Author: G. W. Jeffrey

This volume of Napoleonic rules is published by Almark Publishing Co. Ltd. of London, England. It is 7"x9", paperback, with 88 pages, several diagrams and some photos of miniatures, includina 8 pages with color. The text presents not a formal list of rules, but a narrative that explains, in detail, the reasoning behind each rule. And the rules themselves are quite logical and realistic, and often innovative.

The author is one of the few rules designers I've run across to give ground scale and the figure-to-men ratio the preeminent consideration they deserve. Provisions are made for the use of 25 or 30mm Minifigs (ground scale 1"= 10 yards, 1 figure = 18 men), 15mm Minifigs (1mm = 1 yard 1 fi . ure = 27 men) and 5mm Heroics fi;ures ?1mm = 2 yards, 1 figure = 27 men). Each turn represents 2 minutes of real time. Movement is simultaneous via pre-written orders and a turn follows this sequence: 'movement, situation morale check, artillery fire, infantry fire, melee fighting, post- melee/ new situation morale check.

A lot of thought went into the establishment of movement rates, fire effectiveness and ranges (conventional casaulties rosters are used, and artillery use the conventional bounce stick), melee procedures and especially the morale rules, which the author correctly recognizes as the most important factor in the game.

Mr. Jeffrey clearly understands the nature of Napoleonic warfare far better than most rules desiqners and also better understands the essentials of rules design e.g. his emphasis on making the unit sizes, figure ratios, ranges and movement all fit the same ground scale and his recognition of predominance of morale over firepower. Moreover he possesses the ability to Present his ideas clearly and has the good judgement to explain thoroughly the reasons behind most of his rules, especially those that differ from the traditional ways of doing things.

My only real complaint is that he is still too conventional, especially in the matter of artillery fire and casualty reckoning especially for use with the large armies made possible by 15mm and 5mm figures. Nevertheless this book should be required reading for every rules deslgner and serious Napoleonic miniatures player, if only for the reasoning the rules.

Mr. Jeffrey devotes serious consideration and excellent logic to several subjects that have been sadly neglected by most rules. This very attractive and worth-while volume sells for only $3.95 and is available from Squadron Shops in several cities or by mail (add 75 cents for postage and handling) from the Squadron Shoo - Dept. C, 23500 John R., Hazel Park, MI 48030.

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