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Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) comic books 2006

  • Issue #39-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 39-1ST

    Volume 39 - 1st printing. "Russian Fortresses 1480–1682!" Written by Konstantin Nossov. Art by Peter Dennis. In 1462 the throne of the Principality of Moscow passed to Ivan III (1462–1505), who succeeded in throwing off the Tatar yoke. For the next 200 years this new state struggled to maintain her borders against a series of attacks from the Lithuanians, Swedes and Poles to the west, as well as the Tatars to the south. They achieved this through the development of a network of fortified sites and a series of linear defensive systems. This book examine how these fortifications were developed to respond to ever changing situations under the command of such charismatic rulers as Ivan the Terrible, right through to the military reforms of Peter the Great. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #40-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 40-1ST

    Volume 40 - 1st printing. "Ancient Greek Fortifications 500–300 BC!" Written by Nic Fields. Art by Brian Delf. The development of the city-state in the Classical period of Greek history ensured a shift in the nature of fortifications in the region. No longer were fortresses designed to defend a ruler and his entourage, rather the whole of the citizen body had to be protected against any outside threats. The enceintes of these Greek city-states did not have to be very high or strong as city-state conflict was still decided by spear and shield, though some thought was still given to the science of fortification. This book details the construction and ongoing development of the defences that protected some of the most illustrious sites in Greece during the most famous period of her history. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #42-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 42-1ST

    Volume 42 - 1st printing. "The Vauban Fortifications of France!" Written by Paddy Griffith. Art by Peter Dennis. Vauban was the foremost military engineer of France, not only during his lifetime, but also throughout the 18th century when his legacy and methods remained in place almost unchanged. Indeed, his expertise and experience in the construction, defence, and attack of fortresses is unrivalled by any of his contemporaries, of any nationality. In all three of those fields he was a significant innovator and prolific exponent, having planned approximately 160 major defensive projects and directed over 50 sieges. This book provides not only a modern listing of his varied interventions and their fates, but also a wide-ranging discussion of just how and why they pushed forward the international boundaries of the arts of fortification.Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #43-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 43-1ST

    Volume 43 - 1st printing. "Roman Legionary Fortresses 27 BC–AD 378!" Written by Duncan B Campbell. Art by Brian Delf. From the reign of Augustus (27 BC–AD 14) onwards the Roman Army became a standing force with permanent fortresses distributed throughout the empire. These fortresses developed from the temporary fortifications of the legions on campaign into temporary wooden structures, before finally becoming more elaborate stone fortifications designed to stand the test of time. This book describes the development, design and construction of these fortresses throughout the length and breadth of the Empire. It also deals extensively with the experience of life within a typical fortress and covers the operational history of these fortifications throughout the whole of the imperial period. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #47-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 47-1ST

    Volume 47 - 1st printing. "Fortifications of the Incas!" Written by H. W. Kaufmann, and J.E. Kaufmann. Art by Adam Hook. The greatest period of Inca expansion occured during the reigns of Pachacuti (1438–71), Tupa Inca (1471–93), and Huayna Capac (1493–1527). From the mountain stronghold of Cuzco, they subjugated the surrounding kingdoms and territories, absorbing their civilizations and their peoples. By 1525, they dominated much of the west of the continent, relying on fortified strongholds, an extensive system of roads and bridges, and obligatory military service to control local populations. This title takes a detailed look at the development of Incan fortification techniques, and examines how they came to be overrun by the Spanish conquistadors. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #49-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 49-1ST

    Volume 49 - 1st printing. "The Spanish Main 1492-1800!" Written by Rene Chartrand. Art by Donato Spedaliere. Following Columbus's arrival in the Bahamas in 1492, the lands of the 'new world' were divided between Spain and Portugal. The riches gained by the Spaniards soon aroused the interest of the French and the English, eager to exploit the area they called the 'Spanish Main' (an area broadly encompassing the West Indies and the Central American and Mexican coast). In response, the Spanish fortified their new territories. The earliest examples were very much based on medieval styles of fortification, but over the following three centuries the fortifications were updated, modernized and improved according the latest European principles. This book describes the evolution of the fortifications and their fate. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #50-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 50-1ST

