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History Land Forces

Louis XIV's Army

by (author) RenA Chartrand

illustrated by Francis Back

Publisher
Osprey
Initial publish date
Nov 1988
Category
Land Forces, France
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780850458503
    Publish Date
    Nov 1988
    List Price
    $27

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Where to buy it

Description

Louis XIV's army was in many ways the first modern army. After assuming power in 1661, Louis abolished the post of Colonel Général of Infantry so he could exercise direct control over the armed forces in his realm. The king demanded order, discipline and absolute loyalty from his army, and he introduced a military draft in 1688 - the first step towards what we know as conscription in modern armies. This book chronicles the development of Louis XIV's army during his 54-year reign, including the units, uniforms and weapons of the elite Maison du Roi. Numerous illustrations portray the uniforms, colours and standards of his troops in vivid detail.

About the authors

Contributor Notes

René Chartrand was born in Montreal and educated in Canada, the United States and the Bahamas. A senior curator with Canada's National Historic Sites for nearly three decades, he is now a freelance writer and historical consultant. He has written numerous articles and books including over 30 Osprey titles. He lives in Gatineau, Quebec, with his wife and two sons.

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