The Comprehensive Guide to Board Wargaming: Critical Reception and Legacy
When Nicky Palmer released The Comprehensive Guide to Board Wargaming, it arrived as a pivotal resource for a burgeoning hobby. Designed to bridge the gap between curious newcomers and seasoned veterans, the work sought to codify the theory and practice of board wargaming. From its production quality to its pedagogical approach, the book was met with widespread acclaim across various hobbyist publications.
Key Facts
- Author: Nicky Palmer.
- Length: 223 pages.
- Original Price: £6.50.
- Primary Purpose: A comprehensive introduction to board wargaming for novices and a reference for players.
- Key Features: Includes a sample game to introduce complex concepts like hexagons.
Critical Analysis from Hobbyist Press
The book received significant attention from specialized magazines, with many praising Palmer's ability to remain neutral and accessible. In Perfidious Albion, reviewer Charles Vasey highlighted Palmer's neutrality as a key strength, ensuring readers received a wide and comprehensive view of the hobby. Vasey noted that while the book succeeds as a comprehensive introduction that attracts novices, some experienced "buffs" might find the asides irritating.
However, not every section was viewed as a success. Vasey specifically criticized the chapter on current game reviews, arguing that it provided too little detail for the novice and offered nothing new for the veteran player.
Other critics were more uniformly positive. Geoffrey Barnard described the work as an "opus of great interest" and a vital first step for those entering the world of wargaming.
Production Value and Industry Impact
Beyond the content, the physical production of the book was seen as a milestone for the industry. C. Ben Ostrander, writing for The Space Gamer, remarked that the superior production quality signaled that publishers viewed wargaming as a worthy investment. Ostrander predicted the book would become a standard reference work for the field.
Similarly, Allan Frost of Phoenix described the 223-page tome as a "classic work on wargame theory and practice." Despite the relatively high price point of £6.50 at the time, Frost argued that the clear illustrations and comprehensive coverage made it an essential acquisition for any self-respecting wargamer.
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Educational Value for Beginners
A recurring theme in the reception was the book's utility as a teaching tool. Arthur Barker, writing for British Book News, strongly recommended the publication, specifically praising the inclusion of a sample game. This feature allowed beginners to experiment with hexagons (the six-sided grid cells commonly used in wargames to determine movement and combat) and other specialized mechanics without feeling overwhelmed.
Rick Mataka of Craft, Model, and Hobby Industry Magazine echoed these sentiments, noting that the book effectively explained the basics and provided numerous examples to help novices understand the tactics and the reasoning behind them.
| Reviewer/Publication | Primary Sentiment | Key Highlight/Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Vasey (Perfidious Albion) | Positive / Mixed | Praised neutrality; criticized the game review chapter. |
| C. Ben Ostrander (The Space Gamer) | Very Positive | Highlighted superior production and reference value. |
| Arthur Barker (British Book News) | Enthusiastic | Praised the sample game and introduction to hexagons. |
| Allan Frost (Phoenix) | Very Positive | Called it a "classic work" despite the £6.50 price. |
| Rick Mataka (Craft, Model, and Hobby) | Positive | Valued the explanation of tactics and basic examples. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the intended audience for this book?
The book is primarily designed as an introduction for novices and a valuable aid for scattered players looking to enter the board wargaming hobby, though it also serves as a reference work.
What specific wargaming concepts does the book introduce?
The book covers the basics of board wargaming, including wargame theory, tactics, and the use of hexagons and other specialty mechanics.
How was the book's price perceived at the time of release?
At £6.50, some reviewers, such as Allan Frost, considered the price relatively high, but concluded that the quality and comprehensiveness of the 223-page book justified the cost.
Did all critics agree on the quality of the game reviews section?
No. While the book was generally praised, Charles Vasey felt the reviews of current games lacked sufficient detail for novices and provided no new information for veterans.
Why was the production quality of the book significant?
Reviewers like C. Ben Ostrander noted that the high production quality indicated that publishers were beginning to see wargaming as a serious investment, elevating the book to a professional standard reference.