" Charlie Wesencraft AWI Wargames Book?" Topic

Has anyone read this new (really) book by him? If so, what do you think?

Link?

Is this the one?

link

Funny, I saw that and figured that because it was coming from John Curry, it was a book Charlie wrote a long time ago. Now I see the blurb that says it is his first book in 40 years.

The single Amazon review seems to be kind about the material, but noted that the included rules are complex.

I think the book was written about 40 years ago but didn't find a publisher then. I've got it but haven't read it yet. I think it has a similar format to his other books.

The book is from a manuscript from the 1970s intended as a follow up from his first two books, but never published.As far as I can see, the text has not been updated, other than the bibliography.

The first part is a chronological set of scenarios running from the FIW, through the AWI.

The second part is a set of rules. These are an extension of those from his earlier books with a few tweaks. I would not describe them as complex.

There are a few minor typos and editing issues.

I have written a more complete review for Miniature Wargames which should be in either the upcoming issue or the one after.

I enjoyed the earlier books and enjoyed this one too.

Hadn't realised it was out yet – will be getting this.

Mine came in the mail yesterday.

If it is like his "With Pike and Musket" book, it should be good.
I enjoyed the background material and the scenarios (mostly ECW) can be used with any rules.

Hopefully the new book is more of the same.

Great book! The title is a hint. He breaks down the wars in the Colonies into 7 phases. 1) The F&I War, 2) AWI through Bunker Hill, 3) The Retreat from New York, 4) Across the Delaware 5) The road to Saratoga 6) All roads lead to Yorktown and 7) the finale at Yorktown (My book is up stairs and I am too lazy to get it so I don't know the title!)

The book ends with the rules to fight all the battles. These rules are very similar to the rule in "With Pike and Musket".

Each section has 3 or more scenarios. The nominal scale for each scenario is 1 figure=40 men. Lexington is fought out on a 1-1 scale! Units are usually about 10-12 figures and you will need about 6-8 units per side for each scenario. Not surprisingly, there is very little cavalry available.

There are a couple of careless typos in the book. Bunker hill, for instance, was fought in 1775 not 1735! Yes this is a typo and not a factual error. Nothing earth shattering and certainly nothing to render the book useless. The book is not a treatise on the entire period so the continuity "jumps" from section to section. It is more of a collection of scenarios within the sub periods. For example, in the F&I war, the English get whomped at Ft Ticonderoga but the next scenario they are approaching the Plains of Abraham. Nothing is really mentioned about what went on in between. This is not bad but I want to make it clear that the book is a bit more of a gaming resource with historical scenarios than another historical resource.

For me, I think it is a terrific book. I do recommend it.

Also look for Donald Featherstone's "Wargamer's Guide to the American War of Independence".

The original is a gem.

The John Curry version let some typos creep in, and some photos disappear. Nothing the reader can't figure out.
It is still well worth getting.

That Featherstone book is one where it's probably worth getting the original if possible – I'm a huge fan of John Curry's reprints and am happy to tip my hat to him for the great service he's done wargamers – but the AWI handbook is one where getting the pictures on glossy paper will be an advantage.

The title is a hint. He breaks down the wars in the Colonies into 7 phases. 1) The F&I War, 2) AWI through Bunker Hill, 3) The Retreat from New York, 4) Across the Delaware 5) The road to Saratoga 6) All roads lead to Yorktown and 7) the finale at Yorktown (My book is up stairs and I am too lazy to get it so I don't know the title!)

CORRECTION: Step 6 is Finale in the North. Step 7 is All roads lead to Yorktown.

The Featherstone book is a great collector's item, but is showing its age a bit in terms of history and assessment of some troop types. Rules weren't bad from what I recall (back in the 1980s), but nothing exceptional.

Thanks all!