Description

French Émigré Armies of the Revolutionary Wars tells the story of these counter-revolutionary forces for the first time in English. Their origins, organisation, uniforms, and fates are described in detail by drawing on primary documents, testimony and recently discovered artwork and illustrated with specially commissioned colour images.

The French Revolution emerged from a period when recognised norms within and among nations were pushed to breaking point and beyond. Nevertheless, there were Frenchmen who sought to stop and even reverse the unfolding events. After they had been forced to seek sanctuary in neighbouring territories, they formed military units so that their opposition could become an armed counter-revolution. In some cases, the effort was to be short-lived, but for others, it was to last for more than a decade.

Conventional historiography has, for the most part, left this story unheeded or marginalised. In French Émigré Armies of the Revolutionary Wars, the authors aim to provide an authoritative yet concise guide to these units for military historians, enthusiasts, model makers, and wargamers. As well as giving a differently nuanced account for general readers interested in the French Revolution.

This, the first volume, is focused on the Armée des Princes (1791-1792) while the second will cover the Armée de Condé (1793-1801).