Osprey Men-at-Arms Series SC (1973-2011 OSPREY) comic books 2007-2009

Volume 436- 1st printing. "The Scandinavian Baltic Crusades 1100-1500!" Written by David Lindholm and David Nicolle. Art by Angus McBride. This book describes and illustrates the armour, weapons, fortifications and ships of one of the least-known phases of the Medieval Crusades - the expeditions by Scandinavian Catholics against the pagan peoples to the east of the Baltic Sea, and their subsequent clashes with the Eastern Orthodox Russian princes of Novgorod and Muscovy. From isolated castles built in this bleak wilderness of forests, lakes and bogs, the small garrisons struggled equally against the enemy and the harsh terrain and climate. The text is illustrated with photographs of rare museum relics and of castles, and spirited colour plates by Angus McBride. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 437- 1st printing. "The Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection!" Written by Alejandro de Quesada. Art by Stephen Walsh. This book details the uniforms and weapons of the American, Spanish, Cuban and Filipino forces involved in the United States Army's first overseas war. In 1898 the USA took the decision to intervene in the Cuban war of independence against Spain, and to expel the last vestige of European colonial rule from the Americas. This also led to the US acquiring rule over the Philippine Islands; and there, US troops were sent into the jungle to fight a "colonial" war of their own, against Filipino insurgents unwilling to exchange one master for another. The text is illustrated with rare early photographs and color plates. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

Volume 438- 1st printing. "US Infantry in the Indian Wars 1865-91!" Written by Ron Field. Art by Ron Field. Contrary to the image portrayed by Hollywood, the infantry played as great a part in the Indian Wars of the 1860s-80s, and were more consistently successful than their more famous counterparts in the Cavalry. The great Paiute War of 1866, where the infantry of the most renowned Indian-fighting general, George Cook, excelled in battle, together with the role of other infantry units in the final subjugation of Geronimo's Apaches in 1886, are but two instances of their achievements. Featuring their involvement in the legendary battles of Wounded Knee and Wolf Mountains, this narrative presents an illustrated history of these critical but overlooked soldiers of the Indian Wars, culminating in the eventual closing of the American Frontier in 1890 and the final conquest of the indigenous inhabitants of North America. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

Add to cart Near Mint $8.00

Volume 439 - 1st printing. "The Canadian Corps in World War I!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Gerry Embleton. This book describes the organization, lists the units and illustrates the uniforms and equipment of the four Canadian divisions which earned an elite reputation on the Western Front in 1915-18. Canada's 600,000 troops - of whom more than 66,000 died and nearly 150,000 were wounded - representedan extraordinary contribution to the British Empire's struggle. On grim battlefields from the Ypres-Salient to the Somme, and from their stunning victory at Vimy Ridge to the final triumphant 'Hundred Days' advance of autumn 1918, Canada's soldiers proved themselves to be a remarkable army in their own right, founding a national tradition. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 440 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Polish Lancers of the Imperial Guard!" Written by Ronald Pawly. Art by Patrice Courcelle. This book draws on original regimental records to give by far the most detailed account ever published in English of the organization and personalities of the most renowned of the foreign units that served in the Emperor's armies. Unlike most of his foreign troops, these Polish horsemen were true volunteers, who owed their honoured place in his Imperial Guard to their proven courage and dash on battlefields from Spain to Russia. The text is illustrated with rare portraits and photographs, and with detailed colour plates of the Lancers' magnificent uniforms. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 441 - 1st printing. "The Confederate Army 1861-65 (5) !" Written by Ron Field. Art by Richard Hook. The common image of the Confederate Army during the Civil War is dominated by a limited number of early photographs of troops wearing the gray and butternut of the CS regulations and quartermaster issues. By contrast, this book examines the variety of uniforms worn by the Tennessee and North Carolina militia and volunteers brought together in the Confederate field armies, and the continuing efforts to clothe them as wear-and-tear gradually reduced this wide range of uniforms. A mass of information from contemporary documents is illustrated with rare early photographs and meticulous color reconstructions. