This was recently shown in nine installments on our local public television. Though getting off to a slow start, the English Civil War adaptation gives an excellent and almost totally realistic feel to the period.

Based on the exploits of the Lacey family, Royalists whose futile efforts to stave off the inevitable defeat by the Parliamentarians and Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army, these broadcasts give the viewer an insight into not only the religious hatred and intolerance which scoured Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, but also (for the wargamer) a picture of what warfare was like at the time.

Making use of the varied ECW re-enactment groups in England, the program's producers have managed to show in graphic detail the effect of 17th century battle on the individuals who fought and died for either side. The battle scenes, though few, when they are presented are detailed and precise. The volleys, the pike phalanx, the artillery use and loading procedures as well as the varied uniforms are faithfully reproduced. Even the matchlocks and detail of their use is shown. Of course, having Brig. Peter Young as military advisor helped immensely, I'm sure! Well worth watching when shown in your area.

Another BBC production, In Search of the Trojan War, narrated and produced by Michael Woods is also an excellent endeavor. I've only seen one part so far, but it impressed me enough to part with twenty dollars for the book (available through the History Book Club). The scope of the research and field work which Mr. Woods has done is phenomenal. Anyone wishing to field a Mycenean or Trojan army would do well to pick up the book and watch the show ... then research your own list! One of the highlights of the episode I saw was when the author was interviewing the famed military artist, Peter Connelly (Greece and Rome at War, The Carthaginians, etc.) Mr. Connelly was working on some breathtaking renderings of the antagonists and picked up a sword of the period and seemed bent on hacking off Mr. Wood's arm. It did get my attention!