Osprey and the Value of Military History

I think teaching military history is extraordinarily important. The field extends far beyond what some people dismiss as “drums and bugles” history. Oh sure, military history certainly encompasses the traditional looks at generals, tactics, battles, and campaigns. But it also opens the door to all sorts of other things as well. Remember, armies are in many ways reflections of the societies from which they come, and by carefully studying them, we can peer into their worlds in rather enlightening ways – to help reveal a much broader sweep of the human experience.    

For example, I do a presentation to prospective parents on open house night at my school, explaining why I really lean into the study of the military. I begin with a bullet – a Civil War era .58 caliber three-ringer. Starting with some details about this single artifact I quickly segue into 19th-century technological developments, tactics, medical procedures, even effects of spent lead on the environment. I note that by thinking about military history we might also consider casualties and the social implications of a generation lost to warfare, or of a national commitment to cause despite a staggering loss of life. The possibilities to ad layers of complexity here, as I quite clearly note, are endless. And where did the conversation begin? The military. And let’s be honest…I’d bet my next paycheck that the interests of a significant number of Civil War historians, myself included, were first piqued as kids with histories of the battles.

But enough about me. I am really here to discuss the wonderful work of Osprey Publishing. I recently received a number of books, and I was immediately taken by the first-rate content and exceptional production value. The topics I’ve been poring over these last several days range from concise descriptions of battles, more detailed accounts of battles such as Gettysburg and the Nashville campaign of 1864, details about sharpshooters, cavalry, and weapons. All of these books are expertly written by authors well-versed in their fields, and they are all beautifully illustrated with full-color maps and detailed images rendering many well-known battles and accoutrement in remarkably realistic fashion. The books include timelines, contextual material, orders of battle, and vivid details about equipment.

The most refreshing aspect of these concise books is that they are all accessible to the lay reader. I would especially recommend these to younger readers or students who are expressing an interest in military history. They are all chock-full of fascinating tidbits while covering the bigger picture, which will most definitely open doors of inquiry in a comprehensible style. And for those who are indeed interested, the books have extensive further reading lists or bibliographies. Finally – and I think this is especially cool (and very 21st century…), the “combat” series books include a QR code connecting readers to a member website, which offers access to databases including images, maps and all sorts of other military related sources.

I’ll be using my volumes in the classroom and for research projects that involve military history for sure. Here are a few titles that I now consider invaluable resources you should check these out and all the other titles from Osprey as well:

Weapons of the Civil War Cavalryman by John Walter

British Light Infantryman vs. Patriot Rifleman by Robbie MacNiven

Union Sharpshooter vs. Confederate Sharpshooter by Gary Yee

Nashville 1864 by Mark Lardas

The Battle of Gettysburg 1863: The First Day by Timothy Orr

Sharpshooting Rifles of the American Civil War by Martin Pegler

U.S. Civil War Battle by Battle by Iain MacGregor    

With compliments,

Keith