Product Description

‘There never was so fine an American army,’ wrote second-lieutenant, John Sedgwick, in describing the troops under Major-General Zachary Taylor in 1846. Another then second-lieutenant, destined to see many more armies; U.S. Grant, also thought highly of them: ‘The rank and file were probably inferior … to the volunteers that participated in all the later battles of the war; but they were brave men, and then drill and discipline brought out all there was in them.’ Philip Katcher writes the story of the regulars and volunteers who fought in the Mexican-American War, detailing the infantry, cavalry, artillery and staff of both the American and Mexican armies.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #608398 in Books
• Published on: 1989-05-25
• Released on: 1989-05-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 48 pages

About the Author
Phililp Katcher lives and works in Pennsylvania USA, and has written over 20 titles in the Men-at-Arms Series including the highly successful five-volume set on Armies of the American Civil War.

Customer Reviews

A good reference for the beginner
This book came out several decades ago and was my introduction to the Osprey "Men-At-Arms" series. The author, Philip Katcher has been a reenactor and student of period uniforms for many years and his text is a good, basic primer. Gerry Embleton is one of the better illustrators for this series. The information on the U.S troops, both militia/volunteer and Regulars came primarily from the works of James Walker and Samuel Chamberlain. These two sources were eyewitnesses to the war, and while Chamberlain is cocky, and self centered, his comments on clothing and equipment are accurate.Its significant in that photography was coming into use at this time and provides a "first hand" look at some of the uniforms. Katcher and Embleton relied on the late Joseph Hefter for sources on the Mexican Army. At the time this book was first published, Hefter was THE source on the Mexican troops but new information has come to light and I'd like to see the text updated and have Embleton do more detailed plates, but as is, this book is useful.Very few photographs exist of "soldados" from this period. The serious student should also refer to BRASSEY'S HISTORY OF UNIFORMS volume on the Mexican War.

The Mexican-American War, 1846-1848 (Men-At-Arms Series)
I teach middle school history. This is an excellent resource book. The color plate illustrations are exactly what the students need.The text is very informative. There is an equal balance in coverage of the U.S. And Mexican sides. Color illustrations cover U.S., Mexican and Texian forces envolved in the conflict.