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 442 - 1st printing. "Queen Victoria's Highlanders!" Written by Stuart Reid. Art by Gerry Embleton. In 2006 the title 'Highlanders' finally disappeared from the British Army's list of infantry regiments after nearly 270 years. Throughout this period Scottish Highland units distinguished themselves in battle, but it was in the 19th-century heyday of the British Empire that they acquired an elite reputation and their colourful uniforms evolved to their full complexity. This book traces and explains the identity and appearance of the individual regiments throughout Queen Victoria's reign, illustrating a wide variety of their home service uniforms with engravings, paintings, photographs, and full colour plates specially researched and prepared for this tribute to a unique military tradition. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 443 - 1st printing. "The Army of Herod the Great!" Written by Samuel Rocca. Art by Christa Hook. Herod was Rome's most important and powerful ally at the end of the Republic. Although he has entered posterity as a ruthless ruler not only against his own family but also, according to the gospel of Matthew, as the instigator of the slaughter of the innocents. However, he was also an able administrator who developed a powerful army. At it's peak Herod's army could field approximately 40,000 men. Comprised of both Judaean and mercenary soldiers with troops from the Germanic tribes to Parthians to Romans. As a result of this varied composition it showed both strong Hellenistic influence in its armour and cavalry and Roman influence in its use of heavy infantry making it an intriguing topic for military history enthusiasts. This book will be a fascinating look at the ancient army of Herod the Great which will use the latest Israeli archaeological reports and finds, including weapons and armour fragments. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 444 - 1st printing. "Napoleon's Mounted Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard!" Written by Ronald Pawly. Art by Patrice Courcelle. A concise history of the hand-picked elite cavalry guard that served as Napoleon's close personal escort and were committed to the most dangerous areas of combat on the battlefield. Formed from his original escort of 'Guides' and the 'Consular Guard' in 1799, the Mounted Chasseurs were a personal favourite of the Emperor, who wore their uniform on campaign. Ronald Pawly's unique research into regimental archives has uncovered unprecedented detail about this exceptional unit and its soldiers and officers. With their colourful uniforms recreated in full-colour artwork and accounts of their actions in the most critical Napoleonic battles, this book provides a comprehensive description of these legendary elite soldiers. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 445 - 1st printing. "Medieval Polish Armies 966-1500!" Written by Witold Sarnecki and David Nicolle. Art by Gerry Embleton and Sam Embleton. The history of Poland is a fascinating story of a people struggling to achieve nationhood in the face of internal and external conflict. Poland became a unified Christian state in AD 966 and by the 12th century a knightly class had emerged - a force that was integral to the defence of Poland against increasingly frequent foreign invasions. Intent on crushing rival Christian states, the Templars, Hospitallers and Teutonic Knights all mounted attacks but were beaten back by the Poles, as were invading Mongols and Turks. This book reveals the organisation, equipment and battle histories of the medieval Polish armies as they developed and modernised to emerge as one of the dominant powers of Eastern Europe. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 446 - 1st printing. "The Confederate Army 1861-65 (6)!" Written by Ron Field. Art by Richard Hook. The Southern states which formed the Confederacy in 1861 fielded many units of volunteer troops wearing a remarkably wide variety of uniforms, often reflecting foreign influences. In a spirit of independence many states also issued their own uniform regulations on the outbreak of the American Civil War; and these non-standard uniforms were often retained until well into the course of the war. The regulation patterns centrally prescribed by the Confederate Army were only ever followed unevenly, and state quartermasters continued to issue uniforms showing regional and state differences. This last in a series of six titles studies the archival and pictorial evidence for the infantry, cavalry and artillery of the final states to secede from the Union - Missouri, Kentucky and Maryland - and is illustrated with fascinating early photographic portraits. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 447 - 1st printing. "The Czech Legion 1914-20!" Written by David Bullock. Art by Ramiro Bujeiro. The Czech Legion was not just a single military unit, but a volunteer army that fielded up to 100,000 troops on the Allied side on all three main fronts of the war. Since only the defeat of Austro-Hungary and Germany offered any hope for Czech national independence, they were amongst the most motivated and steadfast of the Allied forces. After the Bolshevik Revolution, they fought their way across Russia, captured the Russian national gold reserves and used this as a bargaining chip to force the Bolsheviks to allow them to return home. Today the Legion is recognised as the founding fathers of Czech nationhood. This very colourful force of World War I has never before been detailed in English and is illustrated with an astonishing array of never-before-published photographs. