Osprey Fortress Series SC (2003) comic books 2006-2008

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 39 - 1st printing. "Russian Fortresses 1480–1682!" Written by Konstantin Nossov. Art by Peter Dennis. In 1462 the throne of the Principality of Moscow passed to Ivan III (1462–1505), who succeeded in throwing off the Tatar yoke. For the next 200 years this new state struggled to maintain her borders against a series of attacks from the Lithuanians, Swedes and Poles to the west, as well as the Tatars to the south. They achieved this through the development of a network of fortified sites and a series of linear defensive systems. This book examine how these fortifications were developed to respond to ever changing situations under the command of such charismatic rulers as Ivan the Terrible, right through to the military reforms of Peter the Great. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 40 - 1st printing. "Ancient Greek Fortifications 500–300 BC!" Written by Nic Fields. Art by Brian Delf. The development of the city-state in the Classical period of Greek history ensured a shift in the nature of fortifications in the region. No longer were fortresses designed to defend a ruler and his entourage, rather the whole of the citizen body had to be protected against any outside threats. The enceintes of these Greek city-states did not have to be very high or strong as city-state conflict was still decided by spear and shield, though some thought was still given to the science of fortification. This book details the construction and ongoing development of the defences that protected some of the most illustrious sites in Greece during the most famous period of her history. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 41 - 1st printing. "The Channel Islands 1941–45!" Written by Charles Stephenson. Art by Chris Taylor. Following the fall of France and the surrender of Paris on 14 June 1940, the British Government announced that the Channel Islands had no strategic importance and would not be defended. The Germans occupied the islands from the end of June onwards and remained in control until the end of the war. On 10 October 1941 Hitler announced his intention to 'convert them into an impregnable fortress', and the islands formed the most heavily fortified and defended section of the entire Atlantic Wall. This book describes the design, construction and manning of these defensive positions, as well as considering more widely the occupation of the Channel Islands by the Germans. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 42 - 1st printing. "The Vauban Fortifications of France!" Written by Paddy Griffith. Art by Peter Dennis. Vauban was the foremost military engineer of France, not only during his lifetime, but also throughout the 18th century when his legacy and methods remained in place almost unchanged. Indeed, his expertise and experience in the construction, defence, and attack of fortresses is unrivalled by any of his contemporaries, of any nationality. In all three of those fields he was a significant innovator and prolific exponent, having planned approximately 160 major defensive projects and directed over 50 sieges. This book provides not only a modern listing of his varied interventions and their fates, but also a wide-ranging discussion of just how and why they pushed forward the international boundaries of the arts of fortification.Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 43 - 1st printing. "Roman Legionary Fortresses 27 BC–AD 378!" Written by Duncan B Campbell. Art by Brian Delf. From the reign of Augustus (27 BC–AD 14) onwards the Roman Army became a standing force with permanent fortresses distributed throughout the empire. These fortresses developed from the temporary fortifications of the legions on campaign into temporary wooden structures, before finally becoming more elaborate stone fortifications designed to stand the test of time. This book describes the development, design and construction of these fortresses throughout the length and breadth of the Empire. It also deals extensively with the experience of life within a typical fortress and covers the operational history of these fortifications throughout the whole of the imperial period. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 44 - 1st printing. "American Coastal Defenses 1885–1950!" Written by Terrance McGovern and Bolling Smith. Art by Peter Bull. In the late-19th century, with the advances in technology and the increase in America's economic stature, a new round of fortification building began in the United States and its overseas territories. Locations such as Portland, Boston, New York, Baltimore, Charlestown, Savannah, Key West, Los Angeles and San Francisco were all extensively fortified. This book provides a concise introduction to the design, development and purpose of American coastal defenses in the modern era (1885–1950), a period defined by the use of concrete, steel, and powerful breech-loading rifles. It covers the emplacements, weaponry, equipment, and people that defended their country in times of great change and uncertainty. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 45 - 1st printing. "German Defences in Italy in World War II!" Written by Neil Short. Art by Chris Taylor. In 1943, Hitler ordered his forces to occupy the Italian mainland to protect the Third Reich's 'soft underbelly'. After the successful Allied landings in Salerno, the Germans fought a series of hard, rearguard actions as the Allies slowly pushed north up the peninsula towards the Alps. These actions were based around the construction of a series of defensive lines, including: the Gustav Line, anchored on Monte Cassino, the Hitler Line, the Caesar Line, and the Gothic Line. This book explores the development and form of these defensive systems, examining the key fortifications in visual depth and discussing their fate in the wake of the Allied onslaught. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 46 - 1st printing. "Castles and Tower Houses of the Scottish Clans 1450–1650!" Written by Stuart Reid. Art by Graham Turner. With the exception of the key royal sites, such as Stirling and Edinburgh, few Scottish castles were located at strategic points, or were intended to house garrisons required to defend or subjugate towns. Instead they were primarily fortified dwelling houses, erected in an environment of weak Royal authority and endemic feuding between rival clans and groups, in both Highland and Lowland areas. Although some enceinte castles were developed during the 16th and 17th centuries, most defensive construction focused on the tower house, a distinctive vernacular style of Scottish fortification. This book examines the design, development, and purpose of these quintessentially Scottish buildings, and also covers larger sites such as Urquhart and Blackness. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 47 - 1st printing. "Fortifications of the Incas!" Written by H. W. Kaufmann, and J.E. Kaufmann. Art by Adam Hook. The greatest period of Inca expansion occured during the reigns of Pachacuti (1438–71), Tupa Inca (1471–93), and Huayna Capac (1493–1527). From the mountain stronghold of Cuzco, they subjugated the surrounding kingdoms and territories, absorbing their civilizations and their peoples. By 1525, they dominated much of the west of the continent, relying on fortified strongholds, an extensive system of roads and bridges, and obligatory military service to control local populations. This title takes a detailed look at the development of Incan fortification techniques, and examines how they came to be overrun by the Spanish conquistadors. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 48 - 1st printing. "Viet Cong and NVA Tunnels and Fortifications of the Vietnam War!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Chris Taylor, Lee Ray, and Alex Mallinson. During the Vietnam War, the Viet Cong (VC) main forces and North Vietnamese Army (NVA) were forced to hide weapons and supplies underground and to dig protective shelters to counter massive US firepower. Their field works defended villages, hidden base camps, and fortified complexes, and took the form of trench systems, individual fighting positions, crew-served weapon positions, bunkers, caches, and extensive tunnel complexes. Camouflage and deceptive measures, and the employment of obstacles and booby traps, went hand-in-hand with such works. This title takes a detailed look at the VC/NVA tunnel systems, field fortifications, base camps. and camouflage and concealment measures employed during the Vietnam conflict. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 49 - 1st printing. "The Spanish Main 1492-1800!" Written by Rene Chartrand. Art by Donato Spedaliere. Following Columbus's arrival in the Bahamas in 1492, the lands of the 'new world' were divided between Spain and Portugal. The riches gained by the Spaniards soon aroused the interest of the French and the English, eager to exploit the area they called the 'Spanish Main' (an area broadly encompassing the West Indies and the Central American and Mexican coast). In response, the Spanish fortified their new territories. The earliest examples were very much based on medieval styles of fortification, but over the following three centuries the fortifications were updated, modernized and improved according the latest European principles. This book describes the evolution of the fortifications and their fate. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 50 - 1st printing. "The Forts of Celtic Britain!" Written by Angus Konstam. Art by Peter Bull. Half a millennium before the Romans first arrived in Britain, an even more ferocious people, the Celts, arrived in what is now south-eastern England. The Celts remained in Britain long after the Romans departed, and although driven into the remoter corners of the island by English invaders the people who remained clung onto their Celtic heritage, and defended their remaining lands against all-comers. In order to defend their lands from other tribes or outside invaders these people established powerful fortified sites that served as places of refuge in wartime and as administrative and trading centres in times of peace. This book examines these fascinating forts, which varied considerably from the mysterious brochs and duns found in northern Britain, to the hill-top forts ranging in size, to the promontory forts that formed powerful coastal strongholds all around the island's shores. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 51 - 1st printing. "Indian Castles 1206-1526!" Written by Konstantin Nossov. Art by Brian Delf. From the beginning of the 2nd millennium AD northern India began to fall under the sway of a number of Muslim-Turkic rulers who, at the start of the 13th century, founded the series of dynasties known to history as the Delhi Sultanate. For three centuries these sultans expanded their territory, which led to a dramatic rise in the number of fortifications throughout the subcontinent. This period is the defining age of the Indian castle and the combined influence of the Islamic and Hindu architectural tradition lends these fortifications a unique style. This book covers all the major sites of the period - including the fabled seven medieval cities on the site of the present-day city of Delhi. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 52 - 1st printing. "The Fortifications of Gibraltar 1068–1945!" Written by Darren Fa and Clive Finlayson. Art by Adam Hook. Gibraltar, located at the meeting points of Europe and Africa, preserves within its fortifications a rich testament to human conflict spanning 600 years. In 1068 the ruling Spanish Muslims built a large fort there. Between 1309 and 1374 Gibraltar underwent a period of intensive building and fortification, and following the Spanish reconquest of 1462 the inhabitants carried out further works. In 1704 the latest, uninterrupted period of British rule began. The 18th century saw three sieges including the most severe, known as the Great Siege, which lasted from 1779 to 1783. During World War II the 'Rock' served as a vital stop for supply convoys and naval staging base, complete with a veritable warren of secret tunnels. This book documents Gibraltar's rich history, and charts the development of these fascinating fortifications. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 53 - 1st printing. "Defending Space!" Written by Clayton Chun. Art by Chris Taylor. The United States has been developing space for many years, and satellites provide the US Military with an unparaleled advantage over its adversaries. Constellations of both military and civilian satellites provide protection and support for military operations; deliver ballistic missile early warning; supply reliable, secure and jam-proof communications; gather audio-visual intelligence; predict weather patterns; guide navigation; and deliver guided-weapons targeting, as well as a host of other missions. This book explores the design, development and usage of US military space systems, as well past and future threats to the systems. The current relevance of this topic to the international community as a whole is key, as space becomes the next, if only virtual, theater of warfare. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 54 - 1st printing. "Forts of the American Frontier 1820-91!" Written by Ron Field. Art by Adam Hook. During the 1840s, the rarely visited "Great American Desert" of the Southern Plains and Southwest became part of the inexorable westward expansion, as European traders and settlers headed overland from the eastern seaboard. The traditional lands of the Creek, Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole Indians were quickly absorbed, and the rapid advance of the frontier soon brought the white man into conflict with the Kiowa, Comanche, Apache and Navajo tribes. Numerous posts and forts were built to protect trading posts and settlers, and to police the Indian reservations. This title explores the design and development of these sites, the life of the garrisons that manned them, and the clashes with Native American warriors such as Geronimo, Manuelito and Quanah Parker. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 55 - 1st printing. "Cathar Castles!" Written by Marcus Cowper. Art by Peter Dennis. During the early 13th century the north of what is now France went to war with the south in a bloody crusade aimed at destroying the heretical sect known as the Cathars. The conflict was characterized by vicious guerrilla actions and the besieging of the innumerable fortified sites that dotted the landscape of the south. Illustrated with full colour artwork and stunning photographs, this book describes the castles and fortifications of the Cathar period, examining their design, construction and the role that they played during the Albigensian Crusade. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 56 - 1st printing. "Rome's Saxon Shore!" Written by Nic Fields. Art by Donato Spedaliere. Constructed to protect the coastline of southern and eastern Britain, the forts of the 'Saxon Shore' are among the most impressive surviving monuments of the Roman occupation of the British Isles, although much about them remains a mystery. In an impressive outlay of money, manpower and materials the frontier system stretched from the Wash to the Solent and included the heavy fortification of the major harbours and estuaries of the east and south-east coast. This book explores the history of this frontier system the ruins of which define the British landscape to this day. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 57 - 1st printing. "The Great Wall of China 221 BC-AD 1644!