Osprey Adventures
Материал из ВикиВоины
Osprey Adventures (англ. Приключения Оспрея) — серия книг издательства Osprey Publishing, посвящённая вымышленным воинам из мифов, легенд и популярной культуры, которые описываются в характерном стиле издательства с сохранением исторических или околоисторических реалий. Osprey Adventures состоит из трех подсерий: Dark Osprey (англ. Тёмный Оспрей), Myths and Legends (англ. Мифы и легенды) и Open Book (англ. Открытая книга).
Часть книг данной серии была проиллюстрирована крайне авторитетными художниками Питером Деннисом и Марком Стейси, который также иллюстрировал книги Osprey Publishing из других, реально-исторических серий. Остальные книги были проиллюстрированы художниками, работающими в стиле компьютерной графики и известными благодаря другим свои работам в жанре фэнтези. Больше всего книг проиллюстрировал Даррен Тан (10 книг), Хосе Даниэль Кабрера Пенья (4 книги), Алан Латвелл (4 книги), Мигель Коимбра (4 книги) и художник под псевдонимом RU-MOR (4 книги). В отличии от других серий издательства Osprey, иллюстрации в этих книгах не имеют подробных комментариев, однако по-прежнему изображают персонажей мифов, легенд и прочих произведений в соответствии с их историческими реалиями, в отличии от визуального воплощения этих же персонажей в других источниках.
Серия выходила в 2012 - 2016 гг., в настоящий момент закрыта. Всего успело выйти 38 книг. Среднее количество страниц в одной книге колебалось в районе 60 - 80 страниц.
Dark Osprey[править]
Dark Osprey (англ. Тёмный Оспрей) — посвящена таинственному миру невероятного, тайной истории и теориям заговора. От зомби и верфольфов, оккультных программ нацистов и тайной истории ордена Тамплиеров — до вторжений пришельцев и исследователей паранормального. Каждая книга серии начинается с исторического взгляда на вопрос, который затем разворачивается в полноценную "ветку" вероятной истории. Каждая книга в данной подсерии имеет 80 страниц.
- Автор: Кеннет Хайт (текст), Даррен Тан (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 01
In the dark dungeons beneath Nazi Germany, teams of occult experts delved into ancient and forbidden lore, searching for lost secrets of power. This book tells the complete history of the Nazi occult programs, from their quests for the Ark of the Covenant, the Spear of Destiny, and the Holy Grail, through their experiments with lycanthrope and zero-point energy. It also includes information on the shadow war fought in the dying days of the Reich as the Nazis deployed strange flying saucers that battled to save their final stronghold in the Antarctic. For years, the Allied governments worked to keep this information from reaching the public, and sought to discredit those few who dared to seek the truth. Now, using a combination of photography and artwork reconstructions, the true story of the most secret battles of World War II can finally be told.
- Автор: Грэм Дэвис (текст), Даррен Тан (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 02
Born in the dark days of the great crusades, the warrior monks of the Knights Templar vowed to defend pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. Yet strangely, there are few historical records of the Templars ever fulfilling this task. Instead, their history is one of bloodshed and conquest, wealth and power, dark secrets and conspiracies. Today, the story of the Knights Templar is intimately linked with the story of the Holy Grail. But what exactly is this ancient artifact, and how has it been used to manipulate history for the last one thousand years? This book, based on the notes of the recently deceased historian, Dr. Emile Fouchet, attempts to unlock the secrets of the Knights Templar. It begins with an examination of their historical origins, their growth in the early middle-ages, and their supposed destruction under the charges of heresy. From there, it uses the clues left by the Templars themselves to reconstruct their secret journeys as they moved the Holy Grail from Europe to the New World and back. It also charts the secret, three-way war that is still being fought between the Templars, the Freemasons, and the Catholic Church. Finally, the book reveals the greatest of all Templar conspiracies, the attempt to found a new world order under the auspices of the European Union.
