This book should not be looked upon as a political or social history, although an understanding of these aspects would give a clearer insight into why and how Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay became embroiled in the largest war ever fought in South America. It is, rather, a work covering the military side of the events that took place between 1810-70, with a hint of the political undercurrents that motivated the various wars fought in the region during the same period. Hopefully it will encourage readers to become interested in Latin and Central American military history-a vast field of research largely neglected in both Britain and the United States. REVIEWS "...a must have book for South American Military history buffs... the ultimate uniform guide for the Paraguayan War. In addition to being excellent history, this is just what you need to recreate battles on the tabletop for those so inclined...will serve as a source for other books to come...it"s that well-researched, that well-written, and it"s that well-done." Magweb.com, 10/2008