Osprey Publishing's January 2006 releases leaves me feeling a bit like a time-traveller, as their latest releases take us from Bronze Age Mesopotamia, to Classical period Ancient Greece, to the 1st Century AD Roman Emprire, to 16th Century Russia, and ending in the WW2 Pacific theatre with the Doolittle Raid and US Submarines.

Ancient Greek Fortifications 500–300 BC (Fortress 40)

Author: Nic Fields
Illustrator: Brian Delf

ISBN: 1841768847

About this book:
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.


Armies of Ivan the Terrible - Russian Troops 1505–1700 (Men-at-Arms 427)

Authors: David Nicolle, Viacheslav Shpakovsky
Illustrator: Angus McBride

ISBN: 1841769258

About this book:
It is generally assumed that the military reforms which propelled Russia into the modern world were due solely to the genius of Peter the Great. In fact, his reforms were built upon changes that had taken place during the previous 200 years, since the creation in 1550 of Russia’s first full-time military force – the streltsi – by Ivan IV the Terrible. This account traces Russia’s armies from that beginning, through the creation of paid regular regiments from1630, up to the reign of Peter the Great. It is illustrated with rare early drawings, photos of surviving artifacts, and dazzling colour reconstructions of exotic military costumes.


The Doolittle Raid 1942 - America’s first strike back at Japan (Campaign 156)

Author: Clayton Chun
Illustrator: Howard Gerrard

ISBN: 1841769185

About this book:
In early 1942, the strategic situation was bleak for the United States. She had been in continual retreat since Pearl Harbor, surrendering major areas such as the Philippines, and was preparing for the worst in Hawaii and on the West Coast. The Japanese, on the other hand, had secured a well-defended perimeter, and was set for further expansion. Something needed to happen quickly and be of considerable impact—and the combined-arms, April 1942 Doolittle Raid on Japan was a way to achieve this. This book examines the planning, execution, and aftermath of this innovative, daring and risky attack, which would show that the Japanese navy and air forces were anything but invincible.


Roman Auxiliary Cavalryman AD 14–193 (Warrior 101)

Author: Nic Fields
Illustrator: Adam Hook

ISBN: 1841769738

About this book:
Drawn from a wide range of warlike peoples throughout the provinces, especially on the fringes of the empire, auxiliaries were generally not citizens of the Roman empire. The cavalry of the auxilia provided a powerful fighting arm; organized, disciplined and well trained, it was adept at performing both skirmish and shock action. This book details the many roles of the Roman auxiliary cavalryman, including reconnaissance, communication and policing duties, as well as in battle. Motivation for enlisting, conditions of service and experience of battle are all explored, and colour illustrations support the text.


US Submarines 1941–45 (New Vanguard 118)

Author: Jim Christley
Illustrator: Tony Bryan

ISBN: 1841768596

About this book
Naval warfare in the Pacific changed completely with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. The strategic emphasis shifted from battleships to much more lethal, far-ranging weapons systems; one of these was the submarine. This book details the design and development, classes, weapons and equipment, tactics and operational history of the US submarine in World War II. Detailed tables, photographs, and superb color plates depict the force that had an effect far beyond its size – the submarine accounted for 55% of all Japanese shipping losses, despite suffering the highest percentage loss of any unit of the United State Armed Forces in World War II.


Bronze Age War Chariots (New Vanguard 119)

Author: Nic Fields
Illustrator: Brian Delf

ISBN: 1841769444

About this book:
Chariots, the first mobile fighting vehicle, seem to have originated in Mesopotamia in the third millennium BC. The highly mobile two-wheeled war chariot, carrying a driver and an archer armed with a short composite bow, revolutionized military tactics after 1700 BC. This expensive weapon spread throughout the Middle East and is thought to have reached Egypt with the conquering Hyksos. It spread into Asia Minor, Greece, and was known in Northern Europe by 1500 BC. This book covers the evolution of the war chariot throughout the Bronze Age, detailing its design, development and combat history – in particular its fundamental involvement at the battle of Qadesh.


The above titles will be available from 10 January 2006.

Please note that the above book descriptions are courtesy of Osprey Publishing.


For more information on these fantastic titles visit Osprey Publishing.


Please remember, that when ordering, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on Armorama.com