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Ross, Anna / Aliprantis, Christos: State-Making in an Age of Revolution, 1830-1880 99,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:40:07 +0200

How did states expand in the mid-nineteenth century? While scholars now associate the period after the 1848 revolutions with a striking increase in state activity, few have demonstrated how new state-building measures were put into practice. From France to Hungary and Scandinavia to Spain, State-Making in An Age of Revolution shows how officials went about implementing reform. With original contributions grounded in extensive archival research, this volume casts light on the scale at which officials relied on elites, professionals, and technical experts both inside and outside of government - and even from outside their own states - to carry out their expanding work. Together, these findings help us to re-think the reach and nature of growing states during these pivotal decades of change.

Table of Contents
Notes on Contributors
1. Introduction | ANNA ROSS and CHRISTOS ALIPRANTIS
Part I: Centralisation
2. Public Finance and the Limits of Centralisation in France, 184070 | JEROME GREENFIELD
3. The Emperors Desk: Public Service in the Habsburg Monarchy and the Role of the Emperor | PETER BECKER and JANA OSTERKAMP
Part II: Establishing Collaboration in Provinces
4. Unity, Uniformity, and Strict Discipline? State Police Surveillance in Hungary, 1849?60 | ÁGNES DEÁK
5. A Dead Letter in the Hands of Local Authorities? Implementing Public Health Legislation in French Provincial Cities, 185060 | WILL CLEMENT
6. Synchronising State and Society: Germany in the Networked Age | JEAN-MICHEL JOHNSTON
Part III: Working across Borders
7. An Open Border for Two Bordered States: Basque Disputes and the Remaking of the Franco-Spanish Frontier, 182956 | TALITHA ILACQUA
8. Between Local Communities and Interstate Police Cooperation: The Intendenti on the Border of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies | LAURA DI FIORE
9. Monks, Revolutionaries, and the Frivolity of Closing the Border: The Austro-Swiss Conflict of 1853-1855 and the International Policing of Dissent | HELÉNA TÓTH
Part IV: Contesting Sovereignty
10. Unification or State Formation? Norwegian Officers as Union Deconstructors, 183070 | ROALD BERG
11. Extraterritoriality, Political Policing, and Military Intelligence in Central Europe, 181571 | CHRISTOS ALIPRANTIS
12. The French Military Occupation in the Papal States, 184966: Imperialism and Sovereignty at the time of Italian Unification | ALESSANDRO CAPONE
13. The Mixed Courts of Egypt: A Reform Come True or European Trojan Horse? An Imbalanced Struggle over Statehood, Territoriality, and the Rule of Law in Egypt, 184082 | BEATRICE DE GRAAF
Part V: Conclusion
14. Conclusion | CHRISTOPHER CLARK
Index

Dotto, Bruno/Browne, Jeff (Hrsg.): Decision in Lombardy 59,95 €

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:50:14 +0200

Volume 62 of the series "From Musket to Maxim 18151914." Just before dawn on June 24, 1859, near the small northern Italian town of Solferino, the largest battle fought on the European continent since the Napoleonic Wars unfolded. This decisive engagement of the Second Italian War of Independence raged throughout the day and into the evening along an 18-kilometer front line. Often underestimated in its significance, the battle involved nearly 300,000 men of all armscommanded, for the last time in history, by three reigning monarchs. Today, the Battle of Solferino-San Martino is widely regarded as the birth of the Red Cross; yet the events of that day encompassed far more. This work, translated from the original Italian, has been enriched with newly created and previously unpublished maps and illustrations. It offers valuable insights for historians, military enthusiasts, and wargamers alikegroups that will all appreciate the depth and precision of its depiction of the combat operations between Austrian, French, and Piedmontese forces. This clear and meticulously researched analysis sheds new light on events and personalities that have hitherto remained in the shadows of history. It examines in detail the extensive reconnaissance operations that prompted Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria to resume the offensive against the allied armies of France and the Kingdom of Sardinia. The deadly sequence of encounter battles that unfolded between the three warring armies spanned three main sectors: the San Martino plateau in the north, the hilly terrain surrounding Solferino in the center, and the plains of Medole and Guidizzolo in the south. These engagements were fought largely independently, with only limited coordination between the individual troop units. The fighting erupted with great ferocityinitially at Medole, and subsequently along the ridge extending from Grole through Solferino to Cavriana and onward toward Volta Mantovana. Each of these engagements is meticulously analyzed, described, and interpreted; in doing so, the narrative draws upon a comparative evaluation of reports submitted by subordinate commanders, which have been preserved in state and military archives. Particular attention is devoted to the Austrian "Alte Feldakten" (Old Field Records), housed within the extensive archival collections in Vienna. Finally, this work offers a long-overdue reconstruction of the role played by the Venetian soldiers serving in the Imperial Regiment "Wernhardt"men recruited from the provinces of Treviso and Venice whose contribution has, until now, been largely overlooked by historians.

