Coming in June, we're hosting a CBCS 10th Anniversary Auction! Now accepting submissions of CBCS-graded comics for auction.

Auction in progress, bid now! Weekly Auction ends Monday May 13!

Osprey Essential Histories SC (2001) comic books 2003-2005

  • Issue #48-1ST
    Osprey Essential Histories SC (2001) 48-1ST

    Volume 48 - 1st printing. "The Second World War Part 4!" By Paul Collier. This book explores the idea that the Mediterranean theater of the Second World War was the first truly modern war. It was a highly mobile conflict, in which logistics were a critical and often deciding factor, and from the very beginning a close relationship between the land, sea, and air elements was vital. Victory could not be achieved by either side unless the three services worked in intimate cooperation. Each side advanced and withdrew across 1,000 miles of desert until the Axis forces were decisively defeated at El Alamein in 1942. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $14.95.

  • Issue #49-1ST
    Osprey Essential Histories SC (2001) 49-1ST

    Volume 49 - 1st printing. "The Suez Crisis 1956!" By Derek Varble. In July 1956 Egyptian President Gamal Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal, causing immediate concern to Britain and France. They already opposed Nasser and were worried at the threat to maritime traffic in the Canal. This book traces the course of subsequent events. Together with Israel, Britain and France hatched a plot to occupy the Canal Zone and overthrow Nasser. Israel attacked Sinai, and Britain and France launched offensives throughout Egypt, but strategic failures overshasdowed tactical success. Finally, Britain, France and Israel bowed to international pressure and withdrew, leaving the Suez Canal, and Egypt, firmly in the hands of President Nasser. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $17.95.

  • Issue #55-1ST
    Osprey Essential Histories SC (2001) 55-1ST

    Volume 55 - 1st printing. "The Gulf War 1991!" By Alastair Finlan. The Gulf War of 1991 heralded a new type of warfare that was characterised by astonishing speed and high technology with remarkably low numbers of casualties amongst the coalition forces. Just under a million coalition personnel were deployed to the Gulf region to face a variety of threats from extreme temperatures to weapons of mass destruction (biological, chemical and suspected nuclear) and a formidable Iraqi occupation force. This book assesses the defensive Operation Desert Shield (the build up of coalition forces) and the offensive Operation Desert Storm (the liberation of Kuwait) as well as the key personalities on both sides. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $19.95.

  • Issue #60-1ST
    Osprey Essential Histories SC (2001) 60-1ST

    Volume 60 - 1st printing. "The Spanish Invasion of Mexico 1519-1521!" By Charles M Robinson III. The Spanish conquest of Mexico was the most remarkable military expedition in history, and in achieving it, Hernan Cortes proved himself as one of the greatest generals of all time. This book explains the background of the Aztec Empire and of the Spanish presence in Mexico. It describes the lives of the Aztecs in their glittering capital and of the Europeans who learned to adapt and survive in an alien and often dangerous world. The invasion was a war between civilizations, pitting the fatalism and obsessive ritual of the Aztecs against soldiers fighting for riches, their lives, and eventually their souls. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $19.95.

  • Issue #63-1ST
    Osprey Essential Histories SC (2001) 63-1ST

    Volume 63 - 1st printing. "The Collapse of Yugoslavia 1991-1999!" By Alastair Finlan. In 1991, an ethnically diverse region that had enjoyed decades of peaceful coexistence descended into bitter hatred and chaos, almost overnight. Communities fractured along lines of ethnic and religious affiliation and the ensuing fighting was deeply personal, resulting in brutality, rape and torture, and ultimately the deaths of thousands of people. This book examines the internal upheavals of the former Yugoslavia and their international implications, including the failure of the Vance-Owen plan; the first use of NATO in a combat role and in peace enforcement; and the war in Kosovo, unsanctioned by the UN but prosecuted by NATO forces to prevent the ethnic cleansing of the region. Softcover, 96 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $19.95.