Six booklets from the Pallas Armata series were submitted for review. For those who are not yet familiar with the series, Pallas Armata booklets -are "reprints of historical memoirs intended to make available important -and rare works at a reasonable cost". The titles submitted were: The Expedition Into Scotland 1547, Books 7 and 8 of The Memoirs of Phillip De Commines 1484-1498 The Campaigns of the Great Conde 1621-1686, The Siege of Ostende 1601-1664, and The Campaigns of Marshal Turenne Vol 2 1611-1675.

The Expedition Into Scotland, 1547 by William Patten

This is the diary of an English gentleman who took part in the campaign and battle of Pinkie. The author opens his narrative in fine 16th century style with page after page of shameless butt kissing to his social price of the booklet. I'm sure Mr. Patten will remind each reader of someone he works with. Once the author starts getting into the details of the campaign the booklet turns to gold. 1A11 of the English commanders and the composition of their units are listed. Each skirmish and camp is described in beautiful detail. The appearance of the Scots and even the taunts they hurled at the English from behind their hedge of pikes are included. The course of-the battle is easy to follow from the text and has the unmistakable flavor of an eyewitness account. All in all this is my favorite of -the 6 volumes in hand and a pleasure to read.

Books 7 and 8 of The Memoirs of Phillip De Commines 1484-1498

These two volumes aree the diary of the Lord of Argenton, a French nobleman and.diplomat who took part in the early Italian wars.. Any student of those wars knows what a tangled web they were and the author's diary provides us with a good account from a man who was there. Buyer beware. If you are not a big fan of this period of history (I am!) you might find his detailed account of the shifting alliances, embassies and dynasties somewhat tedious but for me this one was a real treat.

The Campaigns of the Great Conde and Campaigns of Marshal Turenne by Edward Cust

While these two volumes are well written accounts of the two great 17th century French commanders they are not really of the same stamp as the first three volumes of this review. They seem to be written by an uninspired but-thorough 19th century historian rather than a participant. Because of this they sort of fall outside the stated intention of the series but they are still a good read for anyone interested in the French at War in the 17th century. Too much gunpowder for my taste.

The Siege of Ostende by Edward Belleroche

This is the last of the booklets in hand and frankly, to my taste, the east appealing. It also seems to be written by a -19th century-historian. It consists largly of an account of the activities of Sir Edward Vere, an English commander of the defenders. The author delves deeply into some (to me) obscure controversies surrounding the conduct of the defense while assuming the reader is familiar with the big picture of the struggle. There are also several large quotes from participants in French. I don't speak French. Argggh! Don't let me talk you out of it, though. If the Dutch wars of independence are your cup of tea The Siege of Ostende might be for you.

Several other volumes covering the pike and shot era are available in the same series. My overall impression of these handy 5"x8" softcover booklets is that they are very worthwhile. The best of them are excellent and even the less interesting are still quite good. I recommend them. The bad news is that I don't have any information on prices or availability in the U.S. (what a great place for a footnote from our learned editor). Now that I have whetted your appetite, the best I can do for you is to give you the publisher's address.

Gareth Simon 98 Priory Road Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 2BR United Kingdom

Some of you will recognize Simon as the guiding light of the excellent Arquebusier Magazine. --TG