Points In Minor Tactics (1898) – Kessinger Publishing | Elementary Battlefield Tactics Guide

Overview

Points In Minor Tactics: Compiled And Arranged In An Elementary Manner, originally published in 1898, is presented here in a faithful facsimile edition by Kessinger Publishing. This compact guide distills small-scale battlefield maneuvers into clear, accessible instruction, with concise explanations, practical diagrams, and structured chapters that ease study for readers at diverse levels of familiarity with military history.

Designed for easy reference, the book focuses on the delicate decisions that occur on the field: choosing cover, identifying firing positions, coordinating flank movements, and employing skirmishers. The material is arranged to support both quiet study and on-the-ground application in historical reenactments, educational settings, or personal curiosity about historical tactics. The tone emphasizes observable, repeatable actions rather than abstract theory, inviting readers to imagine how these tactics might unfold in a historical context.

What this edition offers

This edition emphasizes the book’s practical, elementary approach, supplemented by diagrams and illustrations intended to aid comprehension. It’s crafted for a broad audience—students, history enthusiasts, officers, and those interested in how small maneuvers shape broader engagements. The content is organized into chapters that guide readers step by step through different tactical aspects, making it straightforward to locate topics of interest and revisit key concepts.

• Accessible explanations of small-scale battlefield moves and tactical decisions
• Detailed coverage of cover use, firing positions, flanking maneuvers, and skirmisher deployment
• Illustrations and diagrams to support quick understanding and memory retention

Why readers may value this book

The work combines historical insight with practical description, offering a window into how minor tactics were taught and understood in the late 19th century. Readers may appreciate the structured, chapter-by-chapter approach, which helps with focused study or research. The facsimile edition preserves the original’s characteristics while presenting it as an affordable, collectible reference for modern readers curious about military history and pedagogy.

• Ideal for military history fans, researchers, reenactors, and collectors
• Clear, concise explanations paired with supportive diagrams
• A faithful, affordable reprint of a scarce antiquarian work

Note: As a historical document, the text reflects the period’s instructional style and examples. The facsimile edition may show original imperfections such as marginal marks, which some collectors value as part of the edition’s authenticity. This is intended as an educational and historical reference, not a modern instruction manual on current tactics.