Osprey Warrior Series SC (1993-2011 OSPREY) comic books

Volume 1 - 1st printing. "Norman Knight AD 950-1204!" Written by Christopher Gravett. Art by Christa Hook. Throughout the 11th and 12th centuries the Norman knight was possibly the most feared warrior in Western Europe. He was descended originally from the Vikings who had settled in Northern France under their leader Rollo in or around 911 at the behest of Charles the Simple and throughout the following centuries they remembered and built on their warlike reputation. This book shows how their military prowess was renowned throughout the known world and resulted in Normans conquering Sicily in 1060 and England in 1066, as well as participating in many important battles in Italy and playing a major part in the First Crusade. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. "Waffen-SS Soldier 1940-45!" Written by Bruce Quarrie. Art by Jeffrey Burn. Probably the most highly motivated and ruthless combatant to take the field in World War 2, the Waffen-SS soldier was the cutting edge of Germany's military might. Aggressive in attack, dogged in defence, his units generally suffered higher casualties than the regular army formations. The apple of the Führer's eye, he was the first to receive the best available equipment and was expected to produce results to match. From the green fields of France to the freezing steppes of Russia and finally to the shattered streets of Berlin this title details the development of the weapons, equipment and tactics of one of history's most formidable soldiers. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 3 - 1st printing. "Viking Hersir 793-1066 AD!" Written by Mark Harrison. Art by Gerry Embleton. When Norwegian Vikings first raided the European coast in the 8th century AD, their leaders were from the middle ranks of warriors known as hersirs. At this time the hersir was typically an independent landowner or local chieftain with equipment superior to that of his followers. By the end of the 10th century, the independence of the hersir was gone, and he was now a regional servant of the Norwegian king. This book investigates these brutal, mobile warriors, and examines their tactics and psychology in war, dispelling the idea of the Viking raider as simply a killing machine. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 4 - 1st printing. "US Cavalryman 1865-90!" Written by Martin Pegler. Art by Christa Hook. The period 1865-90 was one of unparalleled change in American frontier history. This span of 25 years witnessed the end of the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the plains Indians, the colonisation of the West by white settlers, and the first experience of the US army in fighting a form of irregular warfare for which its soldiers and commanders were untrained, and its equipment unsuited. That they acquitted themselves so well in the face of bureaucratic meddling, poor supply and appalling climatic conditions, speaks highly of the tenacity and physical toughness of the volunteers who served in the West. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 5 - 1st printing. "Anglo-Saxon Thegn AD 449-1066!" Written by Mark Harrison. Art by Gerry Embleton. The collapse of Roman rule in Britain was not so much a sudden catastrophe as a long and drawn-out decline. The 'Celtic' Britons retreated gradually to the highland areas of Wales, Cornwall and the south-west of Scotland. Control of the fertile eastern lowlands was lost to warriors of Germanic origin who migrated from the Continent. These Germanic conquerors have become known to history as the 'Anglo-Saxons'. They were to dominate the lowland zone of Britain until their final defeat at Hastings in 1066. This title gives an insight into the everyday life, equipment, dress, battle tactics and life on campaign of the typical Anglo-Saxon warrior of this period - the thegn. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 6 - 1st printing. "Confederate Infantryman 1861-65!" Written by Ian Drury. Art by Gerry Embleton. The American Civil War was predominantly an infantryman's war. Artillery had improved substantially since 1815 and guns could inflict murderous losses if they had a clear field of fire. But most Civil War battlefields were characterised by sprawling forests and broken ground. Cavalry were important for reconnaissance, raiding and rearguard actions but there was little scope for sabre charges in the grand old manner when infantrymen armed with muzzle-loading rifles could face such tactics with confidence. Ultimately, the Confederacy's survival as a nation would largely depend on the fighting ability of its 642 infantry regiments. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 7 - 1st printing. "Samurai 1550-1600!" Written by Anthony J Bryant. Art by Angus McBride. This title details the culture, weapons, armour and training of the elite samurai warrior class in the fascinating Age of Battles period (1550-1600). This was a period of vital importance not only because of the political effects of the chaos but also due to the changes in warfare that occurred. In 1542 the Portuguese introduced the matchlock musket into Japanese warfare, and this book traces the effect that this important innovation had on the samurai. Life outside the field of battle is also examined, making this an unmissable book for those interested in this brave warrior caste. