What are you currently reading ?

[toxicpixie]

I really liked him casually shattering the Uptimers superiority complex when he apologises for only speaking a dozen languages well, and merely being fluent in another half dozen, and only being able to read a few more and not speak them. Sorry, bit useless there... why are you all looking at me funny?! Did I mispronounce something?!

Every time I read them I want to start randomly shouting "VASA!" any time some one asks me a question

[pierre the shy]

"Retreat and Rearguard 1914" by Jerry Murland. This is quite an in-depth account of the BEF's retreat from Mons to the Marne. It covers the lesser encounters with the pursuing Germans as well as the likes of Mons and Le Cateau, and is thus a great source of historical small-action scenarios. It also makes extensive use of first hand accounts which provide a great deal of atmosphere. It is well written and moves at a cracking pace, almost like a novel in places. For me it has been a great find. I got it as a Kindle version.

Thanks for the headsup on this book Leman. Got a copy..fantastic scenario ideas.

[cameronian]

You should also read Walter Blum's 'The Advance to Mons', the early days against the BEF as seen through the eyes of a German Grenadier reservist officer, novelist and playright (his father was killed at Spichern, his son on the eastern front some thirty years later).

[kipt]

Just finished "l'artillerie dans la peninsula Iberique", Souvenirs Militaires du General Hulot (1773 - 1843).

(My French isn't as good as I thought it was). This is more of a travelogue than descriptions of battles. However the General (didn't make general until after the Empire period) has interesting views on people and the terrain he passes through.

He missed most of the big battles. He was on the staff at Austerlitz and in fact did a lot of staff and garrison duty. Constant promotions however, so he was very competent as an artillery officer.

During the 100 Days he was artillery commandant at Anvers, so didn't see Waterloo. He became colonel of the 6th Artillery Regiment.

[Roy]

The Thomas Flashman books by Robert Brightwell

https://www.facebook.com/Thomas-Flashman-books-by-Robert-Brightwell-293334187386490/

[Techno]

Listening to, "The Hypnotist" by Lars Kepler.

Cheers - Phil

[fsn]

Are you feeling sleepy?

[Techno]

Yes, Nobby ! 

The clocks being changed doesn't help, either.

Cheers - Phil

[kipt]

Finished "Ring of Steel: Germany and Austria-Hungary in World War I, The People's War", by Alexander Watson.

More about the trials and sufferings of the German and various Austrian peoples, though there are good overviews of the combat.

Here is a tactic that would be hard to duplicate in our games.

"One ambush on a Habsburg cavalry squadron, for example, was carried out by 300 Russians who approached at night by ringing cow bells, a deception that really could only have worked on the Eastern Front.  When the sun rose, the 'cows' gave a 'wild roar' and attacked from three sides.  Half the Austrians ran, the rest were taken prisoner or killed."

I learned a lot and am astounded that it took so long for Austria-Hungary to collapse.  Would have happened quickly even if there was no war.

[FierceKitty]

Ian Heath's The Armies of the Aztec and Inca Empires. Lots of solid research and juicy pictures, but well below Heath's earlier standard of writing, which makes for rough going at times.

[kipt]

Finished issue 53, July 2015, of "Gettysburg Magazine".  Published two times per year.

Some of the contents:
"Of Myths and Men: Rethinking the Legend of Little Round Top"
"Deconstructing the History of the Battle of McPherson's Ridge: Myths and Legends of the Twenty-?sixth North Carolina on the First Day's Fight at Gettysburg"

Great magazine and many scenario possibilities if one doesn't want to do the entire battle.

[Leman]

Juliet Barker's Agincourt, which was given as a birthday present. It has certainly started well.

[kipt]

Also finished "Army Uniforms of World War I" by Andrew Mollo and {Pierre Turner.  Part of the Blandford Colour Series showing uniforms and then a description.

[Techno]

"Ultimatum", by Simon Kernick. (One disc left to go.)
Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Cheers - Phil

[Chad]

The Art of War of Revolutionary France 1789-1802 by Paddy Griffith.