Uniforms of the American Revolution Coloring Book

New York, NY: Dover Publications, Inc, 1974. Presumed First Edition, First printing. Trade paperback. Very good. 64 pages. Oversized book, measuring 11 inches by 8-1/4 inches. Includes Introduction, as well as 30 illustrations which reproduce with complete authenticity uniforms from the American Revolution--British, French, German, and American. Each regiment is described briefly, with complete instructions for coloring the uniforms accurately. Peter Copeland, a historical artist and consultant, has reconstructed these uniforms from early descriptions and other source material, illustrating many for the first time. Thirty-one lively drawings reproduce with complete authenticity uniforms from the American Revolution - British, French, German, and American. Each regiment is described briefly, with complete instructions for accurately coloring the buckskin, fur, and feathered clothing of common soldiers as well as the distinctive hues of the officers' uniforms. The information upon which these uniforms are based comes mainly from descriptions of deserters printed in the newspapers of the time, portraits, accounts of clothing issued, and upon contemporary descriptions enclosed in diaries, personal correspondence, and other miscellaneous sources. The few uniforms that have survived belonged to high-ranking officers. The uniforms shown here often represent the outfit worn by a regiment at the outset of the war; modifications adopted in the field during the eight long years of war changed considerably the appearance of some of these regiments before the war finally ended. Thus, the 42nd Highland Regiment laid aside their broadswords and tartans while serving in America, and work their short jackets with ordinary breeches and were armed like the other regiments (i.e. musket and bayonet) for most of their wartime service. The American soldiers dressed in the widest variety of colors of all. Most of the they they wore what they could get. Supplies of clothing were hard to come by in the Continental Army and officers often procured for their regiments any color clothing that might come to hand.