In recent years, many historians of Islamic mysticism have been grappling in sophisticated ways with the difficulties of essentialism. Reconceptualising the study of Islamic mysticism during an under-researched period of its history, this book examines the relationship between Sufism and society in the Muslim world, from the fall of the Abbasid caliphate to the heyday of the great Ottoman, Mughal and Safavid empires. Treating a heretofore under-researched period in the history of Sufism, this work establishes previously unimagined trajectories for the study of mystical movements as social actors of real historical consequence. Thematically organized, the book includes case studies drawn from the Middle Eastern, Turkic, Persian and South Asian regions by a group of scholars whose collective expertise ranges widely across different historical, geographical, and linguistic landscapes. Chapters theorise why, how, and to what ends we might reconceptualise some of the basic methodologies, assumptions, categories of thought, and interpretative paradigms which have heretofore shaped treatments of Islamic mysticism and its role in the social, cultural and political history of pre-modern Muslim societies. Proposing novel and revisionist treatments of the subject based on the examination of many under-utilized sources, the book draws on a number of disciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches, from art history to religious studies. As such, it will appeal to students and scholars of Middle East studies, religious history, Islamic studies and Sufism.

In recent years, many historians of Islamic mysticism have been grappling in sophisticated ways with the difficulties of essentialism. Reconceptualising the study of Islamic mysticism during an under-researched period of its history, this book examines the relationship between Sufism and society in the Muslim world, from the fall of the Abbasid caliphate to the heyday of the great Ottoman, Mughal and Safavid empires.

Treating a heretofore under-researched period in the history of Sufism, this work establishes previously unimagined trajectories for the study of mystical movements as social actors of real historical consequence. Thematically organized, the book includes case studies drawn from the Middle Eastern, Turkic, Persian and South Asian regions by a group of scholars whose collective expertise ranges widely across different historical, geographical, and linguistic landscapes. Chapters theorise why, how, and to what ends we might reconceptualise some of the basic methodologies, assumptions, categories of thought, and interpretative paradigms which have heretofore shaped treatments of Islamic mysticism and its role in the social, cultural and political history of pre-modern Muslim societies.

Proposing novel and revisionist treatments of the subject based on the examination of many under-utilized sources, the book draws on a number of disciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches, from art history to religious studies. As such, it will appeal to students and scholars of Middle East studies, religious history, Islamic studies and Sufism.

As part of the History of Wargaming Project's continuing wargaming 'archaeology', agreement was given to publish this set of rules as an example of the US Naval War College's use of wargaming as part of their curriculum in 1969. What is interesting about this set of rules is they are complete and they have a sample scenario which helps illuminate the thinking of the wargame designers. There are straightforward rules for surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), gunnery, air, torpedoes and mines etc. The use of these rules is clearly illustrated in the sample game. The rules were clearly written for others to play the game, even in the absence of the game designers. The sample game gives the background and briefings and the two sides ORBATs. Then it sets out the plans of the two sides. It goes on to set out how the game is setup, managed and played.

Wargames through the Ages was first published to fill a gap in literature of the hobby of wargaming. It was a one volume summary of ancient and medieval warfare. After many years of research and writing on the subject of wargaming, Donald Featherstone provided, under one cover, all the information that a wargamer required to build up armies in the ancient and medieval period. Each period of warfare was considered and details given of the soldiers themselves, their dress, arms and equipment, leaders, tactics and their style of fighting. The major wars and battles were listed, so that further information could be obtained by reading other accounts of these conflicts and the biographies of those leaders. Each section details techniques and style of fighting of the various nations and armies and other suggestions how they could best be simulated on the table-top battlefield. Superb drawings of the soldiers in their various battle uniforms add much to the attractiveness of this book.

Phil Dunn, founder of the Naval Wargaming Society and author, presents his World War II era campaign rules. This book documents the rules for one of the classic wargaming campaigns of early British Wargaming. Phil Dunn created global wargames using simple rules to allow players to run large scale world wars. Each player prioritises their production between naval, air and land forces and then decides on which units to build. Straightforward rules are used to control movement on the maps and arbitrate combat in the three domains of warfare. The battles can be resolved using dice rolls or, for critical battles, transferred to be fought out on the table top. The book also includes two smaller games which are eminently suitable for a solo wargamer; The Battle of Britain and Operation Sealion. This is Phil Dunn's third wargaming book. The History of Wargaming Project is edited by John Curry. It aims to present the very best wargaming books and rules to a modern audience.

