Although modern readers can easily trace changes in warfare across the last century, few see any similarity between modern combat and the Napoleonic era, with its lines, columns and slow loading weaponry. In contrast, historians recognise that the development of modern, or at least 'total', warfare began before the original 'Great War' of 1804 - 1815. Whichever view you take, the nineteenth century was clearly a time of great change, a subject which David Gates has endeavored to explain in this new book.

The author has eschewed a purely combat orientated approach to focus on the whole gamut of cause and effect that exists between war and the wider world. Accordingly, social, cultural, political and economic details have been blended together with developments in weapons and mobilisation, creating a text that might disappoint die-hard militarists, but which will certainly illuminate higher-level students and other interested readers.

Crucially, Gates has opted for a very sensible middle ground in his geographical parameters. This book might form part of Palgrave's 'European History in Perspective' series, but Gates has not restricted himself purely to continental borders; instead, he has covered the 'Eurocentric' world of the colonial nineteenth century which, in practice, covers most of the globe. While the emphasis is certainly still on the major countries of Europe - France, Germany, Russia and Britain amongst others - events in Africa and Asia are frequently mentioned, while one chapter is devoted to a North American conflict.

Warfare in the Nineteenth Century begins with a summary of combat styles as they existed at the start of the 1800's, including the nature and use of weapons, the types of tactics and their origins, as well as an illustration of battlefield conditions. This fine context is followed by the rest of chapter one, which explores the 'legacy' of the Napoleonic era. Here Gates' text is thematic, moving seamlessly from the start of the Napoleonic Wars to the nature of sea battles, then through technological advancement to economic factors. A second chapter follows in a similar, although slightly more chronological, style, covering developments between the battle of Waterloo and the 1860s. Topics such as the impact of railways on supply and strategy are outlined, while the often overlooked subject of war's impact on music proves fascinating, but possibly bewildering for people with no knowledge of 'classical' music.

Unfortunately, Gates' structure is problematic. He may have created a dense and interwoven monograph that moves effortlessly between dates, subjects and discussions - reflecting the complicated and wide-ranging effects of war - but the lack of any firm chronology, coupled with the swift changes in theme and the dearth of sub-headings, will confuse and confound many readers. Students searching for specific information will find it difficult to locate, and even general readers may feel there is too little direction behind the opening chapters and, to a lesser extent, the closing ones. There is no right way to structure a book on nineteenth century warfare, and Gates' text is a refreshing and adult read that assumes a certain intelligence in its audience. However, for every reader that loves the freeform text, another will feel lost.

Chapter three deals with the American Civil War. Here the author moves to a more chronological narrative - making this the most approachable section of the book - but again, no in-depth military information is given: this is not a battle by battle account. Instead Gates deals with broader issues, such as the perceived aims, expected goals, and vast carnage of the war. Unlike the rest of Warfare in the Nineteenth Century, you can understand this chapter without too much prior knowledge. In contrast, chapter four - a largely political narrative of the Franco-Prussian war - provides a thematic overview which will be of interest to those who already know the details, but if you want to know why the war started or how it ended you will be sorely disappointed. A fifth chapter rounds the volume off, taking the reader through the remainder of the century; the author refrains from mentioning the First World War too heavily.

Gates has an eloquent style that makes full use of long flowing sentences, and this compliments his subject matter nicely. Equally, he has a tendency to insert foreign language phrases into the text. Although this may confuse some readers, anyone with initiative, imagination (or a relevant dictionary) should find no problems. I feel Gates is correct to introduce such terms, as they enable a closer handling of the source matter (although a bracketed translation would have broadened the book's appeal).

Overall, Warfare in the Nineteenth Century is an accomplished and well-written overview that provides as much information on the changing relationship between conflict and society as it does on battle itself. Although not suitable as an introduction to any specific conflict, this book will be of interest to anyone who wants to broaden their understanding of war, either as an overall subject or in relation to one event in particular. Students may find it difficult to use, and others may dislike the structure, but many more will enjoy having their knowledge broadened by Gates' subtly flowing text and richly educative content.