    Volume 50 - 1st printing. "The Forts of Celtic Britain!" Written by Angus Konstam. Art by Peter Bull. Half a millennium before the Romans first arrived in Britain, an even more ferocious people, the Celts, arrived in what is now south-eastern England. The Celts remained in Britain long after the Romans departed, and although driven into the remoter corners of the island by English invaders the people who remained clung onto their Celtic heritage, and defended their remaining lands against all-comers. In order to defend their lands from other tribes or outside invaders these people established powerful fortified sites that served as places of refuge in wartime and as administrative and trading centres in times of peace. This book examines these fascinating forts, which varied considerably from the mysterious brochs and duns found in northern Britain, to the hill-top forts ranging in size, to the promontory forts that formed powerful coastal strongholds all around the island's shores. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #51-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 51-1ST

    Volume 51 - 1st printing. "Indian Castles 1206-1526!" Written by Konstantin Nossov. Art by Brian Delf. From the beginning of the 2nd millennium AD northern India began to fall under the sway of a number of Muslim-Turkic rulers who, at the start of the 13th century, founded the series of dynasties known to history as the Delhi Sultanate. For three centuries these sultans expanded their territory, which led to a dramatic rise in the number of fortifications throughout the subcontinent. This period is the defining age of the Indian castle and the combined influence of the Islamic and Hindu architectural tradition lends these fortifications a unique style. This book covers all the major sites of the period - including the fabled seven medieval cities on the site of the present-day city of Delhi. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #53-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 53-1ST

    Volume 53 - 1st printing. "Defending Space!" Written by Clayton Chun. Art by Chris Taylor. The United States has been developing space for many years, and satellites provide the US Military with an unparaleled advantage over its adversaries. Constellations of both military and civilian satellites provide protection and support for military operations; deliver ballistic missile early warning; supply reliable, secure and jam-proof communications; gather audio-visual intelligence; predict weather patterns; guide navigation; and deliver guided-weapons targeting, as well as a host of other missions. This book explores the design, development and usage of US military space systems, as well past and future threats to the systems. The current relevance of this topic to the international community as a whole is key, as space becomes the next, if only virtual, theater of warfare. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #54-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 54-1ST

    Volume 54 - 1st printing. "Forts of the American Frontier 1820-91!" Written by Ron Field. Art by Adam Hook. During the 1840s, the rarely visited "Great American Desert" of the Southern Plains and Southwest became part of the inexorable westward expansion, as European traders and settlers headed overland from the eastern seaboard. The traditional lands of the Creek, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole Indians were quickly absorbed, and the rapid advance of the frontier soon brought the white man into conflict with the Kiowa, Comanche, Apache and Navajo tribes. Numerous posts and forts were built to protect trading posts and settlers, and to police the Indian reservations. This title explores the design and development of these sites, the life of the garrisons that manned them, and the clashes with Native American warriors such as Geronimo, Manuelito and Quanah Parker. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #55-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 55-1ST

    Volume 55 - 1st printing. "Cathar Castles!" Written by Marcus Cowper. Art by Peter Dennis. During the early 13th century the north of what is now France went to war with the south in a bloody crusade aimed at destroying the heretical sect known as the Cathars. The conflict was characterized by vicious guerrilla actions and the besieging of the innumerable fortified sites that dotted the landscape of the south. Illustrated with full colour artwork and stunning photographs, this book describes the castles and fortifications of the Cathar period, examining their design, construction and the role that they played during the Albigensian Crusade. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

  • Issue #56-1ST
    Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) 56-1ST

    Volume 56 - 1st printing. "Rome's Saxon Shore!" Written by Nic Fields. Art by Donato Spedaliere. Constructed to protect the coastline of southern and eastern Britain, the forts of the 'Saxon Shore' are among the most impressive surviving monuments of the Roman occupation of the British Isles, although much about them remains a mystery. In an impressive outlay of money, manpower and materials the frontier system stretched from the Wash to the Solent and included the heavy fortification of the major harbours and estuaries of the east and south-east coast. This book explores the history of this frontier system the ruins of which define the British landscape to this day. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.