View Featherstone Donald
Author of Wargames (1962), Naval War Games (1965), Air War Games (1966), Advanced Wargames (1969), War Game Campaigns (1970), Battles with Model Soldiers (1970), Battles with Model Tanks (1979); War Games Through the Ages Vol. 1 3000BC – 1500AD (1972), Vol 2. 1420-1783, Vol. 3. 1792 – 1859 (1975), Vol. 4 1861-1945; Battles Notes for Wargamers, Solo Wargaming (1973), Tank Battles in Miniature: Vol. 1 Western Desert Campaign 1940-42 (1973); Tank Battles in Miniatures: Vol. 4 Mediterranean Campaigns 1943-45; Skirmish Wargames (1975), Wargaming the Ancient & Medieval Periods (1975), Wargaming the Pike and Shot Period (1977), The Wargamers Handbook of the American Revolution Battles with Model Soldiers (updated 1983), Wargaming Airborne Operations (1977), “Featherstone’s Complete Wargaming”; Creator: -; Fellow Gamers:-; Wargames Clubs:-; Wargaming Honors/Awards:-; Comments: a Southhampton, England based physiotherapist, Donald Featherstone is possibly the best known wargamer in the world, Donald Featherstone is well known for more than a score of books on wargaming and also for editing the original wargaming magazine for 18 years, also for pioneering the hobby of fighting battles with model soldiers on tabletop terrains and raising it from a minor fringe interest to the worldwide pastime and commercial interest of today. In his huge loft with its two wargaming tables are shelves bearing more than 25,000 model soldiers forming armies of all nations and periods, from Ancient Rome to World War II;
Quotes:
“Therein lies one of the fascinations of war gaming - one can remake history to suit one’s own ideas, can alter the complete trend of events by re-fighting a major battle such as Waterloo and making the French win it - imagine what would have been the result if the French had won in 1815 and then see just how powerful the war gamer can make himself.” - Donald Featherstone (War Games - 1962).
“It is doubtful whether wargames will ever give one profound military insight, but the wargamer may gain an understanding of the problems of the commanders in the field and a glimpse of the military thinking of the time by re-fighting each battle in the correct tactical manner, using the formations and weapons of the day.” - Donald Featherstone (Featherstone’s Complete Wargaming - 1988).
“Above all, it belies its militant name by encouraging lasting friendships.” - Donald Featherstone (Featherstone’s Complete Wargaming - 1988).
“The amateur model soldier maker is almost invariably a perfectionist, and goes to endless trouble in order to ensure that his small figures are correctly equipped and painted. He carries out patient research into old books and prints; haunts museums, libraries, and second-hand book shops seeking authentic illustrations of the particular soldier he is making at the time.” - Donald Featherstone (War Games - 1962).
“The hobby of wargaming reveals innumerable facets… Anything said or written about wargaming can only be further stimulus to an already flourishing past time that is all things to all men.” - Donald Featherstone (Featherstone’s Complete Wargaming - 1988).