by Ian Heath. Organization, warfare, dress and weapons, includes 183 figures, 39 illustrations and 6 maps contained in 174 pages. $40 plus postage, available from The Foundry.

Chapters in this volume are entitled: Imperial China, The Boxer Rebellion, The Ever- Victorious Army, Formosa, The Miao Rebellion, The Mongols, The Nien Rebellion, The Panthay Rebellion, The Taiping Rebellion and The Tungan Rebellions. A four page bibliography is included with most of the bibliographic entries being primary and contemporary books and articles.

I read both these book as soon as I got them and compared information and drawing where I could to check them out for detail and reliability. I don't have as many source for China as I do for Central Asia, but based on what I have and the university library holdings these two are gems not to be missed. If Central Asia and or China hold your interest for military history or gaming these to books are a must to have in your collection for references. Troop types are deliniated, drawn and discussed to such an extent that, if you're a gamer, you can supplement whatever rules you are using to make these specific troop types fight and react accurately. If you are doing historic research the information-and analyses will help give you a better idea of nineteenth century situations and put things in a better perspective. I thought I kaew a great deal about Khiva and Bokhara, boy was I wrong. Unfortunately, I don't have the access to the publications that Ian Heath does. I wish I did.

Several years ago I bought 150 or so Chinese Foundry troops to make up three or four different units but held off painting and organizing them because I didn't have sufficient information. Well, now I have both and will be able to make up units and paint them properly.

I guess it should be obvious that my overall rating for both book is Very High and Very Commendable Research.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

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