The Wargaming Compendium

by Henry Hyde

This book gives a complete introduction to the hobby of wargaming with miniatures, especially suitable for the newcomer but also containing sufficient depth and breadth of information to attract the more experienced gamer. Packed with color photographs, maps and diagrams, the book is a visual treat, but one built on the solid foundations of a highly literate and engaging text that does not OCydumb downOCO the hobby. Every aspect is explained clearly and in a way that both informs and entertains, with plenty of personality, gentle humor and a lightness of touch. The contents include a brief history of the development of wargaming, choice of periods from ancients to sci-fi, the question of scale (not only of miniatures, but the size of game from the smallest skirmishes to epic battles), terrain, buying and painting miniatures, creating scenarios for wargames, running a campaign, solo wargaming and so on. It also incorporates simple wargaming rules covering all periods of history as well as fantasy and science fiction gaming. These rules will have optional mechanisms allowing them to be used for very small games with just a few figures, or much bigger games with several regiments or brigades on each side."

Genres: Nonfiction, Gaming, Games, Reference

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Walt O'Hara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bravo, Mr. Hyde. Nobody has written about the historical miniatures hobby since the days of Charles Allen and Donald Featherstone. In a big, lovely hardcover, Mr. Hyde describes the hobby of historical miniatures wargaming, in lavish color pictures, and concise prose. This book is aimed at the casual hobbyist who has limited exposure to the historical miniatures hobby. Mr. Hyde starts with the fundamentals of miniatures, scale, painting and terrain, and builds upon the foundation to give the beginner a decent exposure to wargaming. As he has demonstrated in his position as editor of Battlegames magazine, mr. Hyde conveys his enthusiasm for the subject with patience and a gentle sense of humor. Highly recommended.

[Ned Leffingwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book presents a general overview of the miniature wargaming hobby. This book is an excellent introduction and is very thorough. The author presents 3 complete rulesets, one for gladiator combat, one for old west games, and one for horse and musket warfare. He also gives some great advice for how to start in the hobby. He as convinced me to try out some armies in 1/72 scale plastic figures. He talks about all aspects of the hobby, and was very complementary towards Games Workshop. The tone of the book was positive and I enjoyed it.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've played a few wargames in my time.

Mostly during my younger (teenage) years.

This is very much aimed at that younger market, also very much with the assumption that it is mainly a male pursuit.

It may be. Equally, it may not be.

Anyway, this acts as essentially a 'primer', and also focuses on Miniatures Wargames over the paper-and-plexiglass counterparts.

Picked up a few things from reading it, but not one I'd be rushing to re-read again anytime soon.

[J.G. Cully · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really does have everything. Wargames history, types of model scale, periods of warfare, rules suggestions, scenarios, practical tips on building and painting models. 'Compendium' is a worthy name! As the blurb say's, a must for any gamer. Very glad I picked it up.

[Kyle K Catron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very comprehensive

A wonderful resource for those who have some knowledge of military miniatures and an excellent introduction for those who don’t. Links to websites galore included. A fabulous reference.

[Thomas Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Resource

Remains an essential reference for all genres of war gaming. Much useful information for both beginners and old-hands. Has maintained relevance despite a hobby where change is frequent.

[Rhys Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stimulating read!

This is a thrilling and inclusive read which sets the imagination free. Breathes new life into the hobby and would encourage anyone to give it a try.

[Conrad Kinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very substantial tome and soon to be a classic text of the hobby. A book about wargaming in the vein of Featherstone and Grant, the Compendium truly is compendious. There are multiple sets of rules, advice on how to get started in the hobby, figures painting (the section on horse colours is particularly good) and lots more.

If you're wondering what to get that grubby looking nephew for his birthday - look no further. I donated a copy to my old school's library and it was stolen shortly there after. High praise indeed.

[Giles Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly excellent book that covers a great amount of detail in good humour. Well worth the time of you are at all interested in the war gaming hobby.

[Kim Heimbuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will post on Portland Book Review first in July 2014