Reviews for Giant of the Grand Siecle

The average rating for Giant of the Grand Siecle based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2011-07-25 00:00:00 David Schuler This is a highly valuable work that fills a major gap in Ludovican historiography. Professor Lynn provides the first detailed study of the French army in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. He stresses that the army was the largest institution created by the Bourbon monarchy, and it played a significant role in France's rise to European dominance during the grand siecle. The author examines the tremendous growth of the French army along with its administration and supply, military command, rank and file, military technology, and tactics. He concludes that the era witnessed few changes in military tactics, especially concerning the cavalry and artillery. Even so, the French infantry adopted Dutch and Swedish arms, drill, and tactics. The army changed from matchlock muskets and pike to flintlocks and socket bayonets in the later part of the century. Operationally, the French avoided battle and embraced siege warfare. Louis XIV and his generals preferred siege warfare because of the costly nature and indecisiveness of battles. In siege warfare the French were masters of fortress construction and siege operations. The study is based on research in French archives as well as published primary and secondary works. It includes a bibliography of studies published in the French and English languages.

Review # 2 was written on 2013-02-13 00:00:00 Ben Rawles Lynn's work is the go-to English language book for learning about the French military in the 17th century.