The latest offering from Osprey Publishing – LATIN AMERICAN WARS 1900–1941: "BANANA WARS", BORDER WARS & REVOLUTIONS – was delivered in Thursday's post, and I have spent several enjoyable hours since reading it and getting lots of ideas for potential wargames.
As readers of my book DEVELOPING THE PORTABLE WARGAME will know, I featured a mini-campaign entitled 'Long live the Revolution!' ... and this book is ideal for anyone contemplating running such a mini-campaign.
The book contains chapters and sections that cover:
LATIN AMERICAN WARS 1900–1941: "BANANA WARS", BORDER WARS & REVOLUTIONS was written by Philip Jowett and illustrated by Stephen Walsh. It was published in 2018 by Osprey Publishing (ISBN 978 1 4728 2628 2)
As readers of my book DEVELOPING THE PORTABLE WARGAME will know, I featured a mini-campaign entitled 'Long live the Revolution!' ... and this book is ideal for anyone contemplating running such a mini-campaign.
The book contains chapters and sections that cover:
- An overview of military affairs in Latin America (1900–1941)
- A chronology of the period 1900–1941
- Central American conflicts, 1900-1940:
- Panama
- Honduras
- El Salvador
- Costa Rica
- Nicaragua (Sandino Rebellion and the "Banana Wars")
- Cuba
- Mexican Civil Wars:
- De Huerta rebellion 1924
- Cristero War 1927
- The rebellion of 1929
- South American Wars 1910-1930:
- Brazil's Contestado War 1914
- The 1920s civil wars
- South American Wars 1930-41:
- Paulista War (Brazil, 1932)
- Leticia War (Peru and Colombia, 1932-34)
- Zarumilla conflict (Peru and Ecuador, 1941)
LATIN AMERICAN WARS 1900–1941: "BANANA WARS", BORDER WARS & REVOLUTIONS was written by Philip Jowett and illustrated by Stephen Walsh. It was published in 2018 by Osprey Publishing (ISBN 978 1 4728 2628 2)
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteNo mention of the Cordeguayan Civil war then?
This looks like a book that would be right up your street and as soon as I saw it advertised I wondered how long before I could ead your review!
All the best,
DC
David Crook,
DeletePerhaps the author was waiting for my definitive history of Cordeguay to be published. No doubt its several civil wars will get mentioned in the second edition.
All the best,
Bob
Wow! There are a number of wars there I never heard of. I have to get that book!
ReplyDeleteJames Janes,
DeleteIt's a good starting point for anyone interested in the less well-known conflicts of the first half of the twentieth century.
All the best,
Bob
I was debating ordering that particular Osprey and your review has confirmed me in that intention. I have a particular interest in the use of armour and paratroopers. Second your remark about Gettysburg - truly an excellent film - the recreation of Pickett's Charge is amazing.
ReplyDeleteDavid Bradkey,
DeleteI don't think that you'll be disappointed by this book. It's certainly given me some ideas for mini-campaigns.
GETTYSBURG is one of my all-time best films, and I have the DVD and a downloaded copy on my iPad.
All the best,
Bob
I have the book, but have yet to start reading it!
ReplyDeleteSimon Jones,
DeleteI think that you'll enjoy it when you do read it.
All the best,
Bob
Given the number of wars it covers and the limitations of the Osprey format it must be a whistle-stop tour of the era; odd that the Mexican Revolution isn't listed given that it is probably the best well known for that subcontinent/ era....
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Pete.
Pete.,
DeleteThis is very much a primer and will provide a good starting point for wargamers who are looking for something a bit different.
I think that Osprey have already produced a book about the Mexican Revolution, which is why it doesn't get a mention in this book.
All the best,
Bob
I agree with you Bob...
ReplyDeleteIt’s a great little book... it certainly got my wargames butterfly fluttering...
All the best. Aly
Alastair Morrison (Aly),
DeleteI have a box full of assorted painted 20mm-scale figures that will be the ideal basis for several small PW South Anerican armies. All that is needed is some time to sort them out.
All the best,
Bob
Now that does look interesting!
ReplyDeleteGeordie an Exiled FoG,
DeleteWell I certainly think that it is, and I am sure that you will as well.
All the best,
Bob
You may be interested to know that before very lonf Decision Games will publish John Poniske's game on the Banana Wars.
ReplyDeleteDecision Games productions are iffy, but Poniske is a good and clever designer. You might be able to use this to generate situations for the minis table.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/217210/banana-wars-1898-1935
Brian Train,
DeleteThanks very much for the link. It looks as if it will be a very useful source of potential scenarios.
All the best,
Bob