About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherAnness Publishing

ISBN-100754823407

ISBN-139780754823407

eBay Product ID (ePID)92392756

Product Key Features

Book TitleIllustrated Encyclopedia of Uniforms of World War I : An Expert Guide to the Uniforms of Britain, France, Russia, America, Germany and Austro-Hungary with over 650 Colour Illustrations

Number of Pages256 Pages

LanguageEnglish

Publication Year2011

TopicMilitary / General, Military / World War I

IllustratorYes

GenreHistory

AuthorJonathan North

Book SeriesMilitary Uniforms Ser.

FormatHardcover

Dimensions

Item Height0.9 in

Item Weight46.5 Oz

Item Length12.2 in

Item Width9.4 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade

Dewey Edition22

Dewey Decimal355.1409041

SynopsisThe war of 1914 to 1918 was a military, political and social disaster. No other war changed the map of Europe so drastically: four empires disappeared, the German, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and the Russian; four defunct dynasties fell, together with their ancillary aristocracies; and more than 15 million people were killed, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in history. The dramatic political and social changes of the period were mirrored in the uniforms of the armed forces, and the contrast between pre-war Europe and 1919 could not be more apparent. The soldiers of 1900 were dressed in bright blues, whites, reds and greens in dashing styles that would have been familiar to the previous century. Those of 1919 were attired in the colours of earth and dust, designed to camouflage and protect from the ever-increasing weight of firepower. Another evolution in warfare was in the hardware and ammunition available. By 1915, the war seemed like a struggle between technologies designed to kill more and attempts to preserve the lives of the soldiery. Uniforms were a key component in the attempt to negate the power exerted over the battlefield by the likes of the Maxim machinegun, France's 75 mm gun or a Mauser fitted with an optical sight. This book charts these developments in fascinating detail: how the remaining reds and blues disappeared and infantry were clothed in browns, greys and greens; how officers sought to make themselves less conspicuous and less of a target, reducing rank insignia to a minimum, leaving swords behind and adopting elements of dress used by other ranks. How armies introduced, developed and modified protective equipment, from helmets to gas masks, and adapted existing equipment and existing procedures for the demands of modern warfare. The illustrations show in painstaking detail the changes, minor distinctions and uniform developments of all the major nations involved in the conflict, while the informative text brings to life one of the darkest periods of European military history. Evocative photographs of the struggle and stunning illustrations of the uniforms show in detail the changes, reforms and modifications of all the major powers, Great Britain, France, Russia, Germany and Austria-Hungary. The book also features the uniforms of America, Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Serbia and Montenegro, Romania, Greece, Japan, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria. This unprecedented volume is an incredible visual study of the uniforms of a pivotal period of military history, and of its context., This unique illustrated book charts the development in military uniform in relation to a shifting world, in an incredible visual directory with expert analysis and commentary., An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Uniforms of World War I An expert guide to the uniforms of Britain, France, Russia, America, Germany and Austria-Hungary with over 650 colour illustrations - An unparalleled visual catalogue of the uniforms of Britain, France, Russia, America, Germany and Austria-Hungary, with additional detail on the armies of Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Serbia, the Ottomans, Japan and others - A definitive analysis of the command structures of the armies, and the deployment, tactics and motivation of these national forces, as well as fascinating detail of day-to-day life for the soldiers - An insightful introduction gives a concise, account of the war, setting out its political and social background - Illustrations also include contemporaneous photographs and dramatic fine art paintings, which bring to life the experience of the soldiers on campaign The war of 1914-1918 was a military, political and social disaster. No other war changed the map of Europe so drastically, and more than 15 million people were killed. The dramatic political and social changes of the period were mirrored in the uniforms of the armed forces, and the contrast between pre-war Europe and 1919 could not be more apparent. This unique illustrated book charts the developments in military uniform in fascinating detail: how the reds and blues of 1900 soldiers gave way to the less conspicuous browns, greys and greens. It also tracks the evolution of hardware and ammunition. Evocative photographs of the struggle and stunning illustrations of the uniforms show in detail the changes, reforms and modifications of all the major powers, Great Britain, France, Russia, Germany and Austria-Hungary. This unprecedented volume is an incredible visual study of the uniforms of a pivotal period of military history, and of its context. About the Authors Jonathan North is a military historian and editor specializing in Napoleonic warfare, eastern European history and the Great War. He has written, translated, contributed to and edited many publications on aspects of military history and the impact of warfare on society. Consultant Jeremy Black MBE is the most active representative of British academic history in his field. His body of over 150 published works adds up to the most sustained presentation of British history in recent decades., Expert and stunning illustrations show in painstaking detail the uniforms and their developments for all the major nations involved in World War I.

LC Classification NumberUC480