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Steve Noon. The most famous example of fortification in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches for more than 6,000km across inhospitable terrain. Charting its development from its earliest origins in the 7th century BC through to the present day, this account reveals the true history of the wall, and explores the myths that surround it. Included are details of what it was like to live within the wall, how it was garrisoned and patrolled, and a discussion of how effective it was against attack. Through extensive examination of both ancient and modern sources, colour maps, artwork and photographs, this book illustrates why the wall is one of the great wonders of the world. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 58 - 1st printing. "Vietnam Fire Bases 1965-73!" Written by Randy E M Foster. Art by Peter Dennis. Artillery fire support bases of the Freeworld forces played a critical role in the conduct of operations during the Vietnam War. They served to lay down high-volume fire on enemy firing sites, supported friendly infantry operations, and executed harassing fire missions where exact targets were not known. But the firebases themselves - which housed a range of other facilities such as troop shelters, surveillance radars and command centers - had to be defended against ground attack, and as a result became significant fortifications in their own right. This book describes the design, development and operational history of the fire support bases throughout the conflict Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 59 - 1st printing. "Crusader Castles in Cyprus, Greece, and the Aegean 1191-1571!" Written by David Nicollle. Art by Adam Hook. The castles built by the Crusaders, Hospitallers, Venetians and Genoese in Cyprus, Greece, the Aegean, and on the Black Sea served to defend against a complex array of constantly changing threats: Mamluks, Catalan mercenaries, Ottoman Turks, Byzantines, independent Islamic states, Timur-i-Lenk, and widespread piracy, to name but few. The resulting fortifications - some inherited from conquered the territories of the former Byzantine empire, some built from scratch - were very different to those found in the Middle East. This superbly illustrated book explores their design, development and fate in detail, documenting the rich architectural heritage of this region and its complex history. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 60 - 1st printing. "The Forts of the Meuse in World War I!" Written by Clayton Donnell. Art by Hugh Johnson, Lee Ray. and Brian Delf. On 29 October 1891, the new forts built around the cities of Liège and Namur, known as the 'forts of the Meuse', were turned over to the Belgian Army. This huge project produced 21 modern forts to defend the strategic rail, river and road arteries in the Oise and Condroz gaps. In August 1914, the German Army attempted a quick crossing of this area in order to reach France, but it took them 12 crucial days to destroy the fortresses. Containing maps, diagrams and photographs taken from private collections, this book explores the design, development and influence of the forts of the Meuse, highlighting the importance of their role during the opening battle of World War I.Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 61 - 1st printing. "Medieval Russian Fortresses AD 862-1480!" Written by Konstantin S. Nossov. Art by Peter Dennis. According to Russian legend, in the year AD 862 the Slav tribes of what is now European Russia invited a number of Scandinavian princes to rule over them. However, on the death of these princes, Prince Oleg seized Kiev and united the Northern and Southern Russian territories, building extensive fortifications to protect its borders. The rise of feudalism in the 11th century lead to the development of individual fortified sites and the extended border defenses fell into disrepair. Consequently, Mongol hordes poured over the border introducing the siege warfare techniques of the East, heavily influencing the fortification styles thereafter.Using a wealth of archeological evidence and first-hand sources, Konstantin Nossov charts the history of the medieval Russian fortress from its early beginnings until the 14th century, paying special attention to the development of one of the most iconic fortifications in the world: the Kremlin. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 62 - 1st printing. "Soviet Field Fortifications 1941-45!" Written by Gordon L. Rottman. Art by Chris Taylor and Brian Delf. From June 1941, the Soviets were forced to undertake large-scale defensive operations in the face of the overwhelming German blitzkrieg assault, operations which ran counter to their preference for highly mobile, offensive warfare. Lessons were quickly learned across a wide variety of terrain and climates, including the open steppes, dense forests, wooded swamps, cities, and in snow and ice, where the availability of construction materials differed greatly. The first to cover this topic in the English language and containing detailed information about the trenches, bunkers, observation posts and weapon positions, this book examines field fortifications built from local materials by infantrymen, as well as their use of mines, field camouflage techniques, and construction tools. It provides a first fascinating insight into Russian defensive attempts against the overwhelming might of the German Army. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Very Fine $7.00