Donald Featherstone's classic wargaming book, War Games, was first published in 1962. It was largely responsible for turning a somewhat obscure hobby into a popular pastime across the world. This revised edition includes new material including a foreword by Paddy Griffith. There are five sets of classic rules in the book: -Tony Bath's Ancient Wargaming Rules -Lionel Tarr's Modern Wargaming rules. (Modern being WWII) -American Civil Wargaming Rules -Simple WWII rules -Skirmish rules for colonial warfare Each set is clearly explained. There are also three accounts of ealy wargames; a battle from the fantasy world of Hyboria, an American Civil War action and the encounter on the St James Road between the British Grenadier Guards and the German panzer grenadiers in WWII. The book is a piece of wargaming history and is published as part of the History of Wargaming Project.

The Fletcher Pratt Naval Wargame was one of the most successful naval wargames of the 20th century. The straightforward rules, based on the innovation of estimating the range in order to hit, have an enduring fascination as a simulation of the 'big gun era' 1900-1945. As a result of extensive research, this book brings together previously unpublished material into a comprehensive guide to these classic rules, including: The full rules, with previously unpublished amendments by Fletcher Pratt. Optional rules as agreed by Fletcher Pratt. The previously unpublished strategic game. Solo wargaming rules. Guidance on how to play the game. Updates for the rules as suggested by Donald Featherstone. A sample scenario by Fletcher Pratt, The Action off Murmansk. An in-depth evaluation of the rules versus naval reality featuring contributions from experts such as James Dunnigan, Commander Bothwell, Fletcher Pratt and Phil Barker.

This is one of the classic works on historical analysis of combat by David Rowland as part of his work in the Ministry of Defence. It was widely recognised for its pioneering research on combat. The book starts by summarising development of UK MOD historical analysis from studies in the 1970s. Then it analyses exercises, allowed advice to be given on more realistic combat modelling. Using quantitative Historical Analysis (HA), it was possible to compare between the levels of effectiveness between simulated and real combat and to establish combat degradation estimates. The effects of suppression, surprise and shock, were also quantified. The result of this research shed new light on infantry combat, armour v anti-tank weapons and heroism on the battlefield. The large number of diagrams make the analysis clear and although the book is based around statistics, no in-depth maths is needed to understanding the conclusions.

Michael F. Walsh is a Vietnam veteran who set out on a journey to visit Vietnam War memorials. This book includes many of these memorials and his reflections upon them. This book includes over 240 black and white photographs of some of the most iconic war memorials he encountered. Collectively the memorials make a statement. One version of history is that a large majority of citizens viewed those who returned from the war as less than noble; the accepted story is that many felt that the soldiers, sailors and airmen should have refused to serve their country in what they, the vocal minority, defined to be an unjust war. This book challenges that view. The memorials were the result of uncounted numbers people who conceived, planned, and built them in grateful thanks for the services of those who returned and in memory of those who did not. These memorials, demonstrate the esteem they hold for all those who served their country.

Inspired by ideas of Phil Barker (of WRG fame), these rules were a tactical training game for the US Army for approximately twenty years. Written by Captains Dunn and Kempf, the rules aimed to accurately model potential battles between American forces in Europe and the Warsaw Pact. In addition to being fun to play, the game aimed to be worthwhile military training including: American and Warsaw Pact Tactics. Weapon capabilities and effects. Correct employment of indirect fire, such as artillery and mortars. Appropriate use of terrain. Defensive use of smoke. Creation of kill zones. This edition of the rules includes additional material that has emerged since the first edition. It is the Fort Leavenworth Combined Arms Training Center edition, plus the optional combat tables from the III Corps edition of the rules. These rules are published by the History of Wargaming Project as part of its work to document the development of professional wargaming.

You will benefit from this book if you are a practitioner of the art of serious wargaming. Done well, the simple act of putting players in an immersive environment, asking them to make decisions and then face the consequences of those in a dynamically evolving narrative generates astounding insights and internalises learning objectives. Yet, as Clausewitz said of war, everything in wargaming is simple, but doing the simplest thing is difficult. This book explains the seemingly simple. It is a detailed guide to designing and delivering successful wargames, whether you apply the technique to Defence, other government departments, business, the emergency services, academia or humanitarian operations. This is important because good wargames save money but, first and foremost, they save lives.

Uncle Duke is one of those larger than life characters who helped develop miniature wargaming in the United States. The Jack Scruby Award (1995) summarised him as an American original, an entrepreneur and business man, a master sculptor, designer, and painter, a rule writer, publisher, and historian, a master showman, salesman, friend of Donald Featherstone and advocate. This book is a celebration of his contribution. The book includes: The Jack Scruby Award 1995 citation. The MWAN tribute of 1989 by Hal Thinglum. Early memories of American miniature wargaming and reflections by Duke and his lifelong friend Jim Getz. Many previously unpublished photographs The book also includes two complete key sets of rules that were a huge influence on American wargaming: Melee (1960) by Duke. Napoleonique: (1979) Written by Jim Getz with the assistance of Duke Seifried. This book is published by the History of Wargaming Project as part on ongoing efforts to document the development of wargaming.