Vintage Paper

Volume 101 - 2nd and later printings. "The Conquistadores!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Angus McBride. On 12 October 1492 Columbus discovered the New World. In the following decade a number of Spanish colonies were founded in the West Indies, many of the settlers being ex-soldiers. They were a hardy, adventurous and unruly crew, no longer able to find suitable employment in Europe. They carved a foothold for Spain in the Indies, but quickly became restless in the role of settler. Anxious to avoid the dull work of the administrators and planters, these men began to seek new territories to exploit, once again turning their faces towards the unknown. This title documents both the Conquistadores themselves, and their formidable enemies in the New World - the Aztecs, Incas and Maya. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 102 - 2nd and later printings. "The Wild Geese!" Written by Mark McLaughlin. Art by Chris Warner. In the early years of the English Civil War, a French traveller in England remarked that the Irish 'are better soldiers abroad than at home'. Between 1585 and 1818, over half a million Irish were lured from their homeland by promises of glory, money and honour in a constant emigration romantically styled 'The Flight of the Wild Geese'. Throughout this period, the Irish brigades in France and Spain participated in conflicts ranging from the wars of the Spanish and Austrian Succession to the Napoleonic Wars. Spanning over two centuries of history, this book examines the uniforms and organization of the Wild Geese in France and Spain. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 103 - 2nd and later printings. "Germany's Spanish Volunteers 1941–45!" Written by John Scurr. Art by Richard Hook. The Spanish Civil War had been a conflict between the nationalists and conservatives on one side, and what they saw as the opposing anarchic atheistic Marxism which was eroding the traditional Catholic values of Spain. The nationalists eventually won with the aid of Germany against the Soviet backed Marxists, and four years later, the Spaniards seized the opportunity to settle a score with those who had attempted to disintegrate their country. John Scurr's book provides an absorbing account of the organisation, campaigns and uniforms of Germany's Spanish volunteers who fought from 1941-45. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 104 - 2nd and later printings. "Armies of the Vietnam War 1962–75!" Written by Philip Katcher. Art by Mike Chappell. Philip Katcher provides an overview to the conflict that engulfed Vietnam following the division of the country into two along the 17th Parallel in 1954. The uniforms and insignia of the US forces, including the army, Special Forces, air force, navy and marine corps, are dealt with in detail, together with those of the ARVN, the Allied Forces (such as the Royal Thai Army and Korean troops), and also the Communist NLF (Viet Cong) and NVA forces. Mike Chappell's colourful artwork provides plenty of detail to accompany this authoritative text. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 105 - 2nd and later printings. "The Mongols!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Angus McBride. The history of the Mongol armies is a catalogue of superlatives. No armies in history have ever won so many battles or conquered so much territory. No army has ever provoked such justifiable terror and loathing in its victims, or slaughtered so many of its vanquished. What other army in history has marched on Russia in the winter and survived, let alone won victories? The stories of these and many other amazing feats of this 'barbarian' people are here brought vividly to life by Stephen Turnbull, from the birth of Genghis Khan in the wind-swept steppes of Mongolia, through the conquest of China and beyond. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 106 - 2nd and later printings. "Napoleon's German Allies (4)!" Written by Otto von Pivka. Art by Richard Hook. In 1805, Bavaria allied itself with France and Bavarian troops served with Napoleon during the 1809 campaign against Austria, and participated in the Russian campaign of 1812, before eventually abandoning the Emperor's cause in 1813 prior to the battle of Leipzig. They then engaged Napoleon's troops in combat at the battle of Hanua in an unsuccessful attempt to cut off their retreat to France. This book by Otto von Pivka provides an in depth examination of the organisation, equipment, weaponry and uniforms of Napoleon's Bavarian allies. The fascinating text is accompanied by numerous illustrations and eight full page colour plates. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 107 - 2nd and later printings. "British Infantry Equipments (1)!" Art by Mike Chappell. The period covered by this book begins with the British infantryman entering the Peninsular War wearing the lethal knapsack equipment of the day, and ends with the introduction of the first equipment set made entirely of woven cotton webbing [the 1908 pattern described in the accompanying Men-at-Arms 108: British Infantry Equipments 1908-80]. Mike Chappel's detailed text presents an in-depth study of British infantry equipments from 1808-1908, in a volume complemented by plenty of illustrations and photographs, including eight full page colour plates by the author himself. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 108 - 2nd and later printings. "British Infantry Equipments (2)!" Art by Mike Chappell. The conflict in South Africa from 1899 to 1902 gave the British military establishment reason to effect swift reforms in the period which followed the end of the hostilities. The humiliating defeats suffered at the hands of a comparatively small number of Boer citizen-soldiers in the opening months of the war showed up deficiencies in leadership, training and equipment. In a companion volume to Men-at-Arms 107: British Infantry Equipments 1808-1908, Mike Chappel examines the period from 1908-80 in a text complemented by numerous illustrations including eight full page colour plates by the author himself. