The handbook of battle by an 18th century master Frederick the Great was one of the most outstanding figures in European history. He was, in the eighteenth century, the monarch of a German state, Prussia, which had few advantages. His was a comparatively small nation surrounded by France, Sweden and Russia all of which were hostile to Prussia's interests. The Seven Years War was a conflict raging across the globe, the outcome of which would seal the fate of empires. Frederick not only averted national defeat, but proved himself to be a master of strategy and battlefield tactics. Against the odds the Prussian Army not only grew to become a force to be reckoned with, but its commander engendered a spirit which ultimately flourished to form the foundations of a unified Germany. Frederick knew well that his method of waging war would win victories and was anxious that his generals followed his own proven principles. This book, complete with original diagrams and for the first time, in this Leonaur edition, uniform plates of the Prussian Army of the period, is the work (in English translation) that Frederick produced to detail his own methods of waging war. It will be invaluable to all students of military history and tactics and is an essential guide for historical re-enactors, dramatic productions and war-gamers. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.