- Автор: Джозеф А. Маккалоу (текст), Мариуш Козик (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 03
Osprey's hugely popular, Zombies: A Hunter's Guide returns in this deluxe, limited-edition hard cover. Bound in black leather with silver embossing and silver, gilt edging, this beautiful book is sure to be an instant collector's item. Zombies: A Hunter's Guide contains all of the information necessary to recognize and combat this growing threat. Beginning with an explanation of the historical origins of zombies, it follows their history through to the threat they pose to the world today. All varieties of zombie are catalogued and examined, giving their strengths and weaknesses, with a special emphasis on recognition and elimination. Finally, the book covers the tactics and equipment used in zombie fighting, from the man on the street with his sharpened hockey stick to the latest fully automatic grenade launchers and anti-undead armor employed by top-secret government "Containment Teams.” Accompanied by numerous full-color reconstructions to help with identification, this book is a must for anyone on the frontlines of the Zombie Wars.
- Автор: Стив Уайт, Марк Маккензи-Рей (текст), Даррен Тан (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 04
For centuries, vampires have lurked in the shadows, preying upon the weak and defenseless. Now, with world population centers booming, the vampires have found rich new hunting grounds. But help is at hand, Vampires: A Hunter's Guide contains all the information necessary to recognize and combat the growing vampire threat. After exploring the origins of these dark and terrible creatures, it examines the numerous vampire species and subspecies that exist around the world today. Focusing on the hunters' weapons, tactics and skillsets, this book provides information on identifying and eliminating vampires, noting the best practices from the secretive, powerful and dedicated hunters from around the world, and throughout the ages. With full-color illustrations of predator and prey, this is the ultimate resource in the fight to save humanity from the vampires.
- Автор: Грэм Дэвис (текст), Крейг Спиринг (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 05
Fear the full moon; for on that day of lunacy the wrath of the werewolves is unleashed. For thousands of years, from the depths of the dark forests to the dimly lit city streets, these beasts have stalked us from the shadows. This book is the only thing standing between humanity and an overwhelming horde of lycanthropes. It reveals the huge variety of werewolf types, including viral, shamanic, and sorcerous, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and explaining the best methods to capture or kill each variety. It also tells the full history of werewolves and the shocking role that they have played in some of history's most significant events, especially their involvement in numerous wars. Finally, it covers the groups and societies devoted to hunting the creatures, whether for safety, study, or sport.
- Автор: Фил Мастерс (текст), Хосе Даниэль Кабрера Пенья, Росио Эспин Пинар (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 06
On the very edge of recorded history, the fabled island of Atlantis formed the centre of a vast and powerful empire. From there, the divinely-descended lords of the western ocean made war on the rest of the world, until a brave resistance drove them back, and the gods punished them for their hubris. In that last cataclysmic struggle between gods and mortals, the whole island continent sank beneath the sea. For the first time, this book reconstructs the fact and fiction of that lost age of gods and heroes, including the political organization of the Atlantean Empire, the equipment and tactics of the armies of Atlantis and their enemies, and the stories of the great wars themselves, from the early struggles between Atlantean colonies and the Amazons of North Africa to the final and catastrophic counter-invasion of Atlantis by the peoples of Europe and Asia.
- Автор: Марк Латам (текст), Алан Латвелл (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 07
The legend of Sleepy Hollow is one of the great tales of American folklore, supposedly stemming from Washington Irving's famous short story. But what if there was more to the ghostly fable than meets the eye? What if Irving's account was based on fact? And what if the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow was not unique, but merely one of a strange line of malevolent spirits sighted across the world, bringing misfortune to all that witness them? Within this book you will find long-forgotten lore about the headless spirits that have plagued mankind for centuries, and perhaps even now seek ingress into our world. The Headless Horseman, and others like him, is at large in the dark places of the world, and should one encounter such a revenant, it is said that tragedy will surely follow…
- Автор: Марк Латам (текст), Даррен Тан, RU-MOR (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 08
They said there were no monsters. But there are. It is the 23rd Century. Across the cold void of space, alien monsters prey on humanity: infesting generation-ships, destroying colonies, and transforming humans into hosts for their foul spoor. From the insectoid hive-beasts of Klaatu, to the xenomorphic parasites of the outer rim, this book contains the sum total of human knowledge of the myriad forms of alien menace; where to find them…and how to kill them. In this guide you will find details of mankind's greatest champions, the marines of STAR Industries. With their state-of-the-art technology and advanced combat tactics developed over a century of warfare, the STAR marines battle the alien, wherever it may strike.
