by Jean-Louis Vial.
Softcover (7.0×9.8 inches). 119 pages. 2023.
Subtitle: Volume 2: Regimental Distinctions and Colours
Subtitle: Part 2: French Regiments No. 75 to No. 105 and Foreign Regiments
Each regiment receives a short history of a few paragraphs followed by uniforms and colors section. It discusses the official regulations versus the period illustrations, including changes over time, slight differences with other regiments, and the colonel’s colors. Most also note that the drummers wore the Royal livery — presumably covered in a previous volume.
The illustrations, often two regiments per page, usually showcase one or two color coat profiles, sometimes a color front coat illustration, and the regimental flag. Sometimes, changes by year are shown, other times, only a flag or only a coat is shown.
Not every regiment is included. Of the No. 75 to No. 105, only 20 regiments are covered. There are no illustrations of information for regiments 90-95, 98, 99, and 101-103.
Of the foreign regiments, covered are 12 Swiss and Grisonian, 14 German, eight Irish and Swedish, two Italian, two Liegeoise, and two militia regiments.
If you are looking for a reference for 7YW French infantry uniforms, Volume 2 will be a big help. Volume 1 would be a good idea, too.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
