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by Barney White-Spunner.
Hardback (6.3×9.4 inches). 360 pages. 2025.
The five armies chosen represent not just tactical expertise, but the strategic advancement of their national interests over time. The armies are: Roman Army under Constantine in the 300s AD/CE that lasted over 1,000 years, Ottoman Army of 1402 that led to widespread conquests including much of Eastern Europe, Cromwell’s New Model Army of 1644 that set the model for British armies, Prussian Army after 1806 with formal structure and respected by civilian population, and American Army of 1940s that paired overseas operation with mobilized industry.
Those broad accomplishments receive detailed examination within each respective chapter. For example, the Constantin reforms included separating army from policing, creating smaller maneuver units of 1,000 soldiers, reworking cavalry into a strike force instead of flank guard, organized training of infantry and cavalry working together, incorporating “barbarian” forces within Roman structure as part of training, and revamped recruiting, pay, terms of service, and equipment. The argument is not that bits and pieces weren’t done before, but that a holistic approach yielded long-term benefits.
Lots of factoids pepper the text. For example, during 1940-1941, the US Army rejected 40% of recruits that didn’t meet the minimum requirements of being 5 feet tall, weight of at least 105 pounds, free of venereal disease and hernias, and having 12 or more natural teeth. Also, more than two million were rejected for psychological reasons (p142).
Yet some Waterloo Campaign factoids seem wrong. It was the first to inoculate soldiers for smallpox (p293). As I recall, it was George Washington during the American Revolution that mandated the Continental Army soldiers be inoculated — with Washington being the first to show it was safe. It was the first time howitzer shells were used — I would think it was earlier, like during the Marlborough era or even a bit earlier. These factoids are a pair that I believe are incorrect, but whether more lurk within the text, I don’t know, but these were the only ones I found overly odd. I never had a question with the vast majority of factoids offered.
One non-fatal typo: “pages xx-xx” (p321) apparently slipped by the editor.
The book contains six black and white maps, nine color photos, 11 color illustrations, five black and white photos, and one black and white illustration.
Obviously, some notable armies, like Roman Republic and Napoleonic France, are not mentioned but I followed the reasoning. As this only concerns Europe, Mongol armies under Ghengis Khan or ancient Chinese armies are not included, although they seemed to fit the general criteria of competent, socially respectable, and long-term. Maybe there’s a book about Armies That Made Asia is in the offing?
In any case, I found the premise and criteria fascinating and likely open to debate. It made me think and that’s a good thing. It may make you think, too.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