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 109 - 2nd and later printings. "Ancient Armies of the Middle East!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Angus McBride. This text by Terence Wise explores some of the fascinating peoples who comprised the ancient armies of the Middle East: the Sumerians, who were the first to introduce the use of bronze into warfare, and were centuries ahead of the Egyptians in the use of the wheel – The Akkadians, whose citizen army was composed almost entirely of light troops – The Babylonians, whose people were granted land in return for army service – the horned warriors of the Elamites – the Egyptians, with thier heavy spearmen and archers – the tribal and warlike Libyans – Nubians and Ethiopians – Hyksos – the armies of the Hittite Empire – the Sea People and others. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 110 - 2nd and later printings. "New Model Army 1645–60!" Written by Stuart Asquith. Art by Chris Warner. The Restoration of 1660 is often quoted as the birth date of our modern British Army. While this may be true as far as continuity of unit identity is concerned, the evidence of history shows that the creation of an efficient military machine, and its proving on the battlefield, predates the Restoration by 15 years. It was on the battlefields of the Civil War that the foundations of the British professional army were laid. Here, supported by a wide variety of photographs and eight full colour plates, Stuart Asquith details the history, organisation, weapons and equipment of the New Model Army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 111 - 2nd and later printings. "The Armies of Crécy and Poitiers!" Art by Christopher Rothero. A combination of dynastic disputes, feudal quibbles, trade disagreements and historical antagonism resulted in the opening of the Hundred Years War in 1337. The first major English land victory in this conflict was the Battle of Crécy. This pitted the French army, then considered the best in Europe, against the English under King Edward III. The battle established the longbow as one of the most feared weapons of the medieval period, a reputation reinforced at the bloody battle of Poitiers where much of the French nobility was slaughtered and their king captured by the English host. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 112 - 1st printing. "British Battledress 1937–61!" Written by Brian Jewell. Art by Mike Chappell. In the 1930s the War Office grew increasingly aware of the need for a new and more rational combat dress, and by 1937 the design for what would become known as 'battledress' was complete. Though the change in uniform was initially disappointing to the British soldiers, the new battledress served its purpose well, clothing the servicemen for more than 25 years with reasonable warmth and convenience. Complete with a wealth of photographs, diagrams and colour plates, this book offers a history of British battledress up to 1961, detailing its evolution in design, materials, sizes and applied insignia. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 112 - 2nd and later printings. "British Battledress 1937–61!" Written by Brian Jewell. Art by Mike Chappell. In the 1930s the War Office grew increasingly aware of the need for a new and more rational combat dress, and by 1937 the design for what would become known as 'battledress' was complete. Though the change in uniform was initially disappointing to the British soldiers, the new battledress served its purpose well, clothing the servicemen for more than 25 years with reasonable warmth and convenience. Complete with a wealth of photographs, diagrams and colour plates, this book offers a history of British battledress up to 1961, detailing its evolution in design, materials, sizes and applied insignia. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 113 - 2nd and later printings. "The Armies of Agincourt!" Art by Christopher Rothero. Henry V became King of England in 1413. He was one of the great warrior kings of the country, cast in the same mould as Edward I and Edward III. He was just, pious, athletic, chivalrous, acquisitive, ruthless and eager to gain honour on the field of battle. Henry hoped that a successful campaign against the nation's traditional enemy would draw the people together and establish the popularity of the Lancastrian dynasty. This splendid addition to Osprey's Men-at-Arms series explores the background, organisation and equipment of the armies which fought in one of the most famous conflicts in England's history – the Battle of Agincourt. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 114 - 1st printing. "Wellington's Infantry (1)!" Art by Bryan Fosten. The infantry was Wellington's favoured tool, and he played a major role in raising its standards of excellence. He used it carefully, on ground which he selected to give it maximum advantage and protection; and he came to understand its capabilities and weaknesses exactly. In this worthy addition to Opsrey's Men-at-Arms series, Bryan Fosten examines all aspects of Wellington's infantry, including army life, organisation, uniforms, drill, regimental distinctions, weapons and equipment, in an engaging text well-illustrated throughout including eight full page colour plates by the author himself. