I received this nice book a few days ago. The book is very nice, with plenty of illustrations and sufficient details on uniforms, regimental organisation, equipment and colours to keep anyone with an interest in Early Modern military history busy for many hours.
I have, however, some remarks on the allegations that James' army was kept in being, and didn't require any rebuilding before deployment. (note, this is what some reviewers report, and not necessarily what Ede-Borrett claims.)
In the introductory chapter, Ede-Borrett states that the army was disorganised etc in late 1688, following what professor Childs wrote in one of his books, and was rebuilt fairly quickly by king William III. With about one-third of the officers remaining under William III, this meant that the bulk of new officers were William's men --
stating that the recovery of the army is due to the 'discipline and professionalism' of James' army is that somewhat strange to say, given that, as above, the majority of officers were new. (Also, if the army was so disciplined and professional, how come it collapsed so easily?).
It is a fact that under the reign of James II many new regiments were created, and that he was more concerned with it than his brother Charles had been. These regiments survived into the new Williamite reign, albeit under new management and with new officers, and probably with a fair number of new recruits -- their survival could be called nominal, with William inheriting the framework of existing regiments.
It will be true that James' army was 'fit for service' and followed the latest and greatest military fashion in Europe with respect to drill and tactics. However, it was also an army untried in continental warfare. It would be fair to say that under the administration of William III, the army reached maturity and got its first taste in continental warfare. The army also got a official status as a Standing army subordinate to Parliament via the Bill of Rights.
So wondering what I missed what the other readers found
all best, Wienand
PS. a more formal review will follow when time permits