Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) comic books 2003

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Volume 1 - 1st printing. "Japanese Pacific Island Defenses 1941-1945!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Ian Palmer. The prolonged and bloody fighting for control of the Japanese occupied Pacific islands in World War II is a key point in 20th-century warfare. No two islands were alike in the systems and nature of their defensive emplacements, and local improvization and command preferences affected both materials used and defensive models. This title details the establishment, construction and effectiveness of Japanese temporary and semi-permanent crew-served weapons positions and individual and small-unit fighting positions. Integrated obstacles and minefields, camouflage and the changing defensive principles are also covered. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. "Hadrian's Wall AD 122–410!" Written by Nic Fields. Art by Donato Spedaliere. Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. It is the best known frontier in the entire Roman Empire and stands as a reminder of the past glories of one of the world's greatest civilisations. Its origins lie in a visit by the Emperor Hadrian to Britain in AD 122 when he ordered the wall to be built to mark the northern boundary of his Empire and 'to separate the Romans from the Barbarians'. This title details the design, development and construction of the wall and covers the everyday lives of those who manned it as well as the assaults it withstood. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 3 - 1st printing. "U-Boat Bases and Bunkers 1941–45!" Written by Gordon Williamson. Art by Ian Palmer. Few of the massive military structures built by Germany during World War II are as impressive as the U-Boat bases and bunkers in Germany, Norway and France. This title takes a close look at the formidable edifices on the French coast (Brest, Lorient, St Nazaire, La Pallice, Bordeaux) in Norway (Bergen, Trondheim) and Germany (Keil, Hamburg, Helgoland) and also focuses on the huge 'Valentin' factory complex at Bremen, which manufactured the new type XXI electro-boats. Bunker protective systems, such as camouflage, light and heavy flak installations and nearby air cover, are also examined as well as resident flotillas and the fate of the bases at war's end. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 4 - 1st printing. "American Defenses of Corregidor and Manila Bay 1898–1945!" Written by Mark Berhow and Terrance McGovern. Art by Chris Taylor. The Philippines were declared an American Territory on January 4, 1899, and fortification construction soon began on the islands in the mouth of Manila Bay. Among the sites built were Fort Mills (Corregidor), Fort Frank, and the formidable concrete battleship of Fort Drum. The defenses suffered constant Japanese bombardment during World War II, leading to the surrender of American forces. In 1945 the forts were manned by Japanese soldiers determined to hold out to the bitter end. This title details the fortifications of this key strategic location, and considers both their effectiveness and historical importance. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 5 - 1st printing. "Japanese Castles 1540–1640!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Peter Dennis. The landscape of 16th- and 17th-century Japan was dominated by the graceful and imposing castles constructed by the powerful ‘daimyo' of the period. In this the most turbulent era in Japanese history, these militarily sophisticated structures provided strongholds for the consolidation and control of territory, and inevitably they became the focus for many of the great sieges of Japanese history: Nagashino (1575), Kitanosho (1583), Odawara (1590), Fushimi (1600), Osaka (1615) and Hara (1638), the last of the battles that brought an end to a period of intense civil war. This title traces their development from the earliest timber stockades to the immense structures that dominated the great centres of Osaka and Edo. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

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Volume 6 - 1st printing. "American Civil War Fortifications Part 1!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Peter Dennis. The landscape of 16th- and 17th-century Japan was dominated by the graceful and imposing castles constructed by the powerful ‘daimyo' of the period. In this the most turbulent era in Japanese history, these militarily sophisticated structures provided strongholds for the consolidation and control of territory, and inevitably they became the focus for many of the great sieges of Japanese history: Nagashino (1575), Kitanosho (1583), Odawara (1590), Fushimi (1600), Osaka (1615) and Hara (1638), the last of the battles that brought an end to a period of intense civil war. This title traces their development from the earliest timber stockades to the immense structures that dominated the great centres of Osaka and Edo. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 7 - 1st printing. "Lines of Torres Vedra 1809-11!" Written by Ian Fletcher. Art by Bill Younghusband. Following the battle of Bussaco on 27 September 1810 Wellington's heavily outnumbered troops began to withdraw towards Lisbon. By the evening of 9 October the British and Portuguese began to withdraw behind a line of defensive works that had been built to the north of Lisbon. These were not the rudimentary field works that the French anticipated, but an enormous network of forts, batteries and redoubts whose construction had been started the previous November - the Lines of Torres Vedras. This 30-mile-wide line utilised the area's natural defences, damming rivers, scarping hillsides, blocking roads and establishing forts upon almost all of the hills. This title describes its design, creation and effectiveness in the face of French attacks. