Thanks Tom, an excellent and broad ranging review that at one and the same time presents the merits of the book, which appear to be substantial, and opportunities for further study. The only other question that may be pertinent, that I can add with my limited understanding, certainly for the period post-1804, is what exactly are French troops? Analysis of the various regiments that are incorporated into the French army reveals a multitude of nationalities. My limited understanding is that specific numbered French regiments were comprised of conscripts drawn from locations that came to be designated as departments of France but not in France. In modern parlance, these might be Belgian, Dutch, German or Italian but certainly not French. So, whilst post-1812 there may have been reservations about the loyalty of troops of other nationaliities, did these same reservations apply to these specific troops incorporated into the Fench army? Best A