Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars: A Concise Dictionary, 1792–1815

Kevin F. Kiley's "Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars: A Concise Dictionary, 1792-1815" serves as a specialized reference work addressing a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of early 19th-century warfare. The book provides readers with a systematic examination of the artillery systems, terminology, and technology that played a decisive role in the conflicts that reshaped Europe during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods.

The dictionary format proves particularly effective for this subject matter. Artillery systems of the Napoleonic era were complex, varied significantly between nations, and employed terminology that can confuse modern readers. Kiley's alphabetical organization allows readers to quickly locate specific information about weapons, equipment, units, and technical terms without wading through lengthy narrative passages. This approach makes the book valuable both as a quick reference tool and as a resource for more detailed study.

The chronological scope of the work, spanning from 1792 to 1815, captures the entire period of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. This timeframe encompasses significant developments in artillery technology and doctrine, from the refined systems inherited from the ancien régime through the innovations and standardizations that occurred during the wars themselves. The starting date of 1792 is particularly appropriate, as it marks the beginning of the French Revolutionary Wars when the artillery reforms initiated under the Gribeauval system were put to the test on European battlefields.

One of the book's strengths lies in its coverage of multiple nations' artillery systems. The Napoleonic Wars involved armies from across Europe, each with distinct approaches to artillery organization, equipment, and employment. French, British, Austrian, Prussian, and Russian artillery systems all receive attention, reflecting the multinational character of the conflicts. This comparative approach helps readers understand not only the technical specifications of various weapons but also the different military philosophies that shaped their development and use.

The dictionary includes entries on various types of artillery pieces, from light field guns to heavy siege weapons. Readers will find information about calibers, ranges, crew sizes, and the tactical roles different weapons played on Napoleonic battlefields. The technical specifications provided help demystify the capabilities and limitations of period artillery, offering insight into why commanders made particular decisions during engagements.

Beyond the weapons themselves, Kiley addresses the organizational structures of artillery units. The book covers how different armies organized their artillery trains, the composition of batteries, and the support elements required to keep guns in action. This organizational information proves essential for understanding how artillery functioned as part of larger military formations and how it was integrated into combined arms tactics.

The work also includes terminology related to ammunition types, ranging from solid shot to canister and explosive shells. Understanding these different projectiles and their effects helps readers comprehend the versatility of Napoleonic artillery and why it was employed in various tactical situations. The distinction between these ammunition types was fundamental to artillery doctrine of the period.

Kiley brings relevant expertise to this project through his background in military history. His other works on Napoleonic warfare demonstrate a sustained engagement with the period, and this specialized knowledge informs the accuracy and depth of the dictionary entries. The book benefits from this focused expertise, as artillery is a technical subject requiring careful attention to detail.

The concise nature of the dictionary serves practical purposes. Rather than overwhelming readers with exhaustive detail, entries provide essential information in accessible form. This approach makes the book useful for a broad audience, from casual enthusiasts seeking basic understanding to more serious students of military history who need quick reference to specific facts. The balance between comprehensiveness and brevity represents a considered editorial choice.

For readers interested in Napoleonic military history, wargaming, or the evolution of military technology, this dictionary fills a specific niche. It addresses questions that arise when reading campaign histories, analyzing battles, or studying the period's military systems. The artillery arm was integral to Napoleonic warfare, influencing tactics, strategy, and the outcomes of major engagements. Having a dedicated reference work focused solely on this topic provides a resource that general histories cannot match in terms of specific detail.

The book's utility extends to various applications. Researchers writing about Napoleonic battles can verify technical details. Wargamers seeking historical accuracy for their scenarios can consult authentic information about weapon capabilities. Students of military history can deepen their understanding of how artillery functioned within the broader context of early 19th-century warfare. The dictionary format accommodates all these uses effectively, making it a versatile addition to any collection focused on the Napoleonic period.