Guttman, Jon: 2nd Pursuit Group, USAS 46,95 €

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:05:06 +0200

When the 2nd Pursuit Group entered combat on the Western Front in the summer of 1918 to reinforce the United States Army Air Service, it was composed of the 13th, 22nd, 49th, and 139th Aero Squadrons. Although the 103rd Aero Squadron was temporarily assigned to the group, it was eventually exchanged for the 49th Aero Squadron to serve as the core unit for the formation of the 3rd Pursuit Group. While it did not achieve the same level of renown as the 1st "Hat-in-the-Ring" Group or the 3rd "Indian Head" Group, the 2nd Pursuit Group nevertheless made its own significant contribution to the Allied victory in the air. Its complete history is told here for the first time.

Boeri, Giancarlo: L'esercito Pontificio 1800-1860 35,00 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:40:07 +0200

This study was inspired by a series of engravings by A. Pochon depicting Swiss troops in the service of the Holy See between 1830 and 1860 (including the Swiss Guard). In his drawings, Pochon portrayedamong othersvarious members of the Papal Foreign Brigade (which in 1831 consisted primarily of Swiss volunteers, was disbanded in 1849, and was finally reconstituted in 1852), as well as, separately, the Pope's Swiss Guard. "Soldiershop" has therefore seized the opportunity to present this research on the service of Swiss troops to the Holy See during the first half of the 19th century, situated within the historical and political context of the Papal States (and their armed forces) between 1820 and 1860. For the accompanying text, they drew upon a study by Donato Tamblé, excerpts from the Moroni Dictionary, and information from the work of Paolo Dalla Torre; for the illustrations, they utilized unpublished images derived largely from contemporary depictions or from the renowned Piroli Collection (Museum of the Risorgimento in Rome), as well as from the records of Brandani and Boeri.

Dodson, Aidan: British Light Cruisers of the First World War 39,95 €

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:55:06 +0200

A wholly new kind of cruiser for the Royal Navy, intended to work with the fleet, was developed in 1912. With its first units completed during 1914-15 as the Arethusa class, the concept was developed during the war years through the 'C' and 'D' classes, culminating in the 'E' class, ordered in 1918, and which would be the fastest and most heavily torpedo-armed cruisers ever built for the Navy. Although intended for North Sea service, during the postwar years the survivors would be deployed all over the world, and play a significant role in every theatre of the Second World War. Today, one of their number, HMS Caroline, still survives, the last British ship left to have fought at Jutland. They were indeed valiant ships.
This new book explains their origins and technical development, their many modifications, and service in war and peace. During the First World War they were in the thick of the battles in the North Sea, before Cardiffhad the honour of leading the High Seas Fleet into internment. Service against the Bolsheviks in the Baltic was followed by the routine of the peacetime navy, and then progressive disposals, before growing war clouds halted scrappings and initiated conversions into highly capable anti-aircraft ships.
They were in the thick of the fighting during the first years of the Second World War, while Coventry went on to become the Royal Navy's top-scoring anti-aircraft ship; but they suffered horrific losses, especially in the Mediterranean. Peace brought the curtain down on three decades of service, and all survivors passed to the shipbreakers during 1946-48, except for Caroline.
The author has drawn both on archival and published material, and the book is extensively illustrated with photographs and drawings, covering all the significant changes in the ships' appearances and armament during their long careers. It also provides a unique documentation of the guns and mountings fitted in the ships over their lives.

