambetta, tried to mobilize the whole male population to participate in some form or other; was he successful? This book explains how they were organized, dressed, armed, and supplied with the essentials of war. Technical innovations changed the way armies behaved in the field, railways speeded up movement, the telegraph delivered orders in a fraction of the time and new weapons altered tactics used on the battlefield. Includes 20 color plates, 100 b/w illustrations, and five b/w maps. 1 vol, 176 pgs 2023 UK, HELION AND COMPANY
NEW-pb ......$40.00 with a discount of 15% inc

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1-229301 Weaver, Raplh SAARBRUCK TO SEDAN: The Franco-German War 1870-1871 V1 - Uniforms, Organisation and Weapons of the Armies of the Imperial Phase of the War Describes how the armies were organized, equipped, uniformed, and supplied. Equipment is described as well as the medals many men wore on their chests. The color section illustrates many of the lesser known uniforms worn during the war. Technical innovations changed the way armies behaved in the field, railways speeded up movement, the telegraph delivered orders in a fraction of the time, and new weapons altered tactics used on the battlefield. Developments in armaments were not limited to the French, the chassepot rifle was a marvel and the mitrailleuse (a volley gun) could have been a war winner if used properly. The Bavarians had a mitrailleuse of their own design and they developed a modern rifle firing a metallic cartridge at a rate of 20 shots a minute. Includes 41 b/w illustrations, 20 pages of color plates, three maps, and six tables. 1 vol, 134 pgs 2022 UK, PEN & SWORD
NEW-pb ......$40.00 with a discount of 15% rct

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1-53022 Willing, Paul Conservateur au Musee de l'Armee L'ARMEE DE NAPOLEON III: Volume 1 - 1852-1870 Oversized at 8x12 inches. Part of the 'Collections Historiques duMusee de l'Armee' series on the French Army, with extensive b/w & color illustrations, photos, and maps of uniforms, equipment, militaria, and more. 1 vol, 120 pgs 1997 PARIS, MUSEE de l'ARMEE
NEW-hardcover, French text, 1 copy available, in stock, first come, first served ......$50.00

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1-53023 Willing, Paul Conservateur au Musee de l'Armee L'ARMEE DE NAPOLEON III: Volume 2 - 1870-1871 Oversized at 8x12 inches. Part of the 'Collections Historiques duMusee de l'Armee' series on the French Army, with extensive b/w & color illustrations, photos, and maps of uniforms, equipment, militaria, and more. 1 vol, 128 pgs 1997 PARIS, MUSEE de l'ARMEE
NEW-hardcover, French text, 1 copy available, in stock, first come, first served ......$60.00

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1-970004 Zins, Ronald SPICHEREN 1870 FORGOTTEN BATTLES series:

Born to a diplomatic crisis extremely short, the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 sealed the fate of the Second Empire. In three days, from August 4 to 6, the imperial army suffered three major defeats at the battles of Wissembourg and Froeschwiller (Alsace) and the Battle of Spicheren (Lorraine). These defeats ften the gates of France to German troops. Unlike the two battles in Alsace, the Battle of Spicheren, led by French side Frossard and Bazaine, should have been a French victory. In fact at the beginning of the Prussian offensive, and for several hours, one division foe faces three French divisions. 60 b/w and color illust. 1 vol, 96 pgs 2006 FRANCE, HISTORIC ONE EDITIONS
NEW-softcover, [French text] ......$28.00

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1-970014 Zins, Ronald WISSEMBOURG: August 4, 1870 FORGOTTEN BATTLES series: On the morning of August 4, 1870, the 2nd Division of General Abel Douay deployed on the heights of Wissembourg a few hundred meters from the enemy border. Several Bavarian and Prussian corps moved forward without being spotted by the French cavalry reconnaissance, creating an unequal battle in and around the city that ended with a heroic defense of the castle Geisberg and the death of General Douay. Despite the bravery of the troops, the French were forced to retire towards 'pigeon neck pass' (Col du Pigeonnier), leaving half their force on the battlefield.

Wissembourg is the first battle of the War of 1870. Through extensive research in French and German archives and rare books, Ronald Zins, a recognized specialist of the Second Empire, offers a fascinating synthesis of this event. 80 b/w and color illustrations. 1 vol, 96 pgs 2012 FRANCE, HISTORIC ONE EDITIONS
NEW-softcover, [French text] ......$28.00

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