 |
Osprey Publishing
The Spartan Army
By Nick Sekunda, Illustrations by Richard Hook
|
The Spartans seem to be flavour of the month, with two major TV series detailing their history, and now this recent re-release from the hyperactve presses of Osprey. And why not? There is an endless fascination with a culture that dominated the Greek World for so long, and was so dramatically different from the rest of contemporary culture. And when I holidayed a couple of years in the shadows of the Taygetos Mountains, I became very aware of the continuing pride felt by the descendents of the Spartans of their forbears.
Nick Sekunda has managed to produce a compact history of these warrior peoples, with a brief but detailed precise of the history of the Spartans, richly supported by photographs or archeological artifacts of the period. There is an interesting section discussing the organisation of the hoplite units, and of the battle preparations and tactics which will be of interest to wargamers but also to the casual reader. There is also detailed descriptions of the arms and accoutrements of the Spartan warrior which will certainly help the ancient modeller.
As usual with Osprey the colour illustrations, this time from the talented brush of Richard Hook, are sumptuous and inspiring. Check out plate I for something a bit different, and then try and copy the shield design in 15mm....... if you dare!
Despite knowing something about the subject, and having watched the TV series, I found enough in this volume that was new and interesting to hold my attention, and I have found myself picking it up for a further browse during the last few days so I have to recommend it!
JOS
ISBN 1 85532 659 0
64 Pages 10 colour plates
£10.99
This publication is available from Osprey direct, PO Box 140, Wellingborough, Northants, U.K., NN8 2FA or click the link below: -
 |