From Balkans to Babylon 69,95 €

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:06:15 +0200

The first English-language book covering the history, variants, and deployment of Zastava AK rifles, as well as the Iraqi-manufactured Tabuk AKs. For collectors, researchers, armorers, and passionate AK enthusiasts, *From Balkans to Babylon* stands as the most comprehensive reference work ever published on one of the world's most fascinating Kalashnikov lineagesthe Zastava M70 and its successors. This large-format reference volume traces the entire trajectory of Zastava-pattern AKsfrom the factories of socialist Yugoslavia to the battlefields of Iraq and beyondcombining declassified CIA and KGB documents, firsthand photographs from war zones, and contributions from seasoned experts with direct field experience. The result is an authoritative, richly illustrated volume that serves equally well as a practical identification guide and a premier reference tool for collectors. Contents include: The complete developmental history of the Zastava M70 and its variants, from its introduction by the Yugoslav Army to modern Serbian production; A comprehensive overview of Zastavas 5.56mm riflesthe M80, M85, and M21featuring clear variant comparisons; A dedicated section on Iraqi small arms production, including known Tabuk variants and rare, previously unpublished rifles; Prototypes and obscure variants documented here for the first time in print; Markings, manufacturing details, and identification aids for collectors and provenance research; High-resolution, detail-oriented photographs captured in active conflict zones across the Middle East and Africa; An illustrated developmental timeline tracing the journey of Zastava AKs across shifting nations, wars, and international arms transfers. Primary source research based on declassified intelligence archives and records from the Yugoslav era. What makes this book unique? Most AK reference works rely on photographs taken at shooting ranges and on secondary sources. "From Balkans to Babylon" was written differentlythe author acquired his knowledge in various war zones, gained access to the intelligence archives of two Cold War superpowers, learned the Serbian language in order to interpret primary sources, and consulted with experts possessing unique knowledge and experience regarding these weapons. Every page reflects this standard of research. Whether you wish to identify a specific rifle, build a comprehensive AK reference library, or trace the geopolitical journey of one of the Cold War's most widely exported weapon platformsthis is the book this subject has always deserved.

Braeuer, L.: German U-Boat Base at Lorient, France. Voume 4 39,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:40:07 +0200

The fourth volume of this four-volume series presents the fates of the German submarines that were stationed at the Lorient submarine base after August 1943.

Watters, Stephen J.: Aircraft Carrier Furious 39,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:40:07 +0200

The aircraft carrier HMS Furious was perhaps the most important ship in the development of naval aviation. It was effectively the testing ground for carrier-based aviation, which emerged during the First World War and achieved naval supremacy in the Second World War. During its highly experimental deployment, it underwent several modifications. The story of its design, its missions and its crucial role in the advancement of carrier aviation is told in detail in this book. The Furious was originally designed as a large light cruiser or battlecruiser, one of the Fisher children, with two 18-inch guns, minimal armour and a planned top speed of 32 knots. However, even before its completion, it was converted and given a large hangar and a flight deck in the bow, replacing one of its guns. In this configuration, it performed the first landing of an aircraft on a moving aircraft carrier, carried out by Squadron Leader Dunning. Further modifications led to the addition of a 300-foot landing deck aft, and in this form she launched the first carrier attack on the Zeppelin hangars at Tondern in Denmark in 1915. After further redesign and refitting, she became a flat-deck carrier in 1925, and in this form, with further development in 1938-39, she served until September 1944. The author emphasises that it was not only an extremely important experimental platform for the Fleet Air Arm between the wars, but also served with distinction during the Second World War, first in the Norway campaign and later, for example, in the attack on the Tirpitz in 1944. The following year, it was decommissioned, but its legacy lived on in the large fleet aircraft carriers that emerged after the war. The story of this remarkable ship is told here in a concise and easy-to-read text, aided by an excellent collection of ship plans and photographs, and is sure to become an invaluable reference work for naval enthusiasts, students of early naval aviation and ship model builders alike.

