The "Wargaming in History" series, authored by Simon McDowell and first published in the UK by Argus books, is now available stateside in American editions from Sterling Publishing in New York. Each book is printed in 5 3/40 by 8 1/2" softbound format, and contains roughly 100 pages. The covers feature a full color illustration, and clearly drawn maps and diagrams, along with excellent black and white photos of miniatures in action are interspersed throughout the text. The series is edited by Stuart Asquith, the man behind the popular "Practical Wargamer" magazine. Other titles in the series cover such areas as the American Civil War and the Boer War, to name only two.

The volume in hand is the series' first to cover a topic germane to our period. It covers Western Europe during the period from 350 AD to 450 AD, the twilight of the Western Roman Empire. Even if you attribute the current popularity of the Later Imperial Roman army in ancients gaming to the "killer list" syndrome, this era has always been popular with ancients gamers. The search for the underlying causes of the fall of Rome has remained an area of intense literary debate even up to the present. It is therefore likely that the subject will be of interest to most ancients gamers.

The author commences with a brief historical overview of the period, concentrating on events within the Western Empire, along with general suggestions for gaming the period. Although paper and pencil games, boardgames and miniature games are touched on, the thrust of the book is clearly aimed at the miniatures garner.

The next section covers the various armies of the period, including the Late Romans, Goths, Vandals, Runs, Alamanni, Alans and cranks, with suggestions for raising them in miniature. Suggested basing sizes (for the authors own rules) are also provided, which sees generally in line with the WR0 7th standard for 25mm figures.

Scenarios are not neglected either. The author includes general scenarios for the battles of Strasbourg (357 AD, Raves versus Alasanni), Adrianople (378 AD, Romans versus Goths) and Chalons (451 AD, Roma" and Visigoths versus Attila's Huns, Ostrogoths, Gepids and Germans). Each scenario includes a general description of the battle and a map showing the deployment of the armies involved.

Perhaps the most interesting inclusion, in my opinion, is a scenario for a very interesting multi-player game called "Warlords and Rebels", set in 5th century AD France. A briefing is provided for each player, along with personal victory conditions which assure that no player can trust another. 

The scenario revolves around a Gallo-Roman landlord's villa and a nearby village, and includes local Roman and mercenary forces, the landlord's private army, roving bands of awAmas (local brigands) and raiding parties of Visigoths and Saxons. This type of scenario, which is very similar to the "WRG Nega-game" Jamie fish and Terry put on at Historicon, usually leads to a great time, and is particularly suitable for club play. With some minor tweaking, it would also make a very good convention or demonstration game.

Another interesting inclusion is a committee game covering the emperor Valens' decision to rashly attack the Gothic wagon laager at Adrianople, which lead to the utter destruction of his army. The scenario is disguised, so the players will not have the benefit of hindsight. Players take the role of the emperor's advisors, and attempt to persuade him to adopt the course of action they favor. This would probably provide an enjoyable evening's entertainment for a club or small group.

The author has also included a set of miniatures battle rules he developed specifically to reflect this era, entitled "Comitatus". Although the basic concepts involved are fairly simple, the overall effect seems logical and it seems that they will give a good historical feel to miniature battles set in this era. They look good enough that I plan to try them out in the future.

The author concludes the book with recommendations for further reading, including primary sources, secondary sources (though he leaves out Gibbon?) and historical novels set in the period. The inclusion of historical novels is welcome - they are often one of the best sources of inspiration available on a period or era. I have always found that my painting progress on a new army is greatly enhanced by reading as many relevant works of historical fiction I can find concurrently with my painting. By getting my mind "into" the period, I tend to be much more artistically inspired when I paint. Also included is a brief index.

Overall, I believe that this book represents an excellent value for the ancient miniatures gamer. I picked my copy up at B. Dalton for $7.95 ($10.95 in Canada - sorry guys...) The black and white photography is truly excellent, the text interesting and well written, and the scenarios are worth looking into. You even get a set of rules as well. Highly recommended.