Resources - A Gentlemanly Sport

Some interesting things… at least we think they are interesting.

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Literature

The following non-exhaustive listing contains some works of literature (both fiction and non fiction), which we as a sports club that reads, found particularly interesting. Either as inspiration or to broaden our knowledge.

The shortest history of war by Gwynne Dyer – non-fiction
The book gives a rather broad and digested overview on war, how it evolved and on general principles. It is not a book on tactics or strategy, but makes the concept of war approachable for the average reader.
Vom Kriege (On War) by Carl von Clausewitz (1816-1830) – non-fiction
Star Ship Troopers by Robert Heinlein (1959) – fiction
The novel inspired the 1997 Paul Verhoeven film by the same name. It is a science fiction novel with a heavy military theme. What makes it more fascinating is the indoctrinated, propaganda-bombarded, humanity first society, depicted by Heinlein. The conflict with the alien “bugs” adopts a familiar >us vs them< theme. Being written during the cold war, shortly after World War two (1945) and the Korean war (1953), Heinlein’s futuristic depiction of an ideologically motivated conflict with “the other” has a rather chilling feeling.
For gaming purposes it might be an inspiration for scenarios and settings.
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman (1974) – fiction
The Expanse Novels by James S.A. Corey (2011-2022) – fiction
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien (1937) – fiction
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien (1954) – fiction
Conan novels by Robert E. Howard – fiction
Call of Cthulhu and other works by H. P. Lovecraft – fiction
Elite, Combat and Man-at-arms -series by Osprey publishing
Next to gaming systems and rulebooks, Osprey publishes a vast number of quickly read and very digest books covering warfare and the soldier throughout the ages. “Elite”, “Combat” and “Man-at-arms” are excellent series with reference material on tactics, campaigns, fighting style, military structure etc… covering the ages. They are not as precise as specific scientific works, but fairly sufficient to enter a subject. So if you just want to launch your very own punic war over a glass of brandy, here’s your how to 😉
Sadly some of the very good earlier publications are hard to come by, especially if you live outside of Britain.