Customer Reviews

Little Wars: A Game for Boys from Twelve Years of Age to One Hundred and Fifty and for That More Intelligent Sort of Girls Who Like Boys' Games and (A Da Capo paperback)

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This is a light read, describing the famous author's system for taking children's toy soldiers and making a "Kriegspiel" (the Prussian General Staff method of wargaming) for the common man, and boy, of whatever age (and, Wells adds, for "girls of the better sort"). Wells' game used the famous Britain's toy soldiers, employed rules for movement and melee, and utilized toy cannon to provide the firepower. This is a delightful book, enriched by HG Wells imagination and skillful writing

Wells provided a means of spending countless enjoyable and educational hours with my son that continue to this day. Now 19, he was introduced to Little Wars at age 9. It is in no small part responsible for his current knowledge of, and interest in, History and Geography (and, by extension, other things as well).

I find it interesting that H.G.Wells and Sir Winston Churchill shared this hobby. Interesting, but, I suppose, not really surprising after seeing first-hand what a child's imagination does with Wells' ideas.

The hard-cover copy I found back in the early 70's is loaded with drawings and pictures.

For me, a Chinese, who never knows this game, the reading become dull although the author was exciting mentioning his game. However, I do finish the reading with feeling of reading a handbook.

On the other hand, I must admit that I found that many western authors have great patience in description including this author.

I was so very pleased with this book. I started playing war games when I was a small boy, with plastic soldiers. It was wonderful fun. As I grew older, I graduated to Chess, Tactics II, Blitzkrieg, Panzer Blitz, Panzer Leader, Squad Leader, etc. Eventually, I joined the Army National Guard and served proudly for 17 years achieving many awards and decorations. I have the career that I have because of my military training in electronics. To think that it all started with my brother and I playing with little toy soldiers; it is a true wonder. I now have a son, only 6 months old. I can't wait to share this book with him and to enjoy a golden time in his life with him, side by side, playing with little plastic men. Either you understand, or you will think I am nuts. It won't matter to my son and I. The one problem I have discovered from reading the book is; where can I get the little cannons that actually shoot?