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 8 - 1st printing. "British Cavalryman 1792-1815!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Richard Hook. In the campaigns of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the deserved reputation of the British infantry has tended to overshadow the contribution of the cavalry, but in fact they did form an integral part of the army, carrying out duties crucial to the success of other arms. British Cavalryman 1792-1815 recounts what these duties were and examines the men who performed them. The different regiments of the cavalry are listed and some of the arm's more exotic or professional corps, such as the King's German Legion, examined. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 9 - 1st printing. "Late Roman Infantryman AD 236-565!" Written by Simon MacDowall. Art by Gerry Embleton. Between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD the traditional legions of heavy infantry were whittled away and eventually replaced by a force of various arms and nationalities dominated by cavalry and supported by missile troops. However, in spite of this trend towards cavalry, the pedes remained the backbone of the Roman army until well into the 5th century. This book details a warrior who was very different from the legionary who preceded him; perhaps he was not as well disciplined, but in many ways he was more flexible - ready for deployment to trouble spots, and for fighting both as a skirmisher and a heavy infantryman. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 10 - 1st printing. "Saracen Faris AD 1050-1250!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. In the Middle East, not only were the 12th and 13th centuries punctuated by European Crusades but, even more significantly, the mid-11th century saw the invasion of the Saljuq Turks and the mid-13th century witnessed a devastating Mongol assault. Crucial to the Middle Eastern forces involved was the professional cavalryman, known as a faris or 'horseman'. A faris' training was far more wide-ranging than that of a contemporary European knight, including the use of horse-archery and the ability to fight on foot as well as general horsemanship and the use of the lance and sword. David Nicolle's text presents a detailed view of these fascinating and versatile warriors. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 11 - 1st printing. "English Longbowman 1330-1515!" Written by Clive Bartlett. Art by Gerry Embleton. The English military ascendancy which lasted from the mid-14th to the early 15th century was founded upon defensive tactics based on the use of the longbow. This weapon, distinctive in that it was used by English forces alone, was probably the most effective missile weapon of the Late Middle Ages: its arrow had the same penetrative ability as a modern day bullet and the bow's rate of fire was not equalled by any weapon used by English forces until the adoption of the Lee Enfield rifle at the beginning of the 20th century. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 12 - 1st printing. "German Stormtrooper 1914-18!" Written by Ian Drury. Art by Gerry Embleton. The first official German stormtroop unit was authorized on 2 March 1915 when the Supreme Command of the field army ordered the VIII Corps to form a detachment for the testing of experimental weapons and the development of approximate tactics that could break the deadlock on the Western Front. By the summer of 1915, stormtroop units were springing up throughout the German armies in the west, and by the end of 1916 official stormtroop battalions were established throughout the western armies, providing a deadly new threat for the Allies. This book examines the uniform, equipment and tactics of Germany's feared elites. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Very Fine $5.00

Volume 13 - 1st printing. "Union Cavalryman 1861-65!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Richard Hook. The bombardment by Confederate artillery of Fort Sumter on 12 April 1861 was the spark that finally ignited the American Civil War, quickly bringing thousands of eager volunteers for the Union cause. It proved especially easy to raise cavalry, since recruits naively believed that their military duties would be easier than in the infantry. This book investigates all aspects of the life and experiences of a Union trooper, covering enlistment, training, uniforms, weapons, cavalry tactics and the discrepancy between the recruit's view of swashbuckling charges and heroic hand-to-hand combat and the less glorious reality. