Osprey Warrior Series SC (1993-2011 OSPREY) comic books 1992-1994

Volume 1 - 1st printing. "Norman Knight AD 950-1204!" Written by Christopher Gravett. Art by Christa Hook. Throughout the 11th and 12th centuries the Norman knight was possibly the most feared warrior in Western Europe. He was descended originally from the Vikings who had settled in Northern France under their leader Rollo in or around 911 at the behest of Charles the Simple and throughout the following centuries they remembered and built on their warlike reputation. This book shows how their military prowess was renowned throughout the known world and resulted in Normans conquering Sicily in 1060 and England in 1066, as well as participating in many important battles in Italy and playing a major part in the First Crusade. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 2 - 1st printing. "Waffen-SS Soldier 1940-45!" Written by Bruce Quarrie. Art by Jeffrey Burn. Probably the most highly motivated and ruthless combatant to take the field in World War 2, the Waffen-SS soldier was the cutting edge of Germany's military might. Aggressive in attack, dogged in defence, his units generally suffered higher casualties than the regular army formations. The apple of the Führer's eye, he was the first to receive the best available equipment and was expected to produce results to match. From the green fields of France to the freezing steppes of Russia and finally to the shattered streets of Berlin this title details the development of the weapons, equipment and tactics of one of history's most formidable soldiers. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 3 - 1st printing. "Viking Hersir 793-1066 AD!" Written by Mark Harrison. Art by Gerry Embleton. When Norwegian Vikings first raided the European coast in the 8th century AD, their leaders were from the middle ranks of warriors known as hersirs. At this time the hersir was typically an independent landowner or local chieftain with equipment superior to that of his followers. By the end of the 10th century, the independence of the hersir was gone, and he was now a regional servant of the Norwegian king. This book investigates these brutal, mobile warriors, and examines their tactics and psychology in war, dispelling the idea of the Viking raider as simply a killing machine. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 4 - 1st printing. "US Cavalryman 1865-90!" Written by Martin Pegler. Art by Christa Hook. The period 1865-90 was one of unparalleled change in American frontier history. This span of 25 years witnessed the end of the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the plains Indians, the colonisation of the West by white settlers, and the first experience of the US army in fighting a form of irregular warfare for which its soldiers and commanders were untrained, and its equipment unsuited. That they acquitted themselves so well in the face of bureaucratic meddling, poor supply and appalling climatic conditions, speaks highly of the tenacity and physical toughness of the volunteers who served in the West. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 5 - 1st printing. "Anglo-Saxon Thegn AD 449-1066!" Written by Mark Harrison. Art by Gerry Embleton. The collapse of Roman rule in Britain was not so much a sudden catastrophe as a long and drawn-out decline. The 'Celtic' Britons retreated gradually to the highland areas of Wales, Cornwall and the south-west of Scotland. Control of the fertile eastern lowlands was lost to warriors of Germanic origin who migrated from the Continent. These Germanic conquerors have become known to history as the 'Anglo-Saxons'. They were to dominate the lowland zone of Britain until their final defeat at Hastings in 1066. This title gives an insight into the everyday life, equipment, dress, battle tactics and life on campaign of the typical Anglo-Saxon warrior of this period - the thegn. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

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Volume 6 - 1st printing. "Confederate Infantryman 1861-65!" Written by Ian Drury. Art by Gerry Embleton. The American Civil War was predominantly an infantryman's war. Artillery had improved substantially since 1815 and guns could inflict murderous losses if they had a clear field of fire. But most Civil War battlefields were characterised by sprawling forests and broken ground. Cavalry were important for reconnaissance, raiding and rearguard actions but there was little scope for sabre charges in the grand old manner when infantrymen armed with muzzle-loading rifles could face such tactics with confidence. Ultimately, the Confederacy's survival as a nation would largely depend on the fighting ability of its 642 infantry regiments. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 7 - 1st printing. "Samurai 1550-1600!" Written by Anthony J Bryant. Art by Angus McBride. This title details the culture, weapons, armour and training of the elite samurai warrior class in the fascinating Age of Battles period (1550-1600). This was a period of vital importance not only because of the political effects of the chaos but also due to the changes in warfare that occurred. In 1542 the Portuguese introduced the matchlock musket into Japanese warfare, and this book traces the effect that this important innovation had on the samurai. Life outside the field of battle is also examined, making this an unmissable book for those interested in this brave warrior caste. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 8 - 1st printing. "British Cavalryman 1792-1815!" Written by Philip Haythornthwaite. Art by Richard Hook. In the campaigns of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, the deserved reputation of the British infantry has tended to overshadow the contribution of the cavalry, but in fact they did form an integral part of the army, carrying out duties crucial to the success of other arms. British Cavalryman 1792-1815 recounts what these duties were and examines the men who performed them. The different regiments of the cavalry are listed and some of the arm's more exotic or professional corps, such as the King's German Legion, examined. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 9 - 1st printing. "Late Roman Infantryman AD 236-565!" Written by Simon MacDowall. Art by Gerry Embleton. Between the 3rd and 6th centuries AD the traditional legions of heavy infantry were whittled away and eventually replaced by a force of various arms and nationalities dominated by cavalry and supported by missile troops. However, in spite of this trend towards cavalry, the pedes remained the backbone of the Roman army until well into the 5th century. This book details a warrior who was very different from the legionary who preceded him; perhaps he was not as well disciplined, but in many ways he was more flexible - ready for deployment to trouble spots, and for fighting both as a skirmisher and a heavy infantryman. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 10 - 1st printing. "Saracen Faris AD 1050-1250!" Written by David Nicolle. Art by Christa Hook. In the Middle East, not only were the 12th and 13th centuries punctuated by European Crusades but, even more significantly, the mid-11th century saw the invasion of the Saljuq Turks and the mid-13th century witnessed a devastating Mongol assault. Crucial to the Middle Eastern forces involved was the professional cavalryman, known as a faris or 'horseman'. A faris' training was far more wide-ranging than that of a contemporary European knight, including the use of horse-archery and the ability to fight on foot as well as general horsemanship and the use of the lance and sword. David Nicolle's text presents a detailed view of these fascinating and versatile warriors. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.