Saturday, April 18, 2020

Bilder des deutschen Wehrstandes: Baden und der schwäbische Kreis 1500 - 1800


Pictures of the German Military Profession: Baden and the Swabian district 1500 - 1800
Author: Schreiber, Guido
Publishing place: Karlsruhe | Year of publication: 1851 | Publisher: Herder
Signature: 4 Germ.g. 168 m











Der alte Kurfürst von Hessen im Jahr 1806

 Schreiber, Guido (1851)


Translation:

“In the years before 1806, the old Elector of Hesse was an inspector for the Westphalian Regiments. At the annual revues everything poured onto the ore places to watch the magnificent spectacle. The elector came on horseback, in the past few years in carriages. Everything was quiet and greeted the great general, who was also a reigning gentleman. The same man went down the stately front of a regiment with a large retinue, and said repeatedly: Beautiful people. The real review, however, was that the elector took a normal measure from his pocket, according to which he judged the braids of the soldiers. Sometimes they were too fat, sometimes too thin; sometimes too long, sometimes too short; sometimes too close, sometimes too far from the head; few found mercy before his eyes. Turning against the head of the regiment, he then said aloud that everyone around could hear it, "Oh, General, it is cruelly difficult to make a good braid." (Eylert Memories.)






Thursday, April 16, 2020

The Legion in Exile: The Kurhessian Troops Corps in Bohemia 1809



The Legion in Exile: The Kurhessian Troops Corps in Bohemia 1809" is a captivating 462-page narrative that explores a lesser-known chapter of Napoleonic history. The book delves into the tumultuous period following Napoleon's occupation of Kurhessen and the subsequent exile of William I , Elector of Hesse, to Bohemia.

The narrative is rich in historical detail, tracing the resistance efforts spearheaded by small insurgent groups against the backdrop of Napoleonic domination. A significant focus is placed on the personal experiences of common soldiers, offering readers an intimate glimpse into their journey through the ranks during this era of uprising.

A central theme of the book is the Elector's formidable challenge in assembling and managing a diverse legion composed of both Hessian and foreign troops in Bohemia. This examination provides insights into the complexities of leadership, the intricacies of military organization, and the dynamics of a multi-national force under the extraordinary circumstances of exile.

The author skillfully intertwines political and military history, presenting a comprehensive account that is both informative and engaging. It is an essential read for those interested in the Napoleonic Wars, the history of Hesse, and the study of military leadership and organization under duress.


PURCHASE

The Legion in Exile: The Kurhessian Troops Corps in Bohemia 1809