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Volume 14 - 1st printing. "Zulu 1816-1906!" Written by Ian Knight. Art by Angus McBride. Zulu military organisation was extremely sophisticated. Warriors were organised into regiments with some form of basic uniform and shields were state-manufactured and owned. Yet, in spite of this sophistication, much of the Zulu's military outlook was extremely primitive: firearms were ill understood, and between 1816 and 1906 the Zulu's maintained their primary reliance on hand-to-hand fighting. In this book Ian Knight investigates Zulu weaponry in detail, and also their society, beliefs and rituals, particularly with regard to ceremonies conducted before and after battles. Tactics, costume and customs are also carefully examined, making this a thorough account of the Zulu warrior. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 15- 1st printing. "Late Roman Cavalryman AD 236-565!" Written by Simon MacDowall. Art by Christa Hook. The twilight of the Roman Empire saw a revolution in the way war was waged. The drilled infantryman, who had been the mainstay of Mediterranean armies since the days of the Greek hoplite, was gradually replaced by the mounted warrior. This change did not take place overnight, and in the 3rd and 4th centuries the role of the cavalryman was primarily to support the infantry. However, by the time of the 6th century, the situation had been completely reversed. Late Roman Cavalryman gives a full account of the changing experience of the mounted soldiers who defended Rome's withering western empire. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 16 - 1st printing. "British Tommy 1914-18!" Written by Martin Pegler. Art by Mike Chappell. The World War 1 was a watershed in British military and social history, and even now the repercussions can still be felt. No town or village in the British Isles escaped casualty, and the creative genius of a generation was wiped out, at an incalculable loss to society. This book looks in detail at how the British soldier lived, fought and died during the traumatic war years. Enlistment, training and all aspects of life on active service are carefully examined, including discipline, relaxation and even the type and quality of food that soldiers ate. The analysis of the British infantryman's experience is greatly aided by the memories of old soldiers, which provide an interesting and often vivid account of life on the Western Front. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 17 - 1st printing. "Germanic Warrior AD 236-568!" Written by Simon MacDowall. Art by Angus McBride. The 3rd to the 6th centuries saw the collapse of the classical Mediterranean civilization and the emergence of new states in western Europe based on the Germanic warrior society. This book focuses particularly on the men who made up the retinues of the Germanic warlords who carved kingdoms out of the carcass of the West Roman Empire. Although sources are scarce, Simon MacDowall constructs a convincing picture, using evidence from Roman historians, German archaeology and Anglo-Saxon poetry. The warriors' society, hierarchy, training, equipment, appearance, tactics and style of fighting are all examined, building a comprehensive portrait of the Germanic warrior in this period. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 18 - 1st printing. "Knight of Outremer AD 1187-1344!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. After Saladin's great victory at the Battle of Hattin in 1137, Outremer, as medieval westerners called the remaining Latin or Catholic enclaves in the eastern Mediterranean, was no longer a threat to Islam. Its military elites preferred to live in peace, focusing on trade as much as on the defence of Christendom's holy places. In this, the first book in the English language to objectively study the knights of the Latin East, David Nicolle presents a well-balanced and informed account of the Western warriors who defended the Crusader territories for so long. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 19- 1st printing. "British Redcoat 1740-93!" Written by Stuart Reid. Art by Richard Hook. During this period, the British army earned itself a formidable reputation as a fighting force. However, due to its role as a police force at home, and demonisation by American propaganda, the army was viewed as little removed from a penal institution run by aristocratic dilettantes. This view, still held by many today, is challenged by Stuart Reid, who paints a picture of an increasingly professional force. This was an important time of change and improvement for the British Army, and British Redcoat 1740-1793 fully brings this out in its comprehensive examination of the lives, conditions and experiences of the late 18th-century infantryman. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 20 - 1st printing. "British Redcoat 1793-1815!" Written by Stuart Reid. Art by Graham Turner. In 1783 the British army struggled home from North America in a shattered condition. It had acquitted itself well, but its regiments were now woefully understrength, and it was not until 1789 that they were again fit for service. Little more than three years later, Republican France declared war, and, apart from two short periods, the army was to be heavily engaged around the globe for the next 23 years. Beginning where Warrior 19 British Redcoat 1740-93 ends, Stuart Reid shows how the army was re-organised, re-equipped, re-trained and led from the bitter struggle in the West Indies to the final reckoning at Waterloo. