William J. Hardee, For The Exercise and Maneuvers of Troops When Acting as Light Infantry or Riflemen

Description

William J. Hardee was the premier tactician of the antebellum army, and his manual (Universally known as “Hardee’s Tactics”), first published in 1855, was based on the lessons the French learned in Algeria and Crimea. Hardee’s manual, in the words of his biographer, “For the first time in American tactics… demonstrated the importance of speed and flexibility, heralding the tactics of Sherman, Guderian, and Patton.”

Out of tragic necessity several new editions appeared in 1860 and 1861, and they served as a pocket-sized bible for thousands of men, North and South, who became infantry officers during the Civil War.

This example is one of the early Confederate editions. In stiff colored wrappers with cover label. Light Soiling and scuffing with chipping at spine ends plus expected edgewear; light to moderate foxing throughout; rear hinge beginning to seperate; else very good.

William J. Hardee, RIFLE AND LIGHT INFANTRY TACTICS FOR THE EXERCISE AND MANEUVERS OF TROOPS WHEN ACTING AS LIGHT INFANTRY OR RIFLEMEN, Memphis, Southern Publishing House of Hutton & Freligh, 1861. 202p, small quarto. (Parrish 4864)