Add to cart Very Fine $7.00

Volume 63 - 1st printing. "The Atlantic Wall Part 1!" Written by Steven J. Zaloga. Art by Hugh Johnson, Lee Ray, and Chris Taylor. Germany's Atlantic Wall was the most ambitious military fortification program of World War II. With Germany's gradual loss of the strategic initiative to the Allies, in 1942 Hitler was forced to construct an impenetrable wall of fortifications along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coast. This book deals solely with the structures on the French coast, starting with the Pas-de-Calais and extending down to Spain. It features detailed illustrations and diagrams of the various sections of the Atlantic Wall and the role that they played, giving a thoughtful analysis of some of the most accessible fortifications of World War II. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 64 - 1st printing. "The Castles of Edward I in Wales 1277–1307!" Written by Christopher Gravett. Art by Adam Hook. In 1277 Edward I gathered a huge army and marched into Wales to subdue the rebel Welsh princes. A key part of his strategy was to erect a castle wherever his army rested. This title takes a detailed look at the design, development and principles of defence of these Welsh castles, documenting daily life within their walls and the historical events that took place around them. Focusing on key sites, it highlights the varied castle designs ranging from fortifications based on French models to the defences inspired by Constantinople, and is illustrated with eight pages of full-colour illustrations and cutaway artwork. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 65 - 1st printing. "The Forts of Judaea 168 BC–AD 73!" Written by Samuel Rocca. Art by Adam Hook. In 1277 Edward I gathered a huge army and marched into Wales to subdue the rebel Welsh princes. A key part of his strategy was to erect a castle wherever his army rested. This title takes a detailed look at the design, development and principles of defence of these Welsh castles, documenting daily life within their walls and the historical events that took place around them. Focusing on key sites, it highlights the varied castle designs ranging from fortifications based on French models to the defences inspired by Constantinople, and is illustrated with eight pages of full-colour illustrations and cutaway artwork. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 66 - 1st printing. "The Castles of Henry VIII!" Written by Peter Harrington. Art by Brian Delf. In the last years of his reign Henry VIII needed a radically modern system of defence to protect England and its new Church. Anticipating a foreign onslaught from Catholic Europe after his split from Rome, Henry energetically began construction of more than 20 stone forts to protect England's major ports and estuaries. Aided by excellent illustrations, Peter Harrington explores the departure from artillery-vulnerable medieval castle designs, to the low, sturdy stone fortresses inspired by European ideas. He explains the scientific care taken to select sites for these castles, and the transition from medieval to modern in this last surge of English castle construction. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 67 - 1st printing. "Japanese Castles in Korea 1592-98!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Peter Dennis. The Japanese invasion and occupation of Korea, which lasted from 1592 to 1598, was the only occasion in Japanese history when samurai aggression was turned against a foreign country. During the occupation of Korea the Japanese built 25 wajo or castles. Unlike the castles built in Japan, these fortifications were never developed or modernized after the Japanese departure. The details of late 16th-century castle construction are therefore better preserved than at many other sites. Written by Stephen Turnbull, an expert in the subject, this book examines the castles built by the Japanese in Korea, as well as the use made of existing Korean fortifications, particularly city walls. This resulted in curious hybrid fortifications that dominated the landscape until the Japanese were pushed out of the peninsula by a furious onslaught from huge Chinese armies. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $16.95.

Volume 68 - 1st printing. "American Civil War Fortifications Part 3!" Written by Ron Field. Art by Adam Hook. The Mississippi River played a decisive role in the American Civil War. The Confederate fortifications that controlled the lower Mississippi valley were put to the test in the lengthy Federal campaign of 1862-63. Vicksburg was a fortress city, known as the 'Gibraltar of the Confederacy', whose capture was seen as the key to victory in the war. This book explores the fortifications of the river valley, focusing on Vicksburg and its defences which boasted a network of forts, rifle pits and cannon embrasures surrounding the city, a well as examining the strengths and weaknesses of the fortifications when under siege. Also examined are numerous other fortified strongholds, including New Orleans, Port Hudson, New Madrid, and forts Henry and Donelson, all lavishly illustrated with full-colour artwork and cutaways. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $16.95.