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 21 - 1st printing. "Highland Clansman 1689-1746!" Written by Stuart Reid. Art by Angus McBride. For nearly 60 years the clans of Highland Scotland proved to be an almost constant thorn in the side of a series of British monarchs. Fiercely independent, the clans comprised an agricultural peasantry dominated by a warrior aristocracy. They held most forms of authority in contempt and did not submit to London meekly. Their first loyalty was to the exiled house of Stuart and in a series of rebellions the Highland clans rose against the ruling monarch. The author examines in detail the society that produced these fierce fighters and the tactics they used in battle including the feared 'Highland Charge'. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 22 - 1st printing. "Imperial Guardsman 1799-1815!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Richard Hook. Napoleon's Imperial Guard was one of the most famous military formations in history. The Imperial Guard could perform ceremonial duties as well as any, but it was primarily as an élite combat formation of the army that it excelled. Although it would expand to represent a considerable portion of France's military establishment, it remained Napoleon's personal guard and was accorded care and attention which set its members above the rest of the army. In this book, Philip Haythornthwaite examines their lives, organisation and privileges, paying particular attention to how their experience differed from those of the regular French line units. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 23- 1st printing. "US Marine Rifleman in Vietnam 1965-73!" Written by Charles Melson. Art by Ramiro Bujeiro. This volume provides an in-depth look at the experience of the ordinary US marine 'grunt' in Vietnam. Organisation of the corps, weaponry, equipment, uniforms, training and medical arrangements are all discussed. However, where this book differs from other similar works is not only in the detail that it goes into but also in the unifying theme of examining all these differing aspects of marine life from the point of view of a soldier serving in the conflict. The author, Charles Melson, actually served in Vietnam, and it is this personal experience that allows him to provide such a unique angle on the subject. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 24- 1st printing. "Austrian Grenadiers and Infantry 1788-1816!" Written by David Hollins. Art by Jeffrey Burn. Aside from the Peninsula and Napoleon's 1807 campaign, Austrian troops played some part in every major campaign of the Napoleonic Wars. Unable to mobilize its population fully for both political and economic reasons, Austria recruited from territories as diverse as modern Belgium, the Czech Republic, central Romania and northern Italy. These soldiers fought on terrains as diverse as the Po valley and the Swiss mountains. This book traces the life and experiences of both the ordinary infantry and the veteran elite of the Grenadier battalions, covering everything from basic training and equipment, to the tactics and horror of the battlefield. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 25- 1st printing. "Italian Militiaman 1260-1392!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. Medieval Italy was characterized by regular warfare among its numerous city-states, as well as internal strife within comunes as aristocratic factions fought each other for domination of the cities' governments. In this context, Italian warfare developed quickly, with the crossbow playing a key role in improving the armour technology of the Italian city militias that used them. This book traces the evolution of the Italian militiaman, providing a comprehensive view of all aspects of the late medieval Italian city militias, from the weaponry, attitudes and social backgrounds of their members, to the political context that made such formations necessary. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 26- 1st printing. "US Paratrooper 1941-45!" Written by Carl Smith. Art by Mike Chappell. In Sicily, Normandy, and in the frozen hills of the Ardennes, America's airborne warriors proved themselves some of the toughest and most determined soldiers of World War 2. What made these soldiers so special? How were they recruited, how did they learn to jump and fight? What special tactics and equipment did they use? This title looks at what it was like to be one of the United States' airborne elite, through the experiences of the soldiers themselves. It is the story of the men who invariably led the way; the soldiers who flew to battle and walked home. