Osprey Elite Series SC (1984-2008 OSPREY) comic books 1997-1999

Volume 65 - 1st printing. "Redcaps: Britain's Military Police!" By Mike Chappell. The story of Britain's provost forces necessarily focuses attention on some of the less glorious episodes of British Army history. Had every British soldier over the centuries been an obedient and dutiful soul, there would have been no need for provost of military police. Sadly, armies - particularly in time of war - have always been home for the criminal, and the British Army has had its share of thieves and cut-throats, as well as its drunken and licentious element. How these were contained, or dealt with, is the main subject of this book. The men who tamed the lawless are its subject. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $17.95.

Volume 66 - 1st printing. "The Spartan Army!" Written by Nicholas Sekunda. Art by Richard Hook. Although Sparta's early history is not clear, by the end of the 8th century most of the other cities of Lakedaimon had been reduced to subject status. The Lakedaimonians were the only full time army in ancient Greece and were thus truly an elite force. The institutions of the state and the system of education were organised with a view to creating superbly trained soldiers. Nick Sekunda examines this unique military machine in this book describing the organisational systems of the Spartan army through the Hellenistic period, how they were trained, the battles they fought, and the society that produced them. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.

Volume 67 - 1st printing. "Pirates 1660-1730!" Written by Angus Konstam. Art by Angus McBride. This book gives an accurate picture of the pirates who sailed in the waters of the Caribbean and off the American coastline during the 'golden age' of piracy between 1660 and 1730. It traces the origins of piratical activity in the 16th century and examines the Boucaneer (Buccaneer) culture in Jamaica and Hispaniola. It details what drove individuals to a life of piracy, how they dressed, their weaponry, the ships they used and the codes by which they operated. Whether viewed as villains or victims the Pirates were a major threat to shipping and commerce in the western Atlantic for more than 70 years. Softcover,64 pages, PC/PB&W. Cover price $18.95.