Rolf Devinci

Focusing upon the British army after the French defeat at Waterloo until the end of the Crimean War Ian Knight's Warriors in Crimson discusses the challenging evolution of the army away from Napoleonic tactics and kit to a colonial army capable of building an empire facing unorthodox opponents and unfamiliar terrain. Examining rapid colonial expansion in South Africa, New Zealand, India, Afghanistan and Crimea Knight discusses the challenges and failures of the British army in the first half of the 19th century. A good read offering an indepth look at the tactics, campaigns and key battles it would be helpful if maps were included for reference but otherwise a solid book. Published by MacMillan the hardcover offering includes easy to read text size and two sections of photographs.

Published by Random House A War Like No Other by Victor Davis Hanson is an excellent review of the Peloponnesian War. Unlike a chronological accounting Hanson examined the conflict through the use of key strategies; fear, fire, disease, terror,armor, walls, horses and ships. The conflict was not short nor followed the traditional rules of Greek hoplite warfare and ushered in a new era of total war. The paperback version includes a few maps but no photos. Text is rather small and printed on duller newspaper style paper so can be a challenge upon the eyes. Otherwise it is a great read and resource for understanding the Peloponnesian War and the subsequent impact upon ancient Greece.

Purchased a copy of The Bronze Lie by Myke Cole from Osprey Publishing. The premise of the book is questioning the myth of Spartan warrior supremacy through a honest and accurate accounting of Sparta's role in ancient Greece. Well researched using archival, literary and archeological sources Myke examines the influence Sparta had upon Greece, the victories won and defeats suffered in the constantly changing geopolitical arena that was ancient Greece. Sparta's power and influence, like all empires, ebbed and flowed over the course of time. An excellent and refreshing look at the militarism of Spartan society not the Hollywood mythos of Frank Miller's fictional 300 that has so enraptured modern sensibilities. Color plates included along with some maps to support the text. A basic knowledge of ancient Greece and the various city states is helpful but not necessary.

With May coming to an end and summer around the corner the 2023/2024 ball hockey season has finished. It was a shortened transient season of play due to continued renovations of our venue. Fortunately we were able to source a replacement recreation centre to salvage a few months of play. Between my continued recovery from my 2021 accident and an extended layoff due to venue renovations I really struggled physically during and after our games. That led to self doubt about my ability to effectively play goal at a level I expected of myself. I was ready to retire. I possess a love for the game and having ceased cycling upon advice of my neurosurgeon I decided to explore options that might mitigate the physical demands of goaltending and extend my involvement in my remaining sporting passion. Compression socks definitely helped my sixty one year old calves and Achilles tendons. A refocus of my strength training regimen to include frequent "leg days" strengthening my lower body; c...

Finally picked up the latest updated edition (2017) detailing the history and search for the missing Franklin expedition searching for the Northwest Passage in 1845. A captivating read published by Greystone Books that definitively solves the mystery of the fate of the HMS Terror and HMS Erebus. In an easy to read format this book uses 19th century sources, Inuit oral histories, modern forensics and archeological excavations to determine the underlying causes of the tragedy. Included are chapters detailing the forensic examination of three crewmen preserved in the permafrost and a brief chapter addressing the recent discovery of both shipwrecks. If you like Maritime history this book is a must read.

Being a fan of the Arthurian legend since childhood I was intrigued by Artorius and the book's premise that the roots of the legend lies with a second century Roman officer. Published in 2022 by Amberley this is an enjoyable read. Malcor and Matthew present a compelling argument backed up by in depth research, logical assumptions and convincing speculations. Purchased via Amazon the hard cover book details the life and career of Lucius Artorius Castus in an easy to read chronological format compete with illustrations and photos.

 Legions of Rome - The Definitive History of Every Imperial Legion by Stephen Dando-Collins. Purchased on Amazon this hardcover edition published by St. Martin's Press does not disappoint. Slightly oversized this book is definitely an impressive work of research. Not only does it offer chapters on the history of each imperial legion it also discusses the manpower, organization and tactics of the Roman empire. It also addresses the history of specific battles in detail.  To compliment the text are numerous illustrations, photos and maps. For such a grandiose subject it is an nformative, enjoyable and pleasant read. It is a fantastic resource and a must have for any fan of Roman history. Highly recommended.