For anyone who has an interest in Simon de Montfort I'm happy to report there is a new novelized history by Katherine Ashe.
Montfort - The Founder of Parliament The Early Years 1229-1243
The second volume is called Montfort - The Viceroy 1243-1253 and will be out in a few weeks with the last two volumes out later in the year... I look forward to reading them .
More details at www.Simon-de-montfort.com
Heraldic Sketchbook by Peter Greenhill a Limited edition of 500 copies
Peter's book contains 272 pages with 25 photographs and 230 pages of illustrations from his archive as an heraldic miniaturist .The book comprises eight sections including 70 pages of Coats of Arms contemporary to the Battles of Crecy, Poitiers and Agincourt. Also featured is the complete collection of Peter's reference drawings for Alymer of Spain first 'Banners Forward ' series. Other sections include reference drawings of the figures of Richard Courtenay , Frederick Ping and Courtenay-Greenhill Special Editions.
The book closes with Peters illustrations from Courtenay's original portfolio of the 1950s and the folios of the 'Armorial de Gelre' from the 14th Century
Creating Miniature Knights by Peter Greenhill and Mario Venturi
This book from two of the best known heraldic knight makers is now available.
It describes the art of creating models from the 100 years war period, covering Battles of Crecy and Poitiers. click for More details here
Montaperti la battagfia nef diorama di Mario Venturi
I'm so happy this has been re-printed. The book describes the building of the incredible diorama of the battle of Montaperti by the master artist Mario Venturi. A must for anyone with aspirations of a knight maker. Wonderful photographs, text in Italian and English.
TOY KNIGHTS by Peter CowanIf you are a member of the Britains Club the name of Peter Cowan will not be new to you. His informative articles have been the main stay in "The Standard ". Toy Knights gives a good account of what was and is in production. Plus the best date index of Britains Deetail knights models, I've seen.. A welcome edition to the world of toy knight collecting, must for knight collectors.
Heraldic Miniature Knights by Peter Greenhill
Published in 1991 this is the bible of Heraldic Knight collecting. Given by me as presents to fellow collectors and the only book I have 3 copies, in the office at home and a spare for reference at fairs. Wonderful photographs, informative text. A quality publication in every respect.
You can get a copy Priced at £30 + postage from from Peter Greenhill at http://www.greenhillminiatures.com e-mail:- greenhill@telco4u.net
The World Encyclopedia of Model Soldiers by John G. Garrett
Published in 1981. List most makers, great reference, only a few photographs.
The Great Book of Hollow-cast Figures by Norman Joplin
Published in 1993. This is the collecting bible in colour photographs of UK lead figures.
Britains Civilian Toy Figures by Norman Joplin,Arnold Rolak,Philip Dean,Joe kunzelman
Published in 2002 A catalogue of Britains civilian figures in glorious colour with values.
The Great Book of Britains by James Opie
Published in 1993. Every thing you wanted to know about Britains toy soldiers. Massive book, loads of text and good photo's
StarLux France by Alain Thomas, Jerry Meimoun
Published in 2000. Its in French, but a must for Starlux collectors
British Tin Toys by Marguerite Fawdry
Published in 1990 . I find this book so useful when researching UK toy companies.
Soldats de Plomb by Christian Blondieau
Published in 1993. Mignot production history from the start to present day. Wonderful record pictures, excellent Mignot reference.
Collecting Foreign-made Toy Soldiers by Richard O' Brien
Thank you Mr O'Brien for putting this book together, what a task it must have been. The first great reference book in photographs. Sadly the latest edition will be the last, get it now.
Collecting American Made Toy Soldiers by Richard O'Brien
As with the companion edition this is going to be missed by future collectors when the current print run is sold out.
Osprey Publishing.
What great books Osprey produce in their Campaign, Military and Warrior series.I have many and would not be without them.
Plastic Warrior
No self respecting collector of plastic figures does not have a monthly subscription to this magazine. Their specials on Timpo, Cherilea, Charbens, Crescent, and others is invaluable.
The magazines web site gives full subscription details www.plasticwarrior.co.uk
Timpo Model Toys by Michael Maughan
Published in 1995. Its is the A to Z of Timpo plastic. I haven't seen the new edition, but I believe its all in colour.
Toy Soldiers by Bertel Bruun.
Published in 1994 Small paper back book, all black and white photos, but it has makers details which others have left out.
The Dictionary of Heraldry by Joseph Foster
First published 1902,this edition of mine 1989. This book was recommended to me by Peter Greenhill. Its a wonderful visual heraldic record of named knights.