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 8 - 1st printing. "Defenses of Pearl Harbor and Oahu 1907–50!" Written by Terrance McGovern and Glen Williford. Art by John Richards and Chris Taylor. At the beginning of the 20th century, the military importance of the Hawaiian Islands became clear. Oahu in particular was a key bastion in projecting America's military power in the Pacific. The island was turned into a military fortress - and yet it also became the site of one of America's greatest defensive failures, the Japanese attack of December 7, 1941. By the end of World War II, the harbor itself was the most heavily defended in the world, and the island had earned the sobriquet Fortress Oahu. This title documents the development of the coastal, air and land defense systems that served to protect Pearl Harbor and Honolulu from 1907 to 1950, and seeks to understand why these failed at a critical point. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 9 - 1st printing. "English Civil War Fortifications 1642–51!" Written by Peter Harrington. Art by Donato Spedaliere. The techniques of European warfare were transformed during the 15th and 16th centuries by the use of gunpowder and by substantial progress in the effectiveness and destructive power of artillery. The series of conflicts in the 1640s, known collectively as the English Civil War, was the first in the British Isles that reflected this new reality. Sieges that aimed at isolating and reducing fortified places became the dominant instrument for prosecuting the war and protective fortifications were vital, for both the besieged as well as the besieger. This title describes how both the Parliamentarians and the Royalists made use of new fortification techniques throughout the course of this conflict. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 10 - 1st printing. "The Maginot Line 1928-45!" Written by William Allcorn. Art by Jeff Vanelle and Vincent Boulanger. The Maginot Line, the massive series of fortifications built by France in the 1930s to defend its borders with Germany and Italy, is perhaps the most maligned collection of fortifications ever built. Despite being a technological marvel, and the most sophisticated and complex set of fortifications built up to that time, it failed to save France from crushing defeat in 1940. Yet there are those who argue that it accomplished exactly what it was designed to do. This book provides a concise and informative treatment of the Maginot Line, from North-East France to the Mediterranean. Packed with plans, contemporary and modern images, plus digital artwork, it presents a detailed visual exploration of this famous fortification system. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 11 - 1st printing. "Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights Part 1!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Peter Dennis. Throughout their stormy history the Teutonic Knights of Germany have always been the most controversial brotherhood ever to call themselves 'Knights of Christ'.They were the most warlike of the religious orders, and this is reflected in the architecture they left behind. In contrast to the Templars who are remembered for their churches, the Teutonic memorials are the magnificent brick-built castles they built as a result of their conquest of Prussia between 1230 and 1380. Many of these dramatic fortresses still exist today in what is now Poland and provide a unique example of an architectural style that closely reflects the nature of the Order. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 12 - 1st printing. "Fortresses of the Peninsular War 1808–14!" Written by Ian Fletcher. Art by Chris Taylor. In the course of the Peninsular War, Wellington's army fought several hard battles and smaller actions, but it was the bloody sieges that troubled him more than anything else. Indeed, the performance of his army during the sieges was probably the most disappointing aspect of what was otherwise an extremely successful campaign. Taking 1808 as its starting point, this title deals with the fortress sieges that involved Wellington's Anglo-Portuguese army, and concentrates on four key sites in particular (Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Burgos and San Sebastián). All of these played a vital role in the war due to their strategically important positions. It documents both the sieges and the storming of the fortresses, as well as the general role of the fortresses in Spain and the impact they had on the thinking of the commanders and strategies of the armies involved. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 13 - 1st printing. "Norman Stone Castles Part 1!" Written by Christopher Gravett. Art by Adam Hook. Descended from the Viking raiders who settled in Northern France under the leadership of Rollo in around 911, the Normans were amongst the most feared warriors of their time. Their territorial ambitions culminated in Duke William 1's conquest of England in 1066, but although victory at Hastings left the English crown in William's hands, Norman sovereignty remained far from established on the island. In order to consolidate his position, the new king built a series of fortifications across the country - this book covers all these developments from the early days of William I through to the fortifications of Henry II, Richard I and John. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 14 - 1st printing. "Fortifications in Wessex, 800-1066!" Written by Ryan Lavelle. Art by Donato Spedaliere. The defence of the 9th-century kingdom of Wessex under King Alfred against the 'Great Viking Army' is one of the major military achievements of Early Medieval history. While the guerrilla warfare in the Somerset marshes and the battle of Edington are characteristic of Alfred's military abilities, his definitive physical achievement was a series of some 30 well-structured fortifications (known as burhs) across the kingdom. Many of these fortifications survive to this day and some were even reinforced to stand up to German tanks in the expected invasion of 1940. This title describes their beginnings in the turbulent early years of Alfred's reign as well as their subsequent development and use. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.