A Wargamer's Guide to 1066 and the Norman Conquest (Paperback)
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Series: A Wargamer's Guide
Pages: 119
Illustrations: 20
ISBN: 9781473848467
Published: 2nd March 2017
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This is one of the first titles in an exciting new series of guides for wargamers. Taking one of the most pivotal and famous episodes in British military history, it gives a wargamers perspective of the dramatic events of 1066 and the Norman conquest upto around 1070, and advice on how to recreate these on the gaming table. Advice is given on factors to consider when choosing an appropriate set of commercially available rules, or devising your own, to best suit the scale and style of battle you want and capture the flavour of the period. The relevant ranges of figures and terrain pieces and buildings are also reviewed. Analysis of the forces involved, organization, tactics and strategies will help with building your armies and there are interesting scenarios included. Whether this is a new period for you, or you are looking to refresh your existing interest in the period, this handy guide is sure to hold much if interest for you.
The book is written by Daniel Mersey, an established wargaming author. It aims to be a guide to wargaming one of the most famous battles of all time, the Battle of Hastings (1066) and the associated campaigns. The book certainly achieves that aim. The author has assembled large amounts of information into a single book. As it says on the cover, it clearly covers the background to the campaign, the armies, the potential rules to use etc… I was particularly pleased to see the coverage of the wider campaign of the Norman Conquest, rather than just focussing on the single climatic battle on the south coast.
Amazon Customer, Mr. J. Curry
This should be a useful guide for anyone wishing to explore the Norman Conquest via wargaming.
Toy Soldier & Model Figure magazine issue 227 - reviewed by Hayden Hammersmith
For the newcomer to the period, A Wargamers Guide To 1066 And The Norman Conquest is a nice starting point. It is not a comprehensive history, nor a rule set, but it does offer a road map for beginning to wargame the period.
Miniature Wargaming
Veteran gamers also may find something here. I have long been interested in the Norman Conquest, and have large collection of Normans, Vikings and Saxons. I consider myself fairly well-read on the topic, but still found a lot of points to ponder. For example, Mersey offers the question of what might have happened if William had landed much earlier. In that case, Harold might have faced the Normans with a much stronger army; the victor of that battle then would have needed to turn north to take on Harald. That simple twist offers two (or more) completely different historically plausible scenarios to play.
I like the book and look forward to seeing others.
Read the complete review here.
This book covers one of the most famous campaigns in English military history. It provides an overview of events and analyses the forces involved - their organisation, weapons and tactics. It guides the wargamer on choices of figures and provides both historical and generic scenarios for further exploration.
The Armourer, inc. Classic Arms & Militaria, August 2017
This is a first class book for war gamers, offering both background and ample information on ‘how to go about it’. Most highly recommended.
Stuart Asquith - Author
I was kindly offered a copy for review by Pen and Sword. This book is part of a new wargaming series by Pen and Sword, the well-established military history publishers.
WargamingCo.
The book is written by Daniel Mersey, an established wargaming author. It aims to be a guide to wargaming one of the most famous battles of all time, the Battle of Hastings (1066) and the associated campaigns. The book certainly achieves that aim. The author has assembled large amounts of information into a single book. As it says on the cover, it clearly covers the background to the campaign, the armies, the potential rules to use etc… I was particularly pleased to see the coverage of the wider campaign of the Norman Conquest, rather than just focussing on the single climatic battle on the south coast.
Dan has also penned A Wargamer's Guide to 1066 and The Norman Conquest, an era that readers will recognise as much more familiar territory for him. The broad, introductory brief for the work is the same as for the Zulu Wars title and, taken together - and clearly with many more to follow - I can see this building into an excellent range of reference works for wargamers over the coming years. Well done Pen & Sword!
Wargames Illustrated, February 2017 - reviewed by Henry Hyde
About Daniel Mersey
Daniel Mersey has been a writer and editor for two decades, specializing primarily in British post-Roman and medieval military history, but with a strong interest also in British colonial warfare and the air warfare 1914-1918. His previous books include Legendary Warriors: Great Heroes in Myth and Reality (2002); Arthur King of the Britons (2004 runner-up in the History Today/Longman New Generation Prize); Myths & Legends: King Arthur (2013); and Myths & Legends: Knights of the Round Table (forthcoming). A keen wargamer himself, he has written three sets of rules (Glutter of Ravens, 1998; Song of Arthur & Merlin, 2008; and Lion Rampant, 2014) and has contributed regularly to wargaming magazines since 1996. He lives in Worthing, West Sussex.
A Wargamer's Guide to The One Hundred Years War (Paperback)
The Hundred Years War is one of the most famous conflicts of the Middle Ages and has always been popular with wargamers. Guy Bowers has written this guide to help those looking to get started in gaming this colourful and dramatic period as well as old hands looking to refresh their gamin experience. After a brief overview of the war, outlining its three key phases, the author discusses the various armies, not just the English and French but also Welsh, Scottish, Flemish and Burgundian allies and mercenaries. Their recruitment, organization and tactics are concisely considered and their strengths,…
By Guy BowersClick here to buy both titles for £23.38