Franz Joseph I and Karl. These emperors ruled a multiethnic empire destined to become one of the central powers in World War I. In addition to the studio portraits shown, the candid photos offer an authentic view of life in the trenches and on the battlefield. Each photo has been carefully chosen and researched to offer the reader detailed information on the k.u.k (royal and imperial) Empires air, motor and medical corps, as well as infantry, artillery, pioneer and railroad troops. There are chapters covering highly decorated elite units, such as the Bosnian and the Kaiserschuetzen. A full color section of heretofore unpublished photos of original head dress, uniforms, equipment and accessories used by the k.u.k armed forces provides valuable information on the materials, markings, stamps, and construction of field caps, cavalry helmets and flight gear. Also included in this section are pilot badges and cap and collar insignia. This book is an indispensable resource for all historians, collectors, re-enactors, war gamers and model builders. 550 colour & b/w photographs

Spencer Coil examines the uniforms and equipment used by the multiethnic Czarist Russian Forces during the turbulent reign of Czar Nicholas II. In addition to a remarkable selection of studio photos, stunning candid photos of front-oviki, or frontline troops, offer an authentic view of trench and battlefield life. Each photo has been carefully chosen and researched to offer the reader detailed information on the medical, motor, naval and air service branches as well as artillery, machinegun, pioneer, infantry, cavalry, and guard troops. There are chapters covering Cossacks, Caucasian irregulars, POWs, St. George Cross recipients and Czar Nicholas II. A full color section of heretofore unpublished photos of original headdress, equipment and accessories used by the armed forces provides valuable information on materials, markings, stamps and construction. This work is an outstanding and indispensable resource for all historians, collectors, re-enactors, war gamers, model builders and Czarist Russia enthusiasts.

Definitive new history of the Austro-Hungarian Royal and Imperial Army during the First World War.

In this new book, Spencer Coil examines various models of uniforms and equipment used by the multiethnic French armed forces in the First World War. A carefully chosen and researched selection of period photographs enables the reader to visualize a climactic era in history, as experienced by the poilus (French soldiers) serving in the trenches and on the battlefields. There are detailed chapters covering French machineguns, medical, artillery, motor corps, infantry, chasseur, armored car and tank units as well as the air service and the cavalry's hussars, dragoons and cuirassiers. Other chapters examine the French foreign legion, Zouaves, and Tirailleurs. A full color section shows heretofore unpublished photos of headdress, uniforms, equipment, and accoutrements used by the French armed forces in the First World War. This work is a must for all serious historians, collectors, wargamers, model builders, and re-enactors. 600 colour & b/w photographs

The part played in World War I (1914-1918) by the army of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy is little known to English-speakers, perhaps because the end of the war saw the complete destruction of the Empire. Yet it was of central importance, providing nearly all Central Powers forces on the Italian front, huge numbers on the Russian front, seven Army Corps in the Balkans – and even a little-known contingent in Turkey and Palestine. The first half of the story of this complex multi-national organization at war is described here in a concise but detailed text, supported by data tables and an insignia chart, and illustrated with rare photographs and colourful uniform plates.

This unique illustrated book charts the development in military uniform in relation to a shifting world, in an incredible visual directory with expert analysis and commentary.