Angus Konstam

This second volume (see MAA 297) by Angus Konstam on the Russian Army of the Seven Years War concentrates on the cavalry, both the regular troops and irregular forces, considering their composition, nature and effectiveness. It also outlines the state of the Russian train of artillery, which was seen as the premier branch of the army and dominated Russian military doctrine throughout the 18th century. As a result of reforms to the, the Russians entered the war with Prussia somewhat wrong footed. The ability of the army to recover from this in the crucible of war is a major part of this story.

Offers an account of the origins, events and outcome of the Battle of Poltava in 1709, at which Peter the Great's newly modernized Russian Army smashed the Swedish Army of Charles XII, thus ending more than 50 years of Swedish military supremacy in northern Europe. The book is illustrated with detailed maps and diagrams, and with contemporary drawings and prints.

By the time of his death in 1725 Peter the Great had placed Russia among the foremost European powers, and had created a military system that has infuenced the European balance of power until the present day. In this companion volume to Men-at-Arms 260, Peter the Great's Army 1: Infantry, Angus Konstam discusses Tsar Peter's cavalry, both the regular troops and irregular forces such as the Cossacks, exploring their composition and effectiveness, and also outlines the development of the Russian train of artillery. The Author's text is complemented by a multitude of illustrations and photographs, including eight full page colour plates by David Rickman.