Louis XIV's Army (Men-At-Arms Series, 203)

Louis XIV's army was in many ways the first modern army. After assuming power in 1661, Louis abolished the post of Colonel G n ral of Infantry so he could exercise direct control over the armed forces in his realm. The king demanded order, discipline and absolute loyalty from his army, and he introduced a military draft in 1688 - the first step towards what we know as conscription in modern armies. This book chronicles the development of Louis XIV's army during his 54-year reign, including the units, uniforms and weapons of the elite Maison du Roi. Numerous illustrations portray the uniforms, colours and standards of his troops in vivid detail.