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Friday 31 May 2013

Artful Readers Club May Read - The Military Experience in the Age of Reason by Christopher Duffy

This month's Artful Readers Club book is a factual book describing the state of the military during the years 1650 - 1790.
An odd choice you may think but I have to confess to being a bit of an anorak concerning military matters, especially during the Napoleonic Wars.  This book, however, introduced me to a period of history I knew very little about and one that was left untouched by my school education.  In short, I learned something new!


The Age of Reason was a cultural movement of intellectuals in 17th and 18th centuries which began first in Europe and later in the American colonies.  Its purpose was to reform society using reason; challenge ideas grounded in tradition and faith and advance knowledge by scientific method.
Unfortunately, apart from the Prussians, almost none of this philosophy applied to the military during this period.  The armies of Europe were structured almost exclusively on wealth, privilege and noblesse oblige rather than ability, experience and knowledge.  In fact, if you were high born, wealthy and well connected you could purchase the highest rank in the best regiment - experience in matters military not necessary.  A good upbringing involving hunting, shooting and fox hunting was all that was considered necessary to become a high ranking army officer. Lower born or poorer officers were constantly passed over for promotion and consequently stagnated in the ranks causing great resentment.  The experienced soldiers were generally the NCO's (non commissioned officers) and, particularly in the French army, were left to run things on a practical level in time of crisis. This had an impact when the French Revolution of 1789 took place as many of the very experienced battle-hardy NCO's took charge of civilian armies and rounded on their military grandees.  Score:  Peasants 1  -  Fops 0.
The Prussians took a much more sensible approach to their armed forces by equipping them well, training them constantly and valuing their service.  They also permitted personnel to be promoted by merit shown on the battlefield.

For my art piece this month,  I have gone well out of my comfort zone,  and painted a scene showing a Prussian Army regiment being directed into battle by a mounted officer wielding his sword.  It is painted with acrylic paints onto acrylic paper.


In summary, I found this book extremely interesting, informative and easy to read.  Well worth a look at if you are interested in military history.

Thank you for visiting and I do hope you will have a look at the lovely Darcy's blog and the other book reviews and wonderful artwork.  Your kind comments are encouraging and much appreciated.


17 comments:

  1. Your artwork might be out of your comfort zone, but it is fantabulous. In other words, I'm a fan!

    I was thrilled to read that you enjoyed this book. It sounds like an interesting read, and worth my time to find the book. I was most impressed with your description of the differences in the Prussian and French armies.

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  2. Not a book I would think of reading but a really interesting comprehensive review and your painting is WOW. It is amazing, love the ranks of soldiers as well as the officer. The fore ground looks interesting too Well done you.
    Jen x

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  3. Wow, Janet, you read a lot heavier material than most of us! I have hardly heard of the Napoleonic Wars so I know zero about that. I do know that that is the time frame when we gained independence from England. Your painting is wonderful. How in the world did you get that line of soldiers to look so real? Great post.

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  4. Impressive reading, Janet...not a book I would choose, though. Hats off to you!! The inspirational art is wonderful!!

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  5. This is one of the reasons why I love history so much. I know that things aren't perfect today, but my goodness they were quite horrible before. The idea of people getting promoted in the military because of anything other than skills and dedication makes me cringe a bit. Imagine having someone watching your back who was there because of the sizes of their bank accounts, and not because they would be an accurate shot or would know how to accurately apply tactics... better not imagine, I guess.

    Lovely colors and alignment. I've always admired a straight line of attack ;-) Also, the blue and red of the uniform makes me think of my own Marine Corps Dress Blues.

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  6. You did a fabulous job with Prussian army art. :) Great and interesting review!

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  7. I love this art work, especially your chosen colour palette and the composition which goes so well with the subject. I have to read quite a bit of History myself as I tutor in A level Literature and there is a contextual part of the paper. Luckily I find it really interesting. This book sounds fascinating and it is so satisfying to come away from a text feeling you've learned something new. ARC is great for introducing us to such a variety of books - and artists (!) isn't it? x

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  8. wow awesome artwork, love the sense of drama and movement. Not a book I would read, I admire you for taking on a factual book, to me it would be heavy going. I am always happy though when people say they have leaned something new.

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  9. I love the history of the Napoleonic period, and was fascinated by your review, which taught me a lot, so thank you. I know that 40 years ago I would have read it avidly, but not today. Your artwork is very expressive, the straight rank of soldiers and the officer urging them forward. Great horse, they are so difficult to draw. I enjoyed every word of this.

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  10. I am a real history buff too - I think I would find this book very interesting. And sadly I know from anecdotal conversations with currently serving soldiers that the practice of promotion in the armed forces due to "noblesse oblige" ahead of talent and ability is far from dead!

    Your painting is brilliant - especially that horse, I can't draw horses for toffee!

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  11. Fabulous artwork - well done for stepping out of your comfort zone! I won't be reading this book great review regardless. x

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  12. I am so happy you enjoyed this book and learnt something new. I really enjoyed your review & art work that accompanied it Dxx

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  13. Well you certainly managed to make what could have been a boring text book sound marvellously interesting!...and your painting has so much movement and interest too :D XXX

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  14. I have no interest in military stuff but I sure do love that piece of Art!!! ♥

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  15. thanks for visiting my blog and leaving your lovely comments, Janet. How is the reading program going? I hope you will be doing some art for each book, as you did for this one of the Prussian army.

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  16. Great review on a book I would never have chosen on my own. I may consider it, now. Fabulous artwork.

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  17. You may have been out of your comfort zone but your artwork is lovely. Great review too, always good to read a book and learn something at the same time.

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