I agree Osprey books are not perfect, and they cannot be used for serious history but there is still good factual information in them. They cover subjects no other publisher goes into, i.e. their Civil War state militias series; their Civil War forts; and their Civil War Battles series. But for about $15.00 you can't go wrong, looked at the details of uniforms and equipment. These books are made for the model and figurine hobbyist more than for the pure historians. I use them for quick references like orders of battles and photos and uniform details from all wars, especially the early American wars. I guess the book I've actually used for a reference the most would be their Civil War Flags book.

David