Anniversaries

We seem to be experiencing a number of anniversaries at the moment, namely the English Civil War, Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, and the D-Day celebrations. All these events prompt many different forms of celebration, from serious remembrance of the people who fought in them; to wargames and re-enactments; and last, but by no means least, to the publication of a plethora of books on the subject.

Since the start of the bicentennial anniversary in 1992, our period has prompted many Book Publishers to plan a massive campaign of publications. some of these books are new works, while others are reprints of older volumes that the publishers feel there is now a renewed market for. Those of us who have made a study of the period for some years will find a lot of the books being published are ones we already have, or at least we have the information they contain in other older volumes. Recent and future reprints include David Chandler's Dictionary of the Napoleonic Wars, Wellington's War - His Peninsular Dispatches (presented by Julian Rathbone, and to be republished in August 1994), and An Ensign in the Peninsular War - The Letters of John Aitchison (Edited by W.F.K.Thompson, and again to be published later this year).

The republication of old works does allow the younger enthusiasts to acquire useful works on the subject, which previously they had to search the second- hand bookshops for.

The large volume of books does however, put a great strain on the pocket if you try to buy a number of them. All is not lost however, for here in the UK it is possible to borrow virtually any new book published from your local library via the Inter-library loan service, which costs a few pence per book only. By all means buy the books you want and can afford, but remember that there is this local service that anyone can take advantage of. Aside from this, it is possible to read many of the works recently published in such places as the Reading Room of the National Army Museum. Make use of these facilities; they are there for your benefit.

Good Manners

While this may seem an unusual subject to cover in the pages of this magazine, it is, I believe an important one if you wish to receive help and assistance in your research, and be taken seriously as a student of the period.

When writing to a museum, library or individual, make sure that you use the words please and thank you. This may seem an unnecessary lesson in basic manners, but it is one that some people need to learn. I take offence at having a message left on my answerphone by a total stranger instructing me to phone them back with some information that it is going to take me a couple of hours at least to sift out of my library! Politeness and courtesy will get you want you want.

This is especially important when writing to a museum for help in a particular research matter. Always enclose return postage, as this will often speed up the reply, and it helps the museum staff who may have a limited budget with which to deal with such enquiries. If a museum or library goes to the trouble of sending you some photocopies or a publication free of charge after your initial letter to them, write and say thank you. Your research will progress more smoothly and productively if you keep on good terms with the people who can help you.

The Dusty Archive

Anniversaries and Manners
The King's German Legion at Bexhill
The Salon (Re-enactment)
Royal Armouries Museum of Artillery
Books and Film