The Civil War Re-enactors Encylopedia

By William C Davis

First of all do not be put off by the title of this volume. I know that there is a strange antipathy from some wargamers towards re-enactors. I have heard them disparagingly commenting on various uniformed figures, regarding them as sad individuals who can only find a form of completeness in their lives by donning fancy dress. Of course as these comments come usually from grown men who spend their time playing with toy soldiers, they probably can be safely ignored. You may not be surprised to find that I am an ex re-enactor as well as being a wargamer!

The volume under review has a wealth of information for the wargamers and military modeller. I have studied the American Civil War for years and yet there is information contained in this volume that is new to me. The first section is designed for the re-enactor, and gives practical advise regards attending battles and living history events. But even here there are some fascinating snippets of information, for example regarding everyday attitudes to clothing during the period of the Civil War, which should have an influence on figure design.

The second section looks at uniforms and equipment in fantastic detail. And there is an absolute wealth of information here for figure painters and designers, most taken from surviving examples of military kit, and a lot of which is new to me. (Wait until you see General Beauregard's tasselled beret, or the patent rubber rain hat!). There is a fine section illustrating the huge variety of weapons in use in both armies, as well as some discussion of the practical problems this caused.

I was particularly impressed by the selection of unit flags and insignia illustrated in this volume, but especially the photographs on the decorated drums that are included. I have often wondered just what to paint on the drums of my miniature units, now I know!

The final section includes a number of brief battle descriptions accompanied by nicely drawn colour maps. This section also has some truly excellent uniform artwork, by Jeff Burn. These figures, presented in a style that has become familiar with the Osprey men at Arms series, are packed with interesting details and are sure to prove an inspiration to the figure collector and gamer.

I admit that the declared audience for this book may not immediately appeal to the general wargamer, but I feel that it has much to recommend it, certainly more than a whole case full of other, more expensive volumes on the American Civil War. Give it a try!

JOS

Published by Salamander

Price £18.99

ISBN 1 84065 360 4

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