…being a continuously growing list of books to enlighten and inspire. Click the book cover to go to Amazon to find out more about the title.
Light reading
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Achtung Schweinehund!: A Boy’s Own Story of Imaginary Combat
Pearson has written the definitive autobiography of a wargaming and modeling geek. This hoot of a read brings back all those moments of childhood joy that the rest of the world just does not understand.
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Gilsdorf takes a dive into the deep end of the geek-pool in this wonderful work charting escapism and fantasy.
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Little People in the City: The Street Art of Slinkachu (foreword by Will Self)
An absolute treat of a book – showing how an anarchic street artist uses 20 mm figures to create thought provoking dioramas at our feet.
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Schott’s Sporting, Gaming and Idling Miscellany
An indispensable listing of things a gaming gentleman truly needs when venturing outside of one’s gaming den, as without this tome one would be at a loss concerning the rules of elephant-polo and other manly sports.
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Military Blunders
A classic book. It is not only the tabletop general that makes mistakes, the real world is bursting with glorious examples of military genius gone wrong.
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Modelling and painting
How to Make Wargames Terrain
Good source into the basics of making wargaming terrain using a variety of materials. Still available second hand (click the cover image to look at Amazon sellers).[/one_third]
Kevin Dallimore’s Painting And Modelling Guide: Master Class
Another classic, still available second-hand through Amazon sellers (click the book cover for details). [/one_third]
Terrain Modelling Masterclass
Good advice on creating realistic looking terrain. Originally intended for fine scale modellers and diorama makers, this book gives great advice on making your terrain elements look even better.[/one_third_last]
Advanced Terrain Modelling (Modelling Masterclass)
Even more realistic terrain methods, tips and tricks from Osprey model making guidebooks.[/one_third]
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Game design history and philosophy
[one_fourth]
War Games and Their History
Lewin offers a good insight into the history of wargaming up to the end of the Second World War with many examples of games that are inspired by warfare, illustrate war, or attempt to simulate warfare.
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Playing at the World
Peterson charts the fascinating arc of games from the olden days to modern day role-playing. If you are interested in the broader culture of gaming in our times and want to understand the origins, this book deserves a look.
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Wargame Design (Strategy & tactics staff study)
A classic of board wargame design theory and methodology from the golden age of 1970s and 80s, the era of Avalon Hill and SPI.
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The Wargaming Compendium
Excellent overview of the art and craft of miniature wargaming. Mr Hyde had written a great source of inspiration to all of us who love our hobby.
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Simulating War: Studying Conflict Through Simulation Games
Philip Sabin has over thirty years of experience in wargame design, and he uses a number of case studies and reference games to illustrate the practice and theory of wargames.
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Sprawling Wargames Multiplayer Wargaming
Paddy Griffith is among the grand masters of wargame design, and has authored many excellent books on the subject. This book gives you an insight on how to organise large multiplayer experiences.
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Wargames: From Gladiators to Gigabytes
Martin van Creveld is a well known author on the strategic aspects of warfare. In his latest book he sheds light on the role and history of games of conflict and warfare in culture from ancient to modern times.
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War Games: A History of War on Paper
Von Hilgers explores the history of simulation and war games throughout history from an academic point of view, investigating the relationship between mathematics, simulation and wargaming.
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