Scenarios For All Ages by C.S. Grant and Stuart Asquith, published by CSG Publications at £ 12.50 plus £ 1.25 p&p in UK and BFPO and £ 2 for Europe and USA. Available from 3 York Road, Upavon, Nr. Pewsey, Wiltshire, SN9 6BQ, UK. Reviewed by David Barnes.

It is 15 years or so since C.S. Grant produced his "Scenarios For Wargames" so it's good to have new material to use. I know it's new because I bought the older book when it came out, and its sequel "Programmed Scenarios". The title is deliberately ambiguous. The book is suitable for wargaming practically any period with the scenarios, and suggestions are given where difficulties might be found and how to overcome them.

Anyone interested in wargames at any level of experience or none at all can find fun and interest in this book, indeed some of the scenarios are of the "fun" variety , and all are to be enjoyed. The scenarios are divided into groups with broad themes. Each group has between two and six scenarios. Titles range from "Delay and Pursuit", "Storming and Last Stands" to "Raids", "Logistic Problems" and "Mini Campaigns" - to give a few examples.

Distances are given in approximate mileage or kilometres. Units represented are discussed to make adaptation to various periods easy. Practically all the scenarios have an accompanying map, which is designed to have foot square grids on a five foot by seven foot wargames table. Solo wargamers can take all these scenarios and make something good with them [Chairman of the Solo Wargamers' Association speaketh.]

The introduction also gives a guide to the layout of each scenario and a key to all the map symbols - except one, that means a cave I think and it's pretty obvious. Scenario No. 30, p.84. You get a Blue Force and Red Force makeups and a Green Force appears too. There's settings for the games, initial dispositions and sequential play. Success criteria are set out and Special Rules. On page 149 "Mechanisms and Rules" is the title. This generally helps with the mechanics. You are expected to have your own favourite rules and these are add-ons to tailor things like map movement and duration of same.

Simultaneous or Alternate move systems are touched on and sensible "Going Moves" set out. Night movement also crops up - I feel an anecdote coming on. Exercise at night in Germany, Us vs. Them. Officer running the "Us" side says to a crouched figure before him, rifle barrel in the air, "Fire one round" - silence. Repeats "Fire one round." Silence. "Are you out of ammo?" Silence. Officer leans forward and touches "figure". Strangled gasp from officer - "it's a tree stump!!" Casualties for mini campaigns are dealt with and carrying casualties to hospital.

This excellent book finishes with a select bibliography. To sum up - Go out and get this book or order it from your local library. If you are a club you should have a copy - probably several, as we all know that certain books are so popular they require a multi order. One game a week for a year here!

More Bookcase reviews:

Three Waterloo Books
Scenarios for All Ages
Guide to Battlefields of Britain
Military History of the Last Jacobite Rising
Osprey: King George's Army 1740-93 (1-3)
Edgehill 1642