This is one of the book of the Armies of the Past series. I have been asked to a review a few of these and I find them amazing. As a Living history enthusiast I find Gabriele’s books to be great. The photography and reproduction of the dress, equipment and weaponry is very well done and helps the reader to see the work and craftsmanship that goes into this period of history.

The book covers the early part of Greek history and includes the birth of the Polis and the hoplite, as well as other troops of the period. It covers the Persian wars up to the rise of the Macedonian empire. All the major wars of the period are covered in this book.

The photos are not simply added a section in the middle of the book, but are used very liberally throughout the book. This really adds something to this range of book.

I can highly recommend this book to anyone interested in this period of history. You can read about the reenactment group that are the basis of the photography in the book.

You can buy the book here from Pen and Sword books

Please note I was not paid to write this review but was sent a review copy of the book. All comments are my own, and the publishers have not amended the review in any way.

When this book arrived, I thought, well who is going to read a big book on battle formations, surely it will just be a bunch of diagrams. And to be honest, it is full of diagrams, but and it’s a big but, it is actually a fascinating read.

The author goes into not only the formations themselves, but why they worked, the equipment and men that made them so effective, and how they broke down.

The book covers the Greek, Macedonian and Roman formations. It covers Infantry, Cavalry, Elephant and Chariot formation.

The chapter on the Macedonian Phalanx is particularly interesting, and suggest that the first 5 ranks of Sarissa (Pikemen) could reach the enemy at the same time. Which is interesting when you look at the diagrams of how that was achieved.

This would be a great read for both military history enthusiasts as well as Wargammers (The author is the editor of Slingshot, the magazine of the Society of Ancients). There is also some interesting research that would be useful for re-enactors of the period.

This is an excellent book focussed on one specific aspect of warfare, and while it sounds pretty mundane, this is an excellent look at formations.

There are also lots of copies of statues and drawings form the period to help reinforce the author’s views.

You can buy the book here from Pen and Sword books

Please note I was not paid to write this review but was sent a review copy of the book. All comments are my own, and the publishers have not amended the review in any way.

This is a great book for wargamers that struggle with pointing miniatures.  Andy Singleton has written a few books on painting wargaming figures, I have his Early imperial Romans book, but this new book focussed on the Romans’ Northern enemies.  Like the previous books, this is an easy y to rad and easy t follow paining guide.

Covers a raft of useful tips for 28mm figures which i guess can be used on any size really.  

The book covers everything from clothing, armour, to faces, and then goes onto cover both horses and basing tips.

This is a great book for anyone that is starting ancients period wargaming and needs help to get going with painting figures.  This is the bit I struggle with big time, but this book is giving me the confidence to give it another go.

You can buy the book here from Pen and Sword books

Please note I was not paid to write this review but was sent a review copy of the book. All comments are my own, and the publishers have not amended the review in any way.