Inspirational Reading

I find that instead of doing the smart thing, and researching deeply before diving into a project, I tend to research as I paint. Each fueling the other in a feedback loop. If I read about something else it often causes a loss of focus and may even derail a project entirely. 

I've always been fascinated by the Prussians and the War of Liberation. Maybe it's my German heritage? Maybe it's just Prussians are cool and something different from British, which one sees a lot of. I mean, the Peninsula and the Waterloo campaign are awfully well covered by just about everyone else. So when Osprey had their sale this winter I got the two thematically appropriate campaign books for some background and perhaps scenario inspiration. They did fill in some gaps in my knowledge, even if the lack of maps, or the text referencing locations that actually weren't on the maps, was a bit frustrating.

I had mentioned that the title on the Prussian army was not available to a friend who sells Ospreys at Hot Lead and he just happened to have this old one in his personal collection. Published in 1973 and so old it doesn't even have a number on the spine. Written by Peter Young, who's book The War Game got me sucked into this hobby as a young lad of 11 or 12. It gives a nice overview of the army which is what I wanted, not the usual charts detailing button, cuff, and underwear colour distinctions between regiments. And for $10 plus $12 in postage and packing it was a bargain!

The Exploits of Brigadier Gerard by Arthur Conan Doyle is a great read. The stories are highly amusing. You can see how they inspired GM Fraser's Flashman, except Gerard is more brave and less smart. I've had it for a few years and have gotten it out to be my next read and source of scenario inspiration. My French force will have to have a unit of Gerard's regiment, the 3rd Hussars, with a suitably dashing Big Man to lead them.

Speaking of Peter Young and The War Game, I'll have to peruse it again just for a dose of nostalgia. 

Even just to look at the pictures of the old school armies. These pictures really inspired me as a youngster as I built my armies from Airfix figures.