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 27- 1st printing. "Greek Hoplite 480-323 BC!" Written by Nicholas Sekunda. Art by Adam Hook. The Greek hoplite, the archetypal spear-armed warrior, is perhaps the most prevalent figure in our view of the 'Golden Age' of Ancient Greek civilisation. It was during this period that the state began to take greater responsibility for military organisation, and the arming and equipping of its citizens. From the victory at Marathon over Darius of Persia, through bitter inter-state warfare, to the rise of Philip of Macedonia and his son Alexander the Great, the hoplite soldier was in the front-line. This title narrates the life and experiences of the common Greek warrior, how he was recruited, trained and fought, and also looks in detail at how his weapons, armour, shields and helmets developed in the course of time. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 28- 1st printing. "Green Beret in Vietnam!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Kevin Lyles. Vietnam was the US Special Forces most complex and controversial mission, one that began in 1957 and ended in 1973. Camp strike forces, mobile strike forces, mobile guerrilla forces, special reconnaissance projects, training missions and headquarters duty provided vastly differing experiences and circumstances for SF soldiers. Other fluctuating factors were the terrain, the weather and the shifting course of the war itself. Gordon Rottman examines the training, life, weapons and combat experiences of the Special Forces soldier in this challenging environment. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 29- 1st printing. "Ashigaru 1467-1649!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Howard Gerrard. The ashigaru were the foot soldiers of old Japan. Although recruited first to swell an army's numbers and paid only by loot, the samurai began to realise their worth, particularly with arquebuses and spears, until well-trained ashigaru made up a vital part of any samurai army. This book tells the story of the ashigaru for the first time, their origins, recruitment training and use in war. Stephen Turnbull draws on previously untranslated Japanese sources and unpublished illustrations that show the range of ashigaru activity, from sailors to catapult artillery men as well as the disciplined ranks of warriors that they had become. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 30- 1st printing. "Celtic Warrior!" Written by Stephen Allen. Art by Wayne Reynolds. In the 1st century BC, Strabo wrote of the Celts: 'The whole race... is madly fond of war, high-spirited and quick to battle... and on whatever pretext you stir them up, you will have them ready to face danger, even if they have nothing on their side but their own strength and courage'. This book gives an insight into the life of the Celtic warrior, and his experience of battle - on foot, on horseback, and as a charioteer. It also details Celtic society and studies the vital ritual nature of Celtic warfare, from the naked gaesatae to the woad-painted warriors. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 31- 1st printing. "Union Infantryman 1861-65!" Written by John Langellier. Art by John White. A Union supporter once said, What is a man's life worth if our glorious union is to be shattered by traitors? President Lincoln's volunteers and conscripted soldiers expanded the permanent Union army to include 1,700 regiments of foot soldiers during the course of the war. Those who became part of Mr. Lincoln's Army came from various social and economic conditions, and they documented their day-to-day life in diaries, letters and memoirs. Drawing on these narratives, contemporary photographs, and meticulous archival research, this book provides a vivid account of the common Union infantryman from recruitment and training to his experiences on the battlefield. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 32- 1st printing. "Aztec Warrior!" Written by John Pohl. Art by Adam Hook. According to one popular image, the Aztec army was a ruthless and efficient war machine, that established an empire by convincingly overwhelming its neighbors, sacrificing thousands to bloodthirsty gods along the way. From a contrasting perspective, its native warriors were no match for the modern warring methods of Cortés' greatly outnumbered Spaniards, who decisively defeated them. The reality of the Aztec warrior's ability and effectiveness lies somewhere between those two extremes, as this title makes clear. By examining the experiences of a hypothetical individual, Cuauhtli, this meticulously researched book shows that the history of Aztec warfare is much richer and far more complex than previously understood, and reveals the close relationship between social and military matters in Aztec society. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 33- 1st printing. "Knight Hospitaller (1)!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. Unlike their sometime rivals the Templars, the Order of St John of the Hospital of Jerusalem (or the Hospitallers as they are better known) was not created as a result of the First Crusade in 1099: rather, it was probably established by a group of Italian merchants from Amalfi in the mid-11th century. However, as a consequence of the crusading movement, the Hospitallers became recognised experts in the military capabilities of opposing Islamic armies. This book, the first of two to examine the lifestyle, experiences and military role of the Hospitaller knight, covers the period from the foundation of the order to the invasion of Rhodes in 1306. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $5.00