- Автор: Майк Брантон (текст), Алан Латвелл (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 09
On one terrible night in August 1895, the world changed forever. Grey metal cylinders, launched from Mars and hurtled through space, came crashing down in southern England. The next 15 days were marked by courage and despair, hope and shock, defeat and fleeting victory as Queen Victoria's army struggled to contain the terrible alien threat. The war, man against machines from space, was fought without mercy on both sides. And the outcome would be decided by the smallest of things… This book covers the whole of the Anglo-Martian conflict, beginning with a look at the relative strengths and weakness of the two armies, both English and alien, and comparing the different strategies employed. It then takes a detailed look at the actual military struggle, covering all of the major engagements between the tripods and Victoria's army.
- Автор: Грэм Дэвис (текст), Даррен Тан (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark 10
In the dying days of World War II, Nazi Germany spent increasingly large amounts of its dwindling manufacturing capability on the construction of a small fleet of flying saucers capable of travel beyond the atmosphere. While these saucers were too few in number to affect the eventual outcome of the war, they did allow for a small, but fanatical Nazi group to escape Germany, first to Antarctica, and then on to the moon!
For the first time, the history of the Nazi space program has been revealed - with a focus on the design, construction, and layout of the moonbase. Using detailed maps, the entire moonbase is reconstructed, noting the locations of various important features, such as weapon emplacements, the Vril generator, the air recyclers and water extractors. The book also covers the various attempt by the allies to overcome this last Nazi stronghold through both subterfuge and outright battle.
- Автор: Кеннет Хайт, Кеннон Бауман (текст), Даррен Тан (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark
From the Patriots' raid on the necromancer Joseph Curwen to the Special Forces' assault on Leng in 2007, this unique document reveals the secret and terrible struggle between the United States and the supernatural forces of Cthulhu. In this war, immortal cultists worship other-dimensional entities and plot to raise an army of the dead. Incomprehensible undersea intelligences infiltrate and colonize American seaports, and alien races lurk beneath the ice of Antarctica and high in the mountains of Afghanistan. It is only through constant vigilance and violence that the earth has survived. Also included are threat reports describing the indescribable - humanity's deadliest foes serving Cthulhu and the other Great Old Ones. Strange times are upon us, the world is changing, and even death may die - but, until then, the war continues.
- Автор: Марк Латам (текст), RU-MOR (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Dark
Rome, the greatest empire the world has ever known, limitless in breadth and power, magnificent in its glory! But something evil, ancient and unknowable gnaws at the heart of the empire. Dark gods, trapped for centuries in thrice-warded tombs, have been disturbed by Roman plunderers. A secret war is fought daily between those who would harness this strange power for themselves, and those who fear it signals the very end of the empire. Across the sea, roused from eternal slumber by a world awash with war, by omens and pagan slaughter, a Great Old One waits for the way to be opened. A cosmic terror that man was not meant to know. Those who know its name tremble, and only the very brave—or very foolish—incant it for their own ends. They whisper it in darkness; they cry it from atop blasted hills; they scream it to the raging oceans. "Cthulhu…”
Myths and Legends[править]
Myths and Legends (англ. Мифы и легенды) — рассказывает о известных мифах и легендах, однако в историческом ключе. Анализируются источники, ищутся попытки трактовки или объяснения тех или иных сюжетов, а сами персонажи мифов и легенд изображены согласно тому, в каком регионе и в какое время они жили, то есть максимально достоверно. Каждая книга в данной подсерии имеет 80 страниц.
