History of wargames

[thirlestane]

I have a long-standing interest in wargames - having invented my first one over 50 years ago, at the age of 10! This interest includes the history of wargames - not only Kriegsspiel but also the many commercial army and navy wargames sold to the public, some of which date back to the 19th century. I wonder if any other users of this forum share this historical interest in a variety of wargames?

[Guy]

Hello Thirlstane, I am sure there are many who do share your interest (myself included) and if you have not come across his page yet you should have a look at John Curry's site http://www.johncurryevents.co.uk/ where you can see the fruits of his labours on his 'History of Wargaming Project'. I know John is actively seeking information on all wargames to help further this project so if you have special insights or knowledge I know he'd be glad to hear from you.
Guy.

[henridecat]

Found on the web.

A surprising number of literary figures played “wagames” of one sort or another. H. G. Wells, of course, but also the Bronte sisters (who made up elaborate games with their brother’s toy soldiers). Fletcher Pratt, the fantasyist who was also an amateur naval historian. Hans Christian Anderson. And, as we see here, Robert Louis Stevenson.

From http://www.zoi.wordherders.net/?p=53
Facsimile on http://www-personal.umich.edu/~beattie/timeline/rlstext.html


It is possible to download the text of H.G. Wells 2 wargame books "Floor Games" and "Little Wars" from the Guttenberg Project.
http://www.zoi.wordherders.net/?p=36
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/8965
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/8973

[thirlestane]

Hello Thirlstane, I am sure there are many who do share your interest (myself included) and if you have not come across his page yet you should have a look at John Curry's site http://www.johncurryevents.co.uk/ where you can see the fruits of his labours on his 'History of Wargaming Project'. I know John is actively seeking information on all wargames to help further this project so if you have special insights or knowledge I know he'd be glad to hear from you.
Guy.

Hello, Guy. Thank you for this information. I have followed it up by visiting John Curry's site, and I am grateful to you for pointing me in that direction.

Thirlestane