Basic Book Recommendation

[jhs]

Hi, just started playing, with a "gaming" background as opposed to a "military history" background. I enjoy reading history (even have a degree in economic history), so this seems like a good place for me. Can someone suggest a few basic military history books that deal with armies that have been "FoG'd"? I am indifferent as to the specific period--the best book for me would be one that is a good read--Romans, Greeks, camels, elephants, Spaniards, Scots...all would be fine. I am also trying to figure out what should be the first army I invest in, so this would be a great help.

Thanks very much,

Jim.

[MarkSieber]

There's a short discussion on an earlier board here viewtopic.php?t=4797&highlight=osprey+gaps
including a link to MadAxeman's great list of books.

[shall]

Try the series on Rome by Adrian Goldsworthy ... both very informative and enjoyable to read.

Si

[lawrenceg]

If I remember correctly, The Decisive Battles of the Western World by J.F.C. Fuller covers quite a few events of the period and is a good read. It was about 20 years ago that I read it.

Herodotus "The Histories" is also a good read if you want to know about Greeks, Persians and some of their neighbours.

These are more of a general read, rather than sources of specific info on armies and troop types for wargamers.

[williamob]

I think a good shallow, but broad brushstroke example (and paperback so it's inexpensive) for a taste of military history from a variety of nations and periods would be "100 decisive battles, from ancient times to the present" by paul k. davis.

Only about the first half of the book covers battles from the period that FOG covers, but it's a good compilation of battle analysis. Each one gives you the battle, the date, forces engaged and their composition, why it was an important battle, the historical setting, a run down of how the battle itself played out, and the results/impact. If a battle interests you, each one has footnotes for the primary sources and further reading.

I have a military history background and find it handy for a quick reference.

Will

[MarkSieber]

For the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods (Immortal Fire, Rise of Rome, and Legions Triumphant) these two volumes overlap for a good general treatment with lots of illustrations & maps. They were the first cornerstones of my collection:

Warfare in the Classical World: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Weapons, Warriors and Warfare in the Ancient Civilisations of Greece and Rome by John Warry

Greece and Rome at War by Peter Connolly

Connolly was out of favor for a while, with some disputed bits, but the newer edition has an introduction by the estimable Adrian Goldsworthy: there's still a lot that's good here.

Both books should be available online.

[IrishBouzouki]

For the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods (Immortal Fire, Rise of Rome, and Legions Triumphant) these two volumes overlap for a good general treatment with lots of illustrations & maps. They were the first cornerstones of my collection:

Warfare in the Classical World: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Weapons, Warriors and Warfare in the Ancient Civilisations of Greece and Rome by John Warry

Greece and Rome at War by Peter Connolly

Connolly was out of favor for a while, with some disputed bits, but the newer edition has an introduction by the estimable Adrian Goldsworthy: there's still a lot that's good here.

Both books should be available online.

I heartily second both of these for a very quick overview with lots of pictures and diagrams. Very good at explaining at least one viable theory for how the various troops worked over time but probably less good for a survey of battles.