- Автор: Нил Смит (текст), Хосе Даниэль Кабрера Пенья (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 01
The voyage of Jason and the Argonauts and their hunt for the Golden Fleece is one of the most enduringly popular of all of the Ancient Greek heroic myths. Accepting the quest in order to regain his kingdom, Jason assembled a legendary crew including many of Greece's greatest heroes such as Hercules, Orpheus, Atalanta, Telamon, and the twins Castor and Pollux. With this band of heroes and demi-gods, Jason set sail in the Argo on a journey across the known world. During their quest, the Argonauts faced numerous challenges including the harpies, the clashing rocks, the Sirens, Talos the bronze man, the sleepless dragon that guarded the fleece, and of course the fickle will of the gods of Olympus.
Dr. Neil Smith retells this classic myth, examining its origins, its history, and its continued popularity. The text is supported by numerous illustrations both classical and modern, including numerous artwork plates especially commissioned for this work.
- Автор: Джозеф А. Маккалоу (текст), Питер Деннис (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 02
From legend and mythology to The Hobbit and A Game of Thrones, the dragon is a perennial favorite in the fantasy genre.
With its fiery breath, scaly armour, and baleful, malevolent stare, the dragon became the ultimate symbol of evil and corruption in European folklore and mythology. Often serving as a stand-in for Satan, or the power of evil gods, dragons spread death and hopelessness throughout the land. Only heroes of uncommon valour, courageousness, and purity could hope to battle these monsters and emerge victorious. Those that did became legends. They became dragonslayers. The list of dragonslayers is small, but it is filled with great and legendary names. Hercules, Beowulf, Cuchulain, Sigfried, Lancelot, and Saint George all battled to the death with dragons. Other heroes such as the Danish King Frotho, the French Saint Mercurialis, the Polish champion Krak, and the Russian warrior Dobrynya Nikitch might be less well known to western readers, but also fought and defeated dragons. This book will retell the greatest legends of this select group of warriors, while examining the myth of the dragonslayer in a historical, mythological, and even theological context.
- Автор: Дэвид А. Макинти (текст), Марк Стейси (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 03
Egyptian mythology tells us that long ago the brother gods Osiris and Set ruled peacefully over the lands of Upper and Lower Egypt, each in his own kingdom. But over time Set came to covet his brother's lands and crown, and eventually the temptation overwhelmed him. Usurping Osiris' throne, Set began a blood feud that spread war, death and mutilation through both the heavens and the earth. Gods and men chose sides and took up arms on behalf of both Set and Horus, the heir of Osiris. This book retells the mythic struggle between Horus and Set, exploring the variations and background to the feud, and examining the earthly realities that inspired, or reflected, the actions and allegiances of the Gods, such as the political rivalries between the two kingdoms, and the invasion by Cambyses II. Egyptian weapons and strategies are also examined, showing how their gods and men did battle.
- Автор: Дэниел Мерси (текст), Алан Латвелл (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 04
Despite his enduring popularity, King Arthur remains the most enigmatic of Britain's legendary heroes. In this new book, author Dan Mersey retells the great stories of Arthur, while exploring the different facets of Arthurian myth, from the numerous, conflicting theories of his historical origin, through the tales of Welsh folklore and Medieval romance, and concluding with an examination of his various portrayals in the modern media. Presented with both classic and newly commissioned artwork, this book is an easy-to-read, yet highly detailed introduction to the complex body of myth and legend that surrounds Britain's greatest hero.
- Автор: Грэм Дэвис (текст), Мигель Коимбра (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 05
In the stories of the ancient Vikings, Thor is a warrior without equal, who wields his mighty hammer in battles against trolls, giants, and dragons. He is the god of storms and thunder, who rides to war in a chariot pulled by goats, and who is fated to fall in battle with the Midgard Serpent during Ragnarok, the end of all things. This book collects the greatest myths and legends of the thunder god, while also explaining their historical context and their place in the greater Norse mythology. It also covers the history of Thor as a legendary figure, how he was viewed by different cultures from the Romans to the Nazis, and how he endures today as a popular heroic figure.