Volume 69 - 1st printing. "The Berlin Wall and the Intra-German Border 1961-89!" Written by Gordon L Rottman. Art by Chris Taylor. The border between East and West Germany was closed on 26 May 1953. On 13 August 1961 crude fences and walls were erected around West Berlin: the Berlin Wall had been created. The Wall encircled West Berlin for a distance of 155km, and its barriers and surveillance systems evolved over the years into an advanced obstacle network. The Intra-German Border ran from the Baltic Sea to the Czechoslovak border for 1,381km, and was where NATO forces faced the Warsaw Pact for the 45 years of the Cold War. This book examines the international situation that led to the establishment of the Berlin Wall and the IGB, and discusses how these barrier systems were operated, and finally fell. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 70 - 1st printing. "Strongholds of the Border Reivers!" Written by Keith Durham. Art by Graham Turner. In the year 1296, Edward I of England launched a series of vicious raids across the Anglo-Scottish Border in his attempt to annexe Scotland. The Scots retaliated and the two countries were plunged into 300 years of war in which the Borderland became the frontline and raiding, or 'reiving,' encouraged by both sides, became a way of life. Keith Durham examines the Border fortresses, ranging from small, well-defended castles to imposing tower houses, or 'peles,' and a variety of fortified farmhouses known as 'bastles.' He also investigates the many churches that were strengthened against attack and in times of trouble served as sanctuaries for their congregations. Packed with full-colour photographs and detailed cut-away artwork, this is an ideal historical commentary for any tourist visiting the sites that are dotted across the whole of the Border region. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 71 - 1st printing. "The Walls of Rome!" Written by Nic Fields. Art by Peter Dennis. This book provides a detailed examination of the design, development and construction of the defences of ancient Rome, with a particular focus on the Aurelian Wall – arguably the best preserved of all city walls in the Roman empire. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 72 - 1st printing. "German V-Weapon Sites 1943-45!" Written by Steven J Zaloga. Art by Hugh Johnson and Chris Taylor. Designed to change the course of the war, the V weapons required ambitious plans to defend their expensive and complicated launch sites. Steven J Zaloga describes the configuration and planned deployment of heavy missile sites, as well as the unique Allied tactics developed to counter this threat, including a remote-control version of the B-17 bomber. From the V-1 ski sites to the mobile basing employed by the V-2 units and the other secret weapons bases like the 'V-3' high-pressure gun at Mimoyeques, this book examines the impact of these weapon systems and defences not only on the war but on modern weaponry. With many of the sites described still surviving today, this is a perfect companion for a tour of the V weapon sites built during World War II. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 73 - 1st printing. "Hittite Fortifications c.1650-700 BC!" Written by Konstantin Nossov. Art by Brian Delf. In the second half of the third millennium BC the Indo-European tribe known as the Hittites migrated and settled in Central Anatolia, at that time a land of small city-states whose rulers lived in fortresses. These fortifications enabled the Hittites to transform themselves into a Bronze Age super-power, defeating the Egyptians at Kadesh in c.1274 BC. Konstantin Nossov examines the fortifications constructed by the Hittites in their efforts to sustain and then halt the decline of their once flourishing empire. Providing an in-depth anatomy of the fortresses, focusing on the major sites of the principal city Hattusha as well as sites at Alacahöyük and Karatepe with full-colour reconstructions, this is an intriguing glimpse into the history of an empire which at its height rivalled the Egyptians and Assyrians. It concludes with an examination of these sites as they survive today, information that will appeal both to history enthusiasts and tourists visiting the area. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Add to cart Near Mint $9.00

Volume 74 - 1st printing. "Japanese Castles AD 250-1540!" Written by Stephen Turnbull. Art by Peter Dennis. Dr Stephen Turnbull is internationally recognised for his research into and writing on Japanese military history. Here he applies his scholarship to an account of the evolution of Japanese defensive architecture and engineering, from early earthworks through to wooden and earth castles and, finally, the emergence of the stone towers that are so characteristic of the samurai. He also plots the adaptation of Japanese castles to accommodate the introduction of firearms. With unpublished photographs from the author's private collection and full-colour artwork, including detailed cutaways, this is an essential guide to the fascinating development of Japanese castles.Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.

Volume 75 - 1st printing. "The Forts of New France!" Written by René Chartrand. Art by Brian Delf. 'New France' consisted of the area colonized and ruled by France in North America. This title takes a look at the lengthy chain of forts built by the French to guard the frontier in the American northeast, including Sorel, Chambly, St Jean, Carillon (Ticonderoga), Duquesne (Pittsburgh, PA), and Vincennes. These forts were of two types: the major stone forts, and other forts made of wood and earth, all of which varied widely in style from Vauban-type elements to cabins surrounded by a stockade. Some forts, such as Chambly, looked more like medieval castles in their earliest incarnations. René Chartrand examines the different types of forts built by the French, describing the strategic vision that led to their construction, their impact upon the British colonies and the Indian nations of the interior, and the French military technology that went into their construction. Softcover, 64 pages, PC/PB&W Cover price $18.95.