Four Books That Inspired: Three Read and One Reading (Starting)

For those who need wargaming book recommendations in this time of enforced isolation, here are my recommendations:

Matthew B Caffrey's "On Wargaming", the summation of this man's wargaming knowledge into a venerable tome of insight, essential reading - understand the past to understand the future and not repeat the mistakes of the past (see below, available FREE at https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/newport-papers/43/):

Winning a Future War is the definitive guide as to how the USN prepared to fight the Great Pacific War that they "knew" was coming. It explains the reason why the "Ticket to Manilla" was not recognised as a viable strategy in the opening gambit of WWII (see below, also available FREE from, https://www.history.navy.mil/research/publications/publications-by-subject/winning-a-future-war.html):

From a recreational perspective I loved the "Wargaming Compendium" as it hit the mark for inspiring and charming teh reader with a "just go do it" feel (see below, I obtained the Kindle version when it was on offer and can see myself getting the hard-copy version too, more details to be found at: https://thewargamingcompendium.com/):

See previous post but I am in the middle of this and loving it from GLB, to those in the know, no more needs to be said (see below, this van be found at  http://www.wargaming.co/professional/details/professionalhandbook.htm or https://www.amazon.co.uk/Successful-Professional-Wargames-Practitioners-Handbook/dp/0244803641):

Happy reading and keep safe (distancing) in these troubled times!

A Great Wargaming Read: On the Xmas Bucket List for Sure!

This one goes straight on my "must have" wargaming bucket list (hopefully arriving well before Xmas). The long-awaited Graham Longley-Brown's, "Successful Professional Wargames: A Practitioner's Handbook" (the author is simply referred to as GLB in the professional wargaming community - but I bet its contents will be an avid read to all in the recreational side of the hobby too):

Available from:

History of Wargaming Project:

http://www.wargaming.co/professional/home.htm

Amazon Link (don't forget to "look inside" and see for yourself a glimpse of the material):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Successful-Professional-Wargames-Practioners-Handbook-ebook/dp/B07Y2FNPV8/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Successful+professional+wargaming&qid=1573725013&sr=8-1

GLB is known as the key driver behind Connections UK, he motivates, gets things done and inspires others to do the same. It is no exaggeration to say that GLB has forgotten more about wargaming than most people will ever know in a lifetime but his genius is that he humbly collates, assembles and assimilates 'best practice' from around the world and across disciplines. Then, bless his cotton socks, he disseminates it in a clear and precise manner. More importantly he is never afraid to return to the old texts, relearn the old lessons and implement them in new ways to facilitate better learning. His "keep it simple" infantry origins show through in spades, this is a man who can turn theory into effective practice which simply put, will save real world lives. Respect.

Don't take my word for it, judge for yourselves: You can listen to the man at Connections UK 2016 (High Engagement Wargames) here to get a sense of the enthusiasm he brings to the subject (also check out the PDF slide deck and video).