Unless otherwise noted, the best source for these publications is your local hobby shop.

Historical Gamer: (Number 5 / June, 1991) HG continues to improve with each issue. Of interest to SAG readers in issue #5 is the first in "a series of articles designed to deal with the Grand Tactics of the tournament army lists for Tactica," by William Hawkes, Ph. D. In this initial article Hawkes examines the best tactics to use with the Spartan, Theban, Early Persian and Greek Alliance armies in Tactica. This would undoubtedly interest most "Tactica" players. [Available from your local hobby shop or direct from Historical Gamer Magazine, 1863 S. Limestone, Lexington, KY 40503]

Military Modelling: (June, 1991) Of interest in the June issue is a piece on modelling later medieval crossbows By Pete Armstrong. Pete gives a brief history of the use of the crossbow, explains the use of the crannequin and windlass, and comments on the relative range and effect of the weapon. Included are some line drawings and photos showing fully modeled crossbows.

MWAN: (# 52, July/August, 1991) Another outstanding issue from editor Hal Thinglum contains what has to be miniature wargamings broadest ranges of interesting articles and features. Unfortunately strong rumors are circulating that Hal plans to step down at the end of this year! Although I well understand the forces in life which could lead Hal to such a decision - this would be a truly sad day for our hobby. Issue #52 has the usual great variety of articles covering many periods. I especially enjoyed "A Beginner's Guide to Wargame Cheating", a tongue in cheek satire of some of the less than savory tactics that can be employed on the tabletop. If you don't recognize anyone in the article, you either haven't gamed very long or you game in a monastary (sorry, brother Aelred...) [MWAN is available from Hal Thinglum, 22554 Pleasant Drive, Richton Park, IL 60471 for $20 per (6 issue) year]

Archeologv: (July/August, 1991) Those of you who game Sumerians should know about a California brewery who replicated a 3,800 year old recipe for Sumerian beer (page 24) they gleaned from the "Hymn to Ninkasi". Apparently the Sumerians were as fond of beer as we are, but they consumed it by sipping from large jugs using long drinking straws! So the next time you dust of those Sumerians for a beer and pretzels game, make sure you have yours through a straw (all in the name of historical accuracy, of course...). [available from the Archeological Institute of America, 15 Park Row, New York, NY 10038]

Practical Wargamer: (May/June, 1991) Of interest to Saga readers is the second part of Don Featherstone's piece on the battle of Formigny (1450 AD, English versus French). This part deals with refighting the battle, with hints on the terrain, commanders and military possibilities. The text is complemented by photos taken of the battle site, which really give you a good "feel" for the engagement. Also of interest is a reconstruction of a Scottish castle by Jon Grime. 

Miniature Wargames: (Is 94 & 96) Local distributor problems make this English glossy difficult to get in my area, but I did manage to track down these two recent issues. Number 94 contains a neat campaign scenario by Jim Webster set in the era of Spartan hegemony (some interesting ideas for anyone designing an ancients campaign). Also there is an article by James Barr on the Battle of Evesham, 1265 AD, between Earl Simon de Montfort and Prince Edward (later Edward I).

Issue number 96 features "Vapnartak" by Jason Monaghan, about a different method of organizing a Dark Ages competition. Teams of 3 players brought armies in 15mm from WRG book two that could have operated in Europe, from Late Romans on. The battles were run as scenarios, each with preset terrain and objectives. Sounds like an interesting alternative to the usual tournaments... Also in this issue is a two-page brief history of Poland from 850 AD to 1660 AD by K. Murphy.

Wargames Illustrated: (Is 41-42) Issue #41 contains a comprehensive article on the Viking seige of Paris in 885-886 AD. The history is well laid out, and the actions split into suggested scenarios with nice diagrams allowing you to set this up on your table and have a go. Overall an excellent article.

Issue #42 contains a DBA variant, aimed at recreating battles between Romans and barbarians that sounds interesting, as well as the usual features and color ads (always my favorite part of getting a new English glossy....).

Command: (10 May/June, 1991) Another boardgaming magazine, normally of limited interest. This issue, however, contains an excellent campaign map in the the guise of a boardgame called "Alexandros". It is perfect for Hellenistic campaigns - split into areas, it runs from Macedonia to India, and Armenia to Egypt. The counters are 'purdy, and I can't comment on this as a game, but the map is excellent! MIGS Dispatch: (Volume 3, Number 4) MIGS is a group of Hamilton, Ontario, area gamers who game a lot of periods, including Ancients and Napoleonics. They put out a great-looking newsletter which contains articles on club goings-on, comments on rules and tactics, and battle reports. I always enjoy the "quotable quotes" section. (available to 'club members, contact Chris Goldsmith, 821 Boronia Crescent, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada L3Y 5J8]

PW Review: (June, 1991) The house organ of the Potomac Wargamers, ably edited by the astute (just ask him) Wally Simon. This is one of gamings most entertaining publications, as Wally is quite a wit. NASAMW chief umpire Scott Holder is a member of the Potomac Wargamers, and every once in a while Wally breaks down and runs an ancient article or two. This time he even authors an article on WRG 7th - not on the battle rules, but on the SEIGE rules. Come on, admit it - how many of you forgot Phil even included seige rules? Wally does a great job in explaining how the seige rules work, giving examples as he goes along. He even seems to LIKE them - go 'figgur... [available from Walter Simon, 12905 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906)