Dawson, Paul L. Napoleon's Imperial Guard Uniforms and Equipment. Volume 1: The Infantry

From its origins as the Consular Guard of the French Republic, and as Napoleon's personal bodyguard, the Imperial Guard developed into a force of all arms numbering almost 100000 men. Used by Napoleon as his principle tactical reserve, the Guard was engaged only sparingly, being deployed at the crucial moment of battle to turn the tide of victory in favor of the Emperor of the French.Naturally, the Imperial Guard has been the subject of numerous books over many decades, yet there has never been a publication that has investigated the uniforms and equipment of the infantry of the Imperial Guard in such detail and with such precision. The author has collected copies of almost all the surviving documents relating to the Guard, which includes a vast amount of material regarding the issuing of dress items, even in some instances down to company level.This information is supported by an unrivalled collection of illustrations, many of which have never been published before, as well as images of original items of equipment held in museums and private collections across the globe. In addition, the renowned military artist, Keith Rocco, has produced a series of unique paintings commissioned exclusively for this book.This glorious book is, and will remain, unsurpassed as the standard work on the clothing and equipment of the Imperial Guard, and will not only be invaluable to historians, but also reenactors, wargamers and modelers. It is one of the most important publications ever produced on this most famous of military formations.

In compiling this work, the author has collated and analysed the majority of the available source material on the Napoleonic Guard troops. A not inconsiderable part of the material brought to light in this way contains information on the uniforms, equipment and armour of the cavalry troops of the Guards. This information is supported by around 100 contemporary illustrations, many of which have never been published before, as well as recent colour photographs of original items held in museums and private collections around the world. In addition, renowned military painter Keith Rocco has produced a series of unique paintings commissioned exclusively for this book. This magnificent book remains unrivalled as the standard reference work for the uniform and equipment of the Imperial Guard infantry at the time of Napoleon I and is eagerly sought after by re-enactors, wargamers and modellers, and will stand on the bookshelves of historians and enthusiasts as one of the most important publications ever published on this most famous of military formations.