"What Book or Film Inspired You to Get Into ACW Wargaming?" Topic

None of these, actually--or maybe a totality of some of those listed and several not list, such as Catton's Glory Road. I have and have had ACW armies, but it's always been a minor period for me--a sort of stripped-down discount Napoleonics where in exchange for not having anything like the glory of Napoleonic uniforms and standards, I could game with only a fraction of the troop types and armies.

Catton and the American Heritage David Greenspan picture maps were key, the maps I still use today for scenario set ups that are much easier to envision on a table. Greenspan did a few for the Revolution as well.

But I must give credit to a series of novels – "We Were There at…." various historical events.

"We Were There at the Battle of Gettysburg" was one I read several times. These novels always involved early teens kids observing and experiencing these events and were spellbinding for me.

I remember that one, Tortella!

Bruce Catton books for sure. So far don't see nay films. They maybe coming next round.

Other. In the late 60's and 70's I doubt any of those books were easily found here outside of the larger state libraries. Except for Killer Angels, which I bought, I still haven't read any of those books (sat 1/2 way through GWTW, though).

Airfix made the figures and Britannica had excellent summaries of the war and the major battles. That sparked my interest. My mate and I have a game going at the mo'.

That is a very well done table Dal!

Glad somebody else remembers that series, Robert! They were really effective at drawing me in to history. And they were not political or controversial as far as I know.

Thanks, Tort. Those tiles and terrain are 30+ years old. I'm hoping to give Bill a taste for occasional black powder and horse, rather than his steady diet of cordite and diesel.

The Blue and the Gray, North & South, the opening credits to Eastwood's The Outlaw Josey Wales, with Glory locking it all in.

Osmosis.

The Classics Illustrated version of Uncle Tom's Cabin.

Followed by the Classics Illustrated version of The Red Badge of Courage.

Followed by the Bruce Catton trilogy.

I have to assume movies will rate their own poll.

Other – Donald Featherstone's "Battles with Model Soldiers". That book and then Terry Wise's Airfix magazine guide to the ACW got me hooked

Yes also to Featherstone, tried to use with the Marx Civil War set, then switched to Airfix when it appeared in the States.

A TV show called The Gray Ghost" about John Mosby and the American Heritage book mentioned. I was interested long before most of the books and films mentioned. During the Centennial celebration I liked Catton's "If The South Had Won the Civil War" article in the Saturday Evening Post. That should date me.

"Mr. Lincoln's War" was part of the "Army of the Potomac Trilogy"

"Mr. Lincoln's Army", "Glory Road" and "A Stillness at Appomattox."

"A stilness at Appomattox" won the Pulitzer Prize in History.

The Tirlogy has been recently re-published edited by Civil War Historian Gary Gallagher.

link

I read them in High School and it sparked in me an intrest in the ACW. Which eventually led to a College degree and a career in History. They still hold up today.

The Gray Ghost used to come on right around my bedtime, Shagnasty. Sometimes I got an episode in if I was very quiet and the parents didn't notice. Same thing with MacKenzie's Raiders, but that would be for the "What got you into Westerns?" poll.

It was the Airfix Guide to ACW wargaming by Terry Wise. And all the articles by him in Airfix Magazine on how I could build a Western town out of Airfix Trackside buildings like the Garage and the Signal Box.

Also other. Lot's of trips to Gettysburg and a youth. Both school trips and on my own.

2nd grade reading that American Heritage book with those miniature battle maps. I was awestruck! Then I later discovered Airfix soldiers. Done deal.

Thanks.

John