This evening, while looking for something completely different, I came across this book by David Nash, published by Hamlyn in 1974. I certainly did not buy it then (although I do remember buying a book on astronomy in the same series), and I can't remember just when I did buy it, but it was probably in the last decade. Of course, the early 1970s was the 'golden age' for wargaming, but this little (125 pp) book is a bit different. As Nash says in his foreword: 'The intention is that by relating the factual data to be found in the second part of the book to game logic[ally], which is discussed at length in the preceding sections, the reader can create his own games upon completely logical lines'. So, a wargames book with no rules. Fascinating. I think we need to know more - does anyone remember this work, did it influence anyone, what do we know about David Nash ? (Other than the author blurb which says that 'he was a founder member of the London Wargames Club). Perhaps we need the input of Vintage Wargaming?
Meanwhile, I have been tackling more liquorice:
This time it is in the form of three very nice, resin castings of Matilda IIs from Minimi Miniatures. Lewis Davis, the Supremo of Minimi Miniatures offers a really first class service, and the vehicles are of the finest wargames quality - neat, crisp castings, cheap and recommended! They come on small, textured bases, which some might find a bit off-putting, but, for the Western Desert, there is no real problem with a base, and they improve handling and increase protection for the vehicles. In addition to the Matildas, I also bought a Indian Pattern Carrier :
The carrier must rank as one of the most 'warry' looking vehicles ever used by the British (and Indian) army.
Over the Christmas hols, I spent a good deal of time reading, so I'm facing a bit of a backlog:
Lots to keep you busy Stephen. The book seems a good read.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually a bit of an odd read - it's almost as if the author was thinking through his understanding of weapons and tactics in a semi-experimental way; and it's difficult not to feel a bit cheated that there aren't a set of even basic rules. Still, one from the old days.
DeleteI had the astronomy book, and one on the weather too if I remember correctly. The bindings were poor I think and the pages had a habit of falling out. Good work on the models too.
ReplyDeleteYes, very brittle bindings, and not to so good illustrations, even if they were in a (sort of) colour.
DeleteI have that book and yes the pages have a habit of falling out !
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Mind you, if were a book, my pages would defintely be falling out.
DeleteYou ought to move off the tanks and get on the real deal... the infantry!
ReplyDeleteThe awful thing is that I have a batch of 28mm White Russians that need painting, and I've been dipping into my copies of Peter Hopkirk's books. Aaaaah, the guilt!
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