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 114 - 2nd and later printings. "Wellington's Infantry (1)!" Art by Bryan Fosten. The infantry was Wellington's favoured tool, and he played a major role in raising its standards of excellence. He used it carefully, on ground which he selected to give it maximum advantage and protection; and he came to understand its capabilities and weaknesses exactly. In this worthy addition to Opsrey's Men-at-Arms series, Bryan Fosten examines all aspects of Wellington's infantry, including army life, organisation, uniforms, drill, regimental distinctions, weapons and equipment, in an engaging text well-illustrated throughout including eight full page colour plates by the author himself. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 115 - 2nd and later printings. "Flags of the Napoleonic Wars (3)!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Guido Rosignoli. In this third of three volumes examining the flags of the Napoleonic Wars [Men-at-Arms 77, 78 & 115] Terence Wise details colours, standards and guidons of Anhalt, Kleve-Burg, Brunswick, Denmark, Finland, Hanover, Hesse, the Netherlands, Mecklenburg, Nassau, Portugal, Reuss, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland & Westphalia in a text containing a plethora of illustrations including eight full page colour plates by Guido Rosignoli. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 116 - 1st printing. "The Special Air Service!" Written by James Shortt. Art by Angus McBride. Since its birth at Kabrti in 1941, the Special Air Service has consistently captured the imagination of the military and public alike by the daring and unconventional nature of its operations. The nature of the tasks and the methods peculiar to the SAS have made it difficult to standardise items of equipment. Apart from issues common to the British Army as a whole, SAS personnel have need of, and access to, various specialised 'pieces of kit': often SAS innovations created to meet specific needs. James Shortt investigates the organisation, tactics, equipment and remarkable history of Britains elite fighting force. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 116 - 2nd and later printings. "The Special Air Service!" Written by James Shortt. Art by Angus McBride. Since its birth at Kabrti in 1941, the Special Air Service has consistently captured the imagination of the military and public alike by the daring and unconventional nature of its operations. The nature of the tasks and the methods peculiar to the SAS have made it difficult to standardise items of equipment. Apart from issues common to the British Army as a whole, SAS personnel have need of, and access to, various specialised 'pieces of kit': often SAS innovations created to meet specific needs. James Shortt investigates the organisation, tactics, equipment and remarkable history of Britains elite fighting force. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 117 - 2nd and later printings. "The Polish Army 1939–45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Richard Hook. Poland was the first of the Allied nations to succumb to German aggression in the Second World War, but by the most tortuous of routes her army managed to remain in the field through all five years of bloody fighting. Polish soldiers fought in nearly every major campaign in the European theatre, and their tale is a complicated and tragic one. This richly detailed text by Steven Zaloga relates the story of the Polish Army during the Second World War, from the first wave of Stukas in 1939 to its eventual conclusion. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 118 - 2nd and later printings. "The Jacobite Rebellions 1689–1745!" Written by Michael Barthorp. Art by Gerry Embleton. Between the first Jacobite rising in 1689 and the final collapse of the cause in 1746, the hopes of the House of Stuart were centred chiefly on Scotland. It is often wrongly assumed that the Jacobite rebellions were a contest between England and Scotland. In fact many Lowland Scots share the feelings of the English, and had cause to hate and fear their fellow countrymen in the Highlands. Thus it was to the Highland clans that the Jacobites looked to for their most reliable manpower. In this book Michael Barthorp details the events of the Jacobite rebellions, and the organisation and uniforms of the forces of both sides. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 119 - 2nd and later printings. "Wellington's Infantry (2)!" Art by Bryan Fosten. In 1803 Sir John Moore's policy was to produce quick-thinking, intelligent, mobile soldiers capable of attacking on their own initiative. Old-style drill manuals, which still governed the training of the mass of British infantry, were set aside; and discipline was maintained, at least to some extent, by appeals to pride in self and unit rather than by the lash. In this companion volume to Men-at-Arms 114 Wellington's Infantry 1, Bryan Fosten provides an engaging account of the history and uniforms of the light infantry troops who served under Wellington, together with numerous illustrations including eight detailed full page colour plates by the author himself. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 120 - 2nd and later printings. "Allied Commanders of World War II!" Written by Anthony Kemp. Art by Angus McBride. The Second World War, unlike the First, fostered the projection of 'characters'. Thanks to the media, many of the Allied commanders became household names, known as much for their successes and defeats on the battlefield as for their personalities. This book provides a brief review of the careers of some of the most notable figures to achieve high command in the Allied forces, a list that includes General of the Army Omar Bradley, Field Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery, General George Patton and General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower. These characters are brought to life through numerous illustrations, including photographs and colour plates. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 124 - 1st printing. "German Commanders of World War II!" Written by Anthony Kemp. Art by Angus McBride. This fascinating study by Anthony Kemp outlines the careers and characters of a number of senior German commanders. To those who read military history many of the names are familiar. It is a paradox, however, that few biographies have been written. The impression still exists today of German generals as stiff-necked, scar-faced, monocled Prussians. Whilst in a few cases this was certainly true, the fact remains that all of them were men, some more ordinary than others. With a variety of photographs, eight full-page colour plates by Angus McBride, accompanied by ten pages of commentaries, this is a first-class addition to Osprey's Men-at-Arms series. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 129 - 2nd and later printings. "Rome's Enemies (1)!" Written by Peter Wilcox. Art by Gerry Embleton. These vigorous northern 'barbarians' were the destroyers of the Western Empire of Rome. It was they who delivered the coup de grâce to the dying colossus in the south, subsequently creating medieval Europe, the feudal system and chivalry. Their direct descendants were the knights and men-at-arms. In every sense, they were the creators of the modern world; it is ironic that many people know virtually nothing about them. This book explores the history, weapons and dress of the Germanics and Dacians who fought Rome two thousand years before our time. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 130 - 1st printing. "Wellington's Heavy Cavalry!" Art by Bryan Fosten. Wellington considered the British cavalry to be technically inferior to the French, although paradoxically he also said that one British squadron would be a match for two of the enemy. His main concern was that although the British cavalry lacked neither courage nor dash, they lacked discipline, in that they invariably failed to rally and re-form once they had charged home. At Waterloo, although the cavalry generally performed superbly well, the endemic faults which Wellington had already identified were repeated more than once, resulting in the decimation of several fine regiments. Bryan Fosten explores the history, organisation and uniforms of Wellington's Heavy Cavalry. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 131 - 2nd and later printings. "Germany's Eastern Front Allies 1941–45!" Written by Peter Abbott. Art by Mike Chappell. The 1930s were a time of growing tension for the smaller states of Eastern Europe. Since the end of the First World War they had enjoyed an independence which most of them had not known for centuries, but this was now threatened by the growing power of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. Instead of combining for self defence, they were bitterly divided. The Munich crisis showed how little reliance could be placed on the Western democracies, whose power to intervene militarily in Eastern Europe was negligible. In effect this left the smaller East European states with little alternative but to become clients of either Germany or Russia. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 135 - 1st printing. "Battle for the Falklands (3)!" Written by Roy Braybrook. Art by Michael Roffe. During the Falklands conflict, aircraft (both fixed and rotary-wing) were of crucial importance to both sides: in moving reinforcements quickly across the sea and over the islands, in attacking surface vessels, and in providing protection against attacks from both above and below the waves. The role of air power was thus to assist friendly surface forces in theirs. Consequently, the air arms of the two antagonists functioned in what was essentially a supporting role, but nevertheless a vital one. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 136 - 2nd and later printings. "Italian Medieval Armies 1300–1500!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Gerry Embleton. Mercenaries were a common feature throughout most of Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries, and had been known far earlier. But nowhere did such a sophisticated system of hiring, payment and organisation of mercenaries develop as it did in Italy. The condottiere – whose name came from the condotta or contract between himself and his employer – was the result. Whether commander or humble trooper, the condottiere was a complete professional. His skill has never been doubted, but his loyalty and dedication to a particular cause often has. David Nicolle provides a fascinating exploration of the condottiere; his roles, arms and equipment. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 139 - 1st printing. "German Airborne Troops 1939–45!" Written by Bruce Quarrie. Art by Mike Chappell. Airborne operations have often been called a vertical envelopment, and therein lies one of the best descriptions of their value. The essence of an envelopment is to pin the enemy in place so that it can be destroyed. A strong enemy force to one's rear disrupts supplies and communications and makes one more vulnerable to an attack from the front. It also has a major psychological impact. To an aggressor the value of airborne troops, used properly, far outweighs their numerical strength. Bruce Quarrie's engaging text tells the story of the German airborne troops of the Second World War. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 154 - 2nd and later printings. "Arthur and the Anglo-Saxon Wars!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Angus McBride. The Arthurian Age; the Celtic Twilight; the Dark Ages; the Birth of England; these are the powerfully romantic names often given to one of the most confused yet vital periods in British history. It is an era upon which rival Celtic and English nationalisms frequently fought. It was also a period of settlement, and of the sword. This absorbing volume by David Nicolle transports us to an England shrouded in mystery and beset by savage conflict, a land which played host to one of the most enduring figures of our history – Arthur. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 155 - 2nd and later printings. "Knights of Christ!" Written by Terence Wise. Art by Richard Scollins. The ancient warrior code which persisted in medieval Christian Europe dictated that a man's greatest virtues were physical strength, skill at arms, bravery, daring, loyalty to the chieftain and solidarity within the tribe. The primitive Church had been diametrically opposed to such ideals, however by the early 8th century the Church had grown wealthy, and the Saracen invasions of Spain and France posed a threat to that wealth. The Roman Church began to support war in defence of the faith, and by channelling the martial spirit into the service of God, the brutal warrior of the past was transformed into a guardian of society. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Vol.164 - 2nd & later printings. "The Canadian Army at War!" Art by Mike Chappell. Throughout the twentieth century, Canadian armies participated in the world's major conflicts, from the Boer War at the dawn of the century, to the Korean War in the 1950s. As part of the British empire, Canada supported Britain in South Africa, and came to the aid of the Allies in both world wars. This book chronicles the development of the Canadian Army and the legendary achievements of a nation which might have justifiably stayed aloof from the quarrels of others. As both author and illustrator, Mike Chappell paints an engaging picture of the history, equipment and uniforms of the Canadian Army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 171 - 1st printing. "Saladin and the Saracens!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Angus McBride. Salah al Din Yusif ibn Ayyub, known to his Muslim contemporaries as al Nasi, 'The Victorious', and to an admiring Europe as Saladin, is the most famous single figure in the history of the Crusades, being even better known outside the English-speaking world than his Christian foe Richard the Lionheart. Traditionally portrayed as a quiet, deeply religious and even humble man, Saladin was a typical product of his day and his culture. This title shows how the societies and military systems that he and his successors led from defeat to eventual triumph were far more sophisticated than is generally realised, and brings vividly to life the history, organisation, arms and armour of Saladin and the Saracens. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 217 - 1st printing. "The War in Laos 1960–75!" Written by Kenneth Conboy. Art by Simon McCouaig. As World War II drew to a close, the Imperial Japanese military seized control of Laos, a French protectorate, and encouraged nationalist movements to forestall the revival of French power in the region. Despite these efforts the French re-entered Indochina and methodically retook the protectorate. By 1957, the government of Laos and the core of the Communist Laotian forces, known as the Pathet Lao, entered an uneasy truce, which plunged the country into 15 years of war. This text explores the resulting war, providing a summary of events and profiling the Laotian government forces, the government Allied forces and the Communist forces. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

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Volume 338 - 1st printing. "The King's German Legion (1)!" Written by Mike Chappell. Art by Mike Chappell. The formation of the King's German Legion resulted from the occupation of Hanover, their homeland, by the French in 1803. After assorted expeditions including Copenhagen in 1807 and Moore's retreat to Corunna, the Legion joined Sir Arthur Wellesley in the Peninsula. It was here that they were to earn undying renown as the crack corps of Wellington's army. The Legion represented about 20% of Wellington's fighting strength and distinguished itself in all the major actions, including their famous charge at Garcia Hernandez during the Salamanca campaign. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 340 - 1st printing. "The Italian Army 1940–45 (1)!" Written by Philip Jowett. Art by Stephen Andrew. At its peak the Italian Army contributed 2.5 million troops to the Axis war effort. English-speaking readers tend to think of this army in terms of the North African campaign; but far more Italian troops served in other theatres. They invaded, and later bore the major burden of occupying, the Balkan countries; and Italy sent 250,000 troops to fight on the Russian Front. In this, the first of a three-part study, Philip Jowett covers the European theatre - including Russia - from 1940 to Italy's armistice with the Allies in 1943. Many interesting uniforms, a number of them new to most readers, are meticulously illustrated by Stephen Andrew. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 343 - 1st printing. "The Portuguese Army of the Napoleonic Wars (1)!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Bill Younghusband. Osprey are confident in boasting that this remarkable three-part study will transform the research material available to the English-speaking student of the Peninsular War. Most know that Wellington's Portuguese troops were praised as the 'fighting cocks' of his army; fewer appreciate that they represented between half and one-third of his entire forces. Similarly, most uniform historians have been limited to a few half-understood paintings by Dighton, and brief notes from secondary sources. René Chartrand's recent primary research in Portuguese and British archives now offers a wealth of important new material. An excellent book - groundbreaking in its originality. Softcover, PC/PB&W.