- Автор: Фред ван Ленте (текст), Алексей Апарин (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 06
The greatest hero of Ancient Greece, Hercules battled gods, men and monsters in a lifetime of violence and destruction. Today, Hercules is best known for his 'twelve labors', a series of near-impossible tasks assigned to him as punishment for the killing of his wife and children. During those tasks, he slew the multi-headed hydra, wrestled with Cerberus, hound of the underworld, and stole the girdle of Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons. Yet even when his labours were done, his adventures continued. Hercules led armies, sacked cities, fought against the gods, and then joined forces with the gods in the great war known as 'The Gigantomachy'. This book tells the complete story of this legendary warrior, including information on the classical sources, his deification and cult, and his continuing popularity as a character in film, television and comic books.
- Автор: Нил Смит (текст), Питер Деннис (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 07
From the early ballads that established his stories to the later additions of Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian, and Alan-a-Dale, this book explores how the legend of Robin Hood grew.
He robbed from the rich to give to the poor, or so the legend goes. But who was the outlaw known as Robin Hood? How did his legend develop and how has it changed over the passing centuries? This new book in the Osprey Myths and Legends series takes a detailed look at Britain's most famous outlaw.
It also enters the perilous world of Robin Hood scholarship with a critical review of the case for a 'historical' Robin Hood and a review of the mostly likely candidates. A perfect primer for young and old, this book covers both the fact and the fiction of Robin Hood.
- Автор: Си Шеппард (текст), Хосе Даниэль Кабрера Пенья, Росио Эспин Пинар (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 08
Homer's Iliad, read by college underclassmen everywhere, tells the story of Helen, 'the face that launched a thousand ships', the trojan horse, and Achilles' heel. The Iliad provides the basis for this modern exploration of one of the most famous legendary wars of all time, a story at least partly based in fact.
When Paris, prince of Troy, ran off with Helen, wife of the king of Sparta, it launched the greatest war of the mythic age of Greece. Heroes and gods assembled on both sides, as the combined armies of Greece launched a siege that would last for ten years. During that time, famous heroes, such as Achillies, Ajax, and Hector, would find glory on the battlefield, before being cut down by their enemies. Others, such as Agamemnon, Odysseus, and Aeneas, would survive the war, only to face even greater challenges afterwards. Thanks to the Iliad of Homer, and numerous other ancient sources, the story of the siege of Troy has survived for over 3,000 years. In this new book in the Myths and Legends series, Professor Si Sheppard draws together all of these ancient writings to tell the complete story of the Trojan war, from the flight of the 'face that launched a thousand ships' to the great wooden horse that brought the city to bloody ruin. Accompanied by both classical and modern artwork, this book is the perfect primer for those interested in the greatest war of the ancient world, and the last great conflict between the gods of Ancient Greece.
- Автор: Дэвид А. Макинти (текст), Марк Стейси (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 09
From the wise and mysterious soothsayer with his long grey beard to the deathless necromancer practicing his dark magics in a forgotten dungeon, wizards have captured our imaginations since the earliest days of human storytelling, presenting us with some of our greatest heroes and villains. This book collects the tales of the most interesting, popular, and important spell-casters from history, including such legendary figures as Merlin, Simon Magus, Hermes Trismegistus, Koschei the Deathless, Nicholas Flamel, Dr John Dee, and Johann Georg Faust. Written to appeal to the modern reader, each tale captures the drama, the tragedy, and the wonderment that has ensured that these stories have survived the passing centuries. Each story is also examined in its historical, mythological, and thaumaturgical contexts.
- Автор: Джулия Крессуэлл (текст), Мигель Коимбра (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 10
Symbolically, the quintessential English feudal monarch is King Arthur, but stories of Charlemagne and his Knights' quests throughout Christian Europe had a much wider impact. Amidst the chaos and violence of Europe in the eighth century, Charlemagne became king of the Franks and slowly established an empire the likes of which had not been seen since the days of the Romans. As Charlemange's power grew, so did the stories attached to his name. This book explores the myths and legends of the great king Charlemagne, from the stories about his mother, Bertha Bigfoot, and his youthful adventures with the thief, Basin, to his fantastical journeys to Jerusalem and Constantinople. It also retells the stories of his most famous knights, the Paladins. These brave warriors were all heroes in their own right, and included many famous names such as Roland, Ogier the Dane, Oliver, Archbishop Turpin, and Renault of Montalban who rode the famous steed, Bayard. Together with his Paladins, Charlemagne established a court to rival Camelot and led the Christian kingdoms of Europe in their ongoing struggles with the armies of the East. Although this great ruler eventually passed away, quietly in his bed, the legends say that he now sits on his golden throne beneath the mountain, waiting until the need of his people calls him forth again.