Volume 34- 1st printing. "Confederate Artilleryman 1861-65!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Bill Younghusband. In the heady days of the rush to arms in 1861, comparatively few Southern men volunteered for service in the artillery: most preferred the easily accessible glory of the infantry or cavalry. Yet those that did quickly earned the respect of their fellow soldiers, and a reputation for being able to pull through deeper mud, ford deeper springs, shoot faster, swear louder ... than any other class of men in the service. Given that field artillery was invariably deployed in front of the troops that it was supporting, the artillerymen were exposed to a high level of enemy fire, and losses were significant. This title guides the reader through the life and experiences of the Confederate cannoneer - where he came from; how he trained and lived; how he dressed, ate and was equipped; and how he fought. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 35- 1st printing. "English Medieval Knight 1400-1500!" Written by Christopher Gravett. Art by Graham Turner. The 15th century was a time of change for knighthood. Knights no longer fought for their lords in return for land, since the feudal summons had long before given way to a system of contracts. Moreover, many knights now preferred the role of landowner, man-about-town or parliamentary representative. However, this was also the age of the knight in plate armour, of the battle of Agincourt and the conquests of Henry V, and of the Wars of the Roses, the bloody internecine struggle that tore medieval England apart. In this title Christopher Gravett describes the life of a 15th century knight, his equipment and experiences from his earliest days as a squire through to his experiences on the battlefields of England and France. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 36- 1st printing. "Grey Wolf!" Written by Gordon Williamson. Art by Darko Pavlovic. The scourge of Allied shipping during World War II, the U-Boot Waffe was one of the most feared components of Hitler's war machine, yet the Kriegsmarine was the least political branch of the Third Reich. The sailors of the U-boat arm were courageous, highly skilled seamen, who fought a war in the toughest conditions: subject to immense tension, and forced to cope with the challenges of the Atlantic, life for a U-boat recruit was far from easy. This title explores the life of a typical U-boat crewman, from recruitment, through training and service conditions, to combat experience throughout the war. Illustrated with many previously unpublished images, this book offers a fresh insight into the experiences of the men in Dönitz's legendary 'wolf packs'. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $5.00

Volume 37- 1st printing. "German Seaman 1939-45!" Written by Gordon Williamson. Art by John White. When re-armament came after World War I, the German Navy was forced to build anew, so the Reichsmarine and its successor, the Kriegsmarine, found itself in possession of some of the most modern, powerful and technically advanced vessels in the world. Germany was very selective in picking her sailors and the quality of manpower skill levels was thus very high. This book charts the recruitment, training, service conditions and combat experiences of a typical World War II German sailor, focusing on the main branches of the Navy, as well as the last ditch combat units thrown into action as infantry in the final days of the war. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 38- 1st printing. "Fallschirmjäger!" Written by Bruce Quarrie. Art by Velimir Vuksic. Few of the combatants of World War II have captured the imagination as compulsively as the Fallschirmjäger. Boldness and courage were vital characteristics in the rigorous selection process, and their training was highly demanding. Hitler's airborne troops were involved in some of the most daring actions of the whole war; from the 1940 assault on Eben Emael and the invasion of Crete in 1941, to the rescue of Mussolini and the attempt on Tito's life. In addition, they saw service as elite line infantry in the key theatres of North West Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Front. This title looks at the life and experiences of the average Fallschirmjäger, and includes first-hand accounts from different theatres and periods of the war. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 39- 1st printing. "Gladiators!" Written by Stephen Wisdom. Art by Angus McBride. From the high-walls and cheering crowds of the Coliseum to the dark dungeons where prisoners spent their last peaceful moments, Konstantin Nossov brings the world of the Roman gladiator to life. Using the latest research, Konstantin reconstructs the history of these men who battled for the entertainment of the masses, covering the evolution of gladiatorial combat, the types of gladiator, their equipment, their way of life, and their social status. Although most gladiators were slaves, who fought and died at the whims of the crowd, many were able to elevate their status and their lives through victories in the arena to become as popular as today's superstar athletes. Gladiators came from almost every walk of Roman life, from slaves and prisoners forced to fight to volunteers and even nobles who relished the opportunity to test their martial skills. This book covers all aspects of these warriors and paints an intimate portrait of their complex, dangerous and often deadly lives. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 40- 1st printing. "The Conquistador!" Written by John Pohl. Art by Adam Hook. Many accounts portray the conquest of the New World as a remarkable military achievement, with Cortés' vastly outnumbered but better armed Spaniards defeating hordes of superstitious savages. However, the reality of these events is far more complex and no less significant. The first Conquistadors who had sailed in search of prosperity, inspired by dreams of unlimited riches, soon became disillusioned and restless. With disease rampant, resources exhausted, and the Caribbean populations dwindling, they had little alternative but to find new territories and peoples to exploit. This title shows how, bolstered by influxes of war-hardened veterans from Europe and an army of over 30,000 allied Indian troops, they came to rely on and perfect what they knew best - killing for profit, and without mercy. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 41- 1st printing. "Knight Hospitaller (2)!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. Having campaigned on land during their early existence, the Hospitallers fought mainly at sea from the turn of the 14th century. The emphasis was now on small-scale operations, rather than the crusading invasion that had so often come to grief. Having conquered Rhodes, the Order fortified it and transferred there in 1309. A period of on-off warfare with the Mamluks became full-blown conflict with the Ottomans, who captured Rhodes in 1522, forcing the Hospitallers to transfer to Malta. This book, the second of two, takes a close look at the men who lived and died for the Hospitaller cause in this key period, and the political and economic role that the Order played within the Christian empire. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $7.00

Add to cart Very Fine $5.00

Volume 42- 1st printing. "Redcoat Officer!" Written by Stuart Reid. Art by Gerry Embleton. The commissioned officer ranks in the British Army from 1740-1815 were almost entirely composed of the affluent and educated - the sons of the landed gentry, the wealthy, and other professional people. This title looks at the enlistment, training, daily life and combat experiences of the typical British officer in the crucial periods of the North American conflicts, the American Revolution, and the Napoleonic Wars. It compliments the author's previous treatments in Warrior 19 British Redcoat 1740-93 and Warrior 20 British Redcoat (2) 1793-1815, which deal exclusively with the common infantryman, and balances these discussions through a look at the 'fellows in silk stockings'. Particular emphasis is placed on the experiences and activities in North America in the late 18th century. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 43- 1st printing. "Matchlock Musketeer!" Written by Keith Roberts. Art by Stephen Walsh. The Matchlock Musketeer follows the lives of soldiers armed with this weapon from its adoption by the English in Queen Elizabeth's reign until its replacement with the flintlock at the end of the 17th century. It was used extensively during the Armada Campaign, the English Civil War, The Restoration and the Glorious Revolution. The musketeer's experience in battle, skirmish, siege and camp saw both change and continuity during this period. The common experiences of the musketeer (including digging trenches, firing and fighting, and life on campaign) are explored in this title. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 44- 1st printing. "Ironsides!" Written by John Tincey. Art by Graham Turner. The Ironside is symbolic of the one occasion when the army took an active role in British politics. He represents a unique period when ordinary people displaced the established order to take political control into their own hands. In the nineteenth century a rash of historical publications, paintings and statues with a civil war theme reflected the political divisions of Victorian society and Royalist and Parliamentarian causes were argued over again, reflecting the sub text of contemporary political struggles. This book attempts to take a wider view of the Ironside as a warrior who evolved from the experiments of the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries to combine firepower with the armoured cavalryman. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 45- 1st printing. "US Infantryman in World War II (1)!" Written by Robert S Rush. Art by Elizabeth Sharp. This title deals with the experiences of the American soldiers who fought the Japanese across the Pacific islands, and the specific nature of this combat environment. It follows a hypothetical soldier, 'Michael', through his enlistment into and training with the 165th Infantry Regiment (New York National Guard). It takes him through the 1941 maneuvers the 27th Infantry Division participated in, the transfer to Oahu, and into the reality of daily life and combat in the Pacific theater from 1942 to 1945, including Makin, Saipan and Okinawa. It also looks at the PTO administrative procedures for replacements, and medical and psychiatric care of the ordinary soldier. Whilst the focus is on one individual, the experiences of the many are examined and woven into an intricate and meticulous narrative. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 46- 1st printing. "Panzer Crewman 1939-45!" Written by Gordon Williamson. Art by Velimir Vuksic. In World War II the Panzer crews spearheaded every major campaign or battle from the invasions of Poland and France to the last great counter-offensive in the Ardennes. Germany's Panzer crews fought on every front and along the way earned a formidable reputation for élan in attack and steadfastness in defence. This book charts the recruitment, training, service conditions and combat experience of a typical World War II German tank crewman, serving on various fronts - from the scorching heat of the Western Desert to the frozen tundra of the Eastern Front. It features many unpublished photographs from both private collectors and Panzer veterans themselves. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

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Volume 47- 1st printing. "British Rifleman 1797-1815!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Christa Hook. The rifle corps of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars are among the most recognisable of all the soldiers of that era: their distinctive dark green uniforms are as familiar as some of their exploits. They have achieved considerable fame through the large numbers of memoirs written by members of the rifle corps as well as through modern fiction, most notably the Sharpe series. Apart from their reputation as a corps d'elite, the riflemen were, in their time, at the very cutting edge of military technology and tactical theory. Philip Haythornwaite here uses fascinating first hand accounts and detailed research to give a 'soldier's-eye view' of the British Rifleman, his life and work. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 48- 1st printing. "English Medieval Knight 1200-1300!" Written by Christopher Gravett. Art by Graham Turner. The 13th century was a time of change for knights in England. They were faced with rising costs and increasing demands on their time for local government because of their very status in society, until knighthood itself was sometimes avoided. This period saw as well the development of the tournament from the wild team events of the early years of the century to the single jousts with blunt lance. Campaign life in the 13th century also embraced several theatres of war including the baronial revolt against King John, the Barons' Wars of Simon de Montfort, and the Welsh and Scottish wars of Edward I. This title also covers the use and development of arms, armour, costume and other equipment. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 49- 1st printing. "Landsknecht Soldier 1486-1560!" Written by John Harald Richards. Art by Gerry Embleton. The Landsknecht (meaning 'servant of the country') flourished during a key period for military organisation and practice. In the late 15th century, the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, recruited thousands of mercenaries from Central and Northern Europe, with the aim of creating a reliable source of men for his armies - and the Landsknecht were born. This book reveals the true-life experiences of the Landsknecht soldier, using numerous first-hand accounts. It takes a close look at the recruitment, training, daily life and and careers of these formidable soldiers, and examines in detail their clothing, equipment and weaponry. Many fine, contemporary illustrations, some drawn by Landsknecht themselves, accompany the text. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 50- 1st printing. "Pictish Warrior AD 297-841!" Written by Paul Wagner. Art by Wayne Reynolds. First mentioned by name in AD 297, the Picts inhabited Northern Britain from the end of the 3rd century AD to the 9th. They rose to power in the devastation following Emperor Septimus Severus's repression of the Caledonians in AD 208, and dominated Northern Britain for over 500 years, before vanishing mysteriously. The Picts represent a high point of Celtic civilisation, remaining free and unconquered beyond the borders of the Roman world, and rising to become the first barbarians to form a recognisable 'nation'. This title takes a detailed look at their origins, and examines Pictish heroic and warrior society, covering education and training, appearance and equipment, the status of women, and the experience of battle. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.