Anderson, Thomas: Guardians of Neutrality 99,00 €

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:06:15 +0200

This is a comprehensive account of the development of Swiss military rifles, covering more than a century of innovation, precision and craftsmanship. Unlike previous publications by the publisher, this book takes a more academic approach, while maintaining the usual high standard of photography and in-depth analysis. From the legendary Vetterli rifle to the modern precision weapons of the Swiss Army, this book examines the development, design and use of Swiss service rifles in both a historical and technical context. This book covers the following rifles: Vetterli rifles; straight-pull rifles; telescopic sight carbines; self-loading rifles; assault rifles. With rare archival images, detailed close-ups and expert commentary, Guardians of Neutrality offers a unique insight into Switzerland's heritage in the field of small arms. Whether you are a collector, historian or simply a lover of military firearms, this book is a reference work on the weapons that have ensured Switzerland's neutrality for generations.

Neumann, Hans-Rudolf: Portugal. Fortifikatorischer Exkursionsbericht einer Studienreise vom 20. bis 28.09.2025 32,95 €

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 07:00:09 +0200

Military architecture is an important part of Portugal's architectural and artistic heritage. Both medieval and modern fortifications can be found along the coast and in the border regions. At 1,214 kilometres, the border between Spain and Portugal is the longest between two countries in the European Union. The border area is called A Raia or the strip in Portuguese. Strong coastal fortifications also protected the country from invasions by enemy naval forces on the Atlantic Ocean. Until the 20th century, a dense network of coastal batteries protected the capital Lisbon. The Torre de Belém fortress tower was regarded worldwide as a model for securing Portuguese possessions. The study trip led by the author with international participants took place from 20 to 28 September 2025. First, the coastal fortifications in Lisbon and Peniche were visited, with a detour to the defensive structures of Torres Vedras. This was followed by a full-day stay at the World Heritage fortress of Elvas. The city also served as a starting point for visits to the three Raia fortresses of Marvao, Almeida and Valenca do Minho, which are considered World Heritage candidates. The return journey via Porto included further visits to fortifications in the coastal area. The experiences of the tour are recorded in the documentation.

Bergström, Christer: Black Cross, Red Star. Air War over the Eastern Front. Volume 7: On to the West Winter and Spring 1943-1944 79,95 €

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 19:09:16 +0200

This is the direct sequel to Black Cross, Red Star, Volume 6, and describes in detail and with a balanced perspective from both sides the further development of the dramatic air war on the Eastern Front in the winter and spring of 1943-1944. This was a time when the Soviet Air Force caught up with and, in some cases, even surpassed the Germans' initial qualitative advantage, leading to increased German losses. At the same time, the Luftwaffe still had a hard core of veterans who had survived the early years of the war and therefore had immense combat experience. In battles with these men, who were virtually unrivalled even in other areas of the Luftwaffe's operations, Soviet pilots continued to suffer heavy losses. The air war on the Eastern Front was more relentless than ever during the period covered here. The Germans fought with their backs to the wall, while the Soviets drew strength from the growing certainty that final victory was within reach.

Troiani, Don/Field, Ron: Don Troiani's Civil War Uniforms of Union and Confederate Soldiers 29,95 €

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 07:25:05 +0200

Don Troiani's masterful craftsmanship and Ron Field's informative documentation bring the soldiers of the American Civil War to life. Renowned military historian and artist Don Troiani and military historian and author Ron Field have teamed up to create an appealing book for re-enactors, model builders and all historians interested in Civil War soldiers. The 150 figure studies85 from the North and 65 from the Southshow in detail all aspects of uniforms and headgear: coats, trousers, caps and epaulettes, badges, buckles, buttons and boots, as well as the weapons and equipment each soldier carried. Cavalrymen, infantrymen, sharpshooters, Zouaves, from captains and commanders to ordinary soldiersall who wore blue, grey, and the colourful and fascinating shades of red, green, yellow, and gold are depicted in vivid and accurate detail. Troiani's masterful illustrations and Field's documentation are based on impeccable research of eyewitness accounts and quartermaster reports, as well as careful examination of surviving artefacts. This book puts the soldier at the centre and is both a visual delight and an informative resource.