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 448 - 1st printing. "Irish-American Units in the Civil War !" Written by Thomas G. Rodgers. Art by Richard Hook. Some 150,000 Irish-American immigrants served in the Union Army, most of them from Boston, New York and Chicago, and about 40,000 fought in the Confederate Army. Out of the array of Irish-American units involved in the conflict, perhaps the best known was the Irish Brigade of the Union Army of the Potomac, which distinguished itself at both Antietam and, particularly, at Fredericksburg, where its sacrificial bravery astonished friend and foe alike. Other famous regiments were New York's 'Fighting 69th', the 9th Massachusetts, 116th Pennsylvania, 23rd Illinois and 35th Indiana whilst several other Irish companies made a name for themselves at Shiloh, Chickamauga and other key battles. This book provides a brief overview of the history of the units on each side of the conflict and a comprehensive survey of all Irish-American units in both Union and Confederate armies, from brigade down to company size. Rare early photographs are a poignant addition to the story of the immigrants caught up in a vicious civil war, and detailed colour plates illustrate unit distinctions and flags in a book that is essential reading for any Civil War enthusiast. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 449 - 1st printing. "The Royal Hungarian Army in World War II!" Written by Nigel Thomas and Laszlo Szabo. Art by Darko Pavlovic. The Royal Hungarian Army was Germany's largest ally on the Eastern Front, but information about the Hungarian Army in English is rare. Deployed in Ukraine at the beginning of the war, the Hungarian Army was involved in a number of brutal encounters with the Red Army, including stubborn resistance in Transylvania in the summer of 1944, and the brave defense of Budapest in the face of overwhelming odds. The Hungarian Army was a varied and colourful force, ranging from mountain troops and tank units to horse cavalry and specialist infantry. All of these are illustrated in full-colour artwork, with full details about the Hungarian Army's own, quite distinct uniforms and insignia as well as many of its own weapons and tanks. This is an essential starter resource for wargamers, modelers, re-enactors and military historians. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 450 - 1st printing. "American Loyalist Troops 1775-84!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Gerry Embleton and Sam Embleton. To celebrate the 450th titlein the Men-at-Arms series,this book examines in muchmore depth than previouslythe units and the uniforms of a still-controversialarmy: the many thousandsof American colonists who chose to fight for King George during the Revolution. As well as the better-known corps from the Atlantic seaboard, the author covers the units raised for service against the Spanish in the Floridas, the Caribbean islands and Central America. The text is illustrated with portraits, photographs of rare surviving artefacts, and with color reconstructions by Gerry Embleton, the respected expert on 18th century American forces whose work was recently exhibited in the Smithsonian Institute. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 451 - 1st printing. "Imperial Roman Naval Forces 31 BC-AD 500!" Written by Raffaele D'Amato. Art by Graham Sumner. The Roman Navy, although somewhat overshadowed by the legions, played an important role for the Roman Empire. For the Army to conquer and rule its vast territories, control of the sea lanes was essential. The navy fleets needed to be structured and powerful in order to dominate the trade routes, transport legions and defend and attack against pirates and other enemies. Under Augustus in 31BC, the navy consisted of 800 warships with many being sent to Ravenna and Misenus in Italy, and smaller squadrons to the external coasts and to the major rivers to support land operations. This book provides a detailed re-evaluation of the vital contribution made by the Roman navy to Roman imperial power, covering the organisation of the fleets and the everyday life of the soldiers. Previously unpublished research is complemented by superb colour reconstructions of the uniforms and equipment, making this a central resource on a neglected piece of ancient history. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 452 - 1st printing. "The Belgian Army in World War I!" Written by Ronald Pawly and Pierre Lierneux. Art by Patrice Courcelle. While small in numbers, the Belgian Army played a vital role in World War 1 that is often overlooked. Germany's invasion of neutral Belgium, which led Britain to declare war in August 1914, should have been swift and fierce yet the unexpected heroic defence, against great odds, of Belgian fortresses, frustrated the German Schlieffen Plan for a thrust to Paris and a lightning victory. The plucky Belgian resistance proved successful in buying time for French and British troops to mobilize and report to the front, where the Belgians would then go on to fight, stubbornly defending the northern end of the Allied trench line for the rest of the war. Discover the story of this determined Army, from their organization and commanders, to their uniforms and equipment. The only main combatant army of World War I not previously covered by Osprey, this volume will be an important addition to any enthusiast's collection, accompanied by detailed artwork and archive photographs. