Elite Soldiers of England Osprey Books

When civil war erupted in England in 1642, it quickly involved every level of society throughout the British Isles. On one side the King and his supporters fought for traditional government in Church and State. On the other, the supporters of Parliament sought radical changes in religion and economic policy, and a greater share of power at the national level. This is the first of two volumes in the Elite series that deal with the recruitment, organisation, equipment, training and tactics of the soldiers who fought in the English Civil War. Keith Roberts authoritative text opens with an account of the origins of the military theory used by both sides, before discussing the organisation, weapons, dress, logistics and management of the infantry throughout the Civil War. Plenty of illustrations and photographs populate this text, with 12 full page colour plates by the brilliant Angus McBride. The companion volume, Elite 27, covers the cavalry of the era.