
About this book:
Austrias Balkan frontier the disputed borderland between Europe and the Ottoman Turks was defended in the 18th century by a unique organization of hardy communities who were granted farmland in return for armed service. These Grenzers, masters of guerrilla warfare, were later incorporated into Austrias regular forces and earned a wider reputation fighting against the army of Frederik the Greats Prussia. By the start of the wars against Revolutionary and Napoleonic France they provided a significant part of the Austrian Line. This book unravels their complex history and illustrates the development of their colorful folk costumes into striking uniforms.