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 453 - 1st printing. "Armies of the East India Company 1750-1850!" Written by Stuart Reid. Art by Gerry Embleton. Contrary to popular belief, the capture of India was not accomplished by the British Army, but by the private armies of the East India Company, which grew in size to become larger than that of any European sovereign state. This is the history of its army, examining the many conflicts they fought, their equipment and training, with its regiments of horse, foot and guns, which rivalled those of most European powers. The development of their uniforms, which combined traditional Indian and British dress, is illustrated in detail in this colourful account of the private band of adventurers that successfully captured the jewel of the British Empire. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 454 - 1st printing. "The Seminole Wars 1818-58!" Written by Ron Field. Art by Richard Hook. The Seminole of Florida were one of five so-called ‘Civilized Tribes' who for many years lived in peace with the settlers. However, by 1815, frontier Americans had grown increasingly envious of their relative wealth and land, and resentful of their harbouring of former slaves. This book reveals the dramatic stories behind the ensuing Seminole wars, examining the dogged resistance displayed by the Seminole as they endured three drawn-out campaigns. Illustrated with careful reconstructions of the colourful and varied clothing and uniforms worn by both sides, the author discusses the organization and history of a tribe that refused to give in, until the sheer weight of the opposing forces ultimately led to their defeat. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 455 - 1st printing. "US Armed Forces in China 1856-1941!" Written by John Langellier. Art by Mike Chappell. This volume reveals the little-known story of the 90-year presence of American forces in China until the fall of Peking in 1941. Included is coverage of the first operations on the Pearl River in 1856 as well as US involvement in the Boxer Rebellion of 1900. As China entered a chaotic period in her history, known as the years of the "Warlords", American marines also participated in numerous small-scale amphibious landings. Finally, during the later Sino-Japanese War and early into World War II, US volunteers of the "Flying Tigers" became renowned for their combat missions in support of Chinese Nationalist forces, and their aerial duels are also recounted by the author John P. Langellier, who has spent several years researching the subject in the US and China. Discover the history of these various actions and the different services involved, recreated in color artwork and illustrated with rare, previously unpublished photographs. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 456 - 1st printing. "Mounted Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard!" Written by Ronald Pawly. Art by Patrice Courcelle. Mounted upon their huge black horses, the Mounted Grenadiers of the Imperial Guard were the senior heavy cavalry unit of the French army and were never defeated in battle. Their long list of battle honours earned them the nicknames ‘the Giants' and ‘the Gods'. In this latest addition to the Osprey mini-series on the Imperial Guard, author Ronald Pawly tells the story of this famous unit using unparalleled documentary and pictorial sources. Along with detailed artwork depicting the unit's colourful uniforms, this book gives a history of the unit's organization and record drawn from original letters, orders, and inspection reports that still survive in the Paris Archives. Interspersed are the stories of some of the individuals that served in the Mounted Grenadiers and helped to make it one of the most storied units to have served in Napoleon's army. Softcover, PC/PB&W.

Volume 457 - 1st printing. "Imperial Armies of the Thirty Years' War (1)!" Written by Vladimir Brnardic. Art by Darko Pavlovic. This history of the Catholic armies of the Hapsburg Empire that fought in the Thirty Years War explores the role of infantry and artillery during the last major religious war in mainland Europe. As the states of the Holy Roman Empire fractured along religious lines, all of Europe was plunged into a bloody conflict that lasted three decades, decimated populations, and annihilated communities. However, amidst this social, political, and religious catastrophe, important changes were experienced within the organization of armed forces. The war saw the end of the large mercenary forces and the beginnings of the well-disciplined national army. This book charts this progression, illustrating and explaining the forces of the key Catholic armies, while exploring the weapons, organization, tactics, and colourful uniforms used by the infantry and artillery. Softcover, PC/PB&W.