Martin, Paul: Japanese Sword and Armor. Masterpieces from Thirty of Japan's Greatest Samurai Warriors 39,95 €

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 06:55:05 +0200

In "Japanese Swords and Armour", samurai sword expert Paul Martin presents numerous magnificent blades, fittings and armour from the 12th to 20th centuries that belonged to 30 of the most famous warriors and leaders in Japanese history, including: A wooden sword commissioned and owned by Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; An exact replica of the sword he wielded in the legendary duel on the island of Ganryu-jima; The Tachi blade carried by Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate and powerful unifier of Japan - and later presented to the Meiji Emperor; The katchu (armour) of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, hero of the Genpei Wars, which was later presented as a votive offering to the Kasuga Shrine in Nara; The naginata (halberd), which was the weapon of choice of Tomoe Gozen, Japan's famous female samurai, and immortalised in the classic "Tale of Heike"; And many more! These masterful works of art are presented in 200 richly detailed colour photographs, including eight double fold-out pages. Many of these objects, which rival the world's greatest military artefacts, have been designated as national treasures or important cultural properties by the Japanese government, reflecting their importance to the samurai, their culture and to the nation and people of Japan.

Schels, J. B.: Die Operazionen der verbündeten Heere gegen Paris im März 1814 Band 2 70,00 €

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:55:07 +0200

Based on original Austrian sources. The author traces the Allied operations against Paris in 1814 in great detail, consisting of volumes 6 to 8. Handwritten note: Volume 2, maps complete.

Ode to the Falcon - 50 Years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon 54,95 €

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 07:35:05 +0200

This book is the most comprehensive ever released by HMH Publications and is published on the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the F-16. It has more than 400 pages, in which around 500 unique action photos have been collected and for which more than 50 detailed color profiles have been created. It provides an overview of the F-16 in the 21st century, in service in some 30 countries. The first part of the book, over 120 pages, is devoted to the F-16 in American service: Air Combat Command, Air Reserve Command, Air National Guard, Pacific Command, Europe Command, Thunderbirds, US Navy, etc. Also the QF -16 drone is discussed.

The second part contains all other countries that fly the F-16. 27 countries are discussed, each in a separate chapter of between 14, 8 and 4 pages.

Furthermore, there are chapters on the technical side of the F-16, maintenance, armament & defense systems, ground crew, etc. There is also a chapter on the Mitsubishi F.2, which is a completely different aircraft, but clearly inspired by the F-16.

Simmons, Mark: Ian Fleming and Operation Golden Eye. Keeping Spain out of World War II 24,95 €

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:55:07 +0200

The role of British author Ian Fleming (best known as the creator of James Bond) during the Second World War and his involvement in a secret mission to prevent Spain from entering the war on the side of the Axis powers. The plan was to use acts of sabotage, espionage and diplomacy to weaken pro-German elements in Spain and secure British interests. A central aim was to protect Gibraltar, which was under British control, from a possible Spanish-German attack. The book sheds light on a little-known episode in Ian Fleming's life and shows how his work in the secret service helped to keep Spain neutral during the Second World War. It offers insights into the creation of Operation Golden Eye and illustrates how diplomatic and clandestine operations influenced the conduct of the war.

Reichspostministerium (Hrsg.): Der Post- und Fernmeldedienst Band 4 1. Teil 19,95 €

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 06:55:07 +0200

1st edition of the postal guide for training at the German Reichspost. The basics of the administrative service, a guide and signpost with the legal foundations of administrative work. Structure and tasks, history of the postal and telecommunications system, laws, budgetary and social matters and much more. A historical document.