- Автор: Фил Мастерс (текст), RU-MOR (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 11
"Sinbad the Sailor" presents a retelling of the stories of the most famous adventurer from One Thousand and One Arabian Nights, with added information covering the history of the stories and the age in which they are set. Stories say that in the age of the Caliph Haroun al-Rashid, in the port city of Basra, there lived a wealthy man named Sinbad the Sailor. Sinbad had great tales to tell, of the seven voyages on which he acquired his fortune, of the strangeness and terror he encountered along the way, of huge monsters and strange people, and of storms at sea and lands beyond the horizon. This book retells the tales of those voyages and places them in context. It discusses not only the greater collection of stories known as "One Thousand and One Arabian Nights" within which Sinbad appears, but medieval Cairo where these tales were told, the historical Abbasid Dynasty which ruled Sinbad's home city, and the great Arabian voyages of exploration and trade which inspired these stories. It also looks at the modern incarnations of Sinbad that have appeared since his tales reached the West - including Sinbad as the swashbuckling hero of stage plays, stop-motion movies, and television fantasy.
- Автор: Грэм Дэвис (текст), Хосе Даниэль Кабрера Пенья (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 12
Even before Theseus descended into the labyrinth to face the Minotaur, he was already a famous hero and a veteran of many battles. The son of a man, a woman, and the god Poseidon, he'd journey far across Ancient Greece, fighting numerous monsters including the Periphetes ‘the clubber', the Crymmyon Sow, and the insane demigod, Procrustes ‘the stretcher'. He also survived several assassination attempts, including one by Medea, the famous witch-wife of Jason. Despite these adventures, it was on Crete that Theseus faced his greatest challenge. Taking the place of a sacrificial tribute to the king of Crete, Theseus used his wits and charm to convince the princess Ariadne and the famous inventor Daedalus to help him defeat the dreaded Minotaur, a hideous combination of man and bull that lived in a labrythine dungeon. In this book, Graeme Davis draws upon the classic sources to retell the great myths and legends of Theseus, the founder-king of Athens, and backs this narrative with a factual examination of the myth, its variations, and its development over time. Replete with both classical and modern illustrations, this book is a concise exploration of one of the most enduring myths of Ancient Greece.
- Автор: Дэниел Мерси (текст), Алан Латвелл (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 13
The Knights of the Round Table were the original knights in shining armour, and this book is for anyone who is interested in fantastical tales of bravery or the actual history behind the stories. In medieval Arthurian tradition, Arthur often takes a back seat in the most exciting stories: he appears at the beginning and end of each to set the scene and conclude the tale. The central character is instead one of the Knights of the Round Table, each of whom is confronted with a wide variety of challenges and quests ranging from fighting monstrous creatures and rescuing damsels in distress to coping with courtly love and intrigue. Although Arthur is the most well-known character from these stories his key knights - including Lancelot, Gawain, Perceval, and Tristan - are almost equally well known This volume provides a collection of the most famous and interesting tales of the Knights of the Round Table, including the historical and literary background to the stories.
- Автор: Стивен Лонг (текст), RU-MOR (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: Myth 14
From the Thorsdrapa to the Marvel Thor and Avengers movies, Odin, the dark and mysterious lord of Valhalla, looms over all of the ancient tales of the Vikings. With his brothers, he formed the world from the body of a giant and then went on to seek greater wisdom by sacrificing himself on a tree and trading one of his eyes with a witch. With this vast wisdom, he sits upon his throne, peering into the nine worlds, seeking anything that might threaten his people. He rides over the battles of mortal men, deciding who shall live and die, and collecting worthy souls to come feast in his hall until the war at the end of time. This book retells the greatest of Odin's stories, and then places those stories within their historical and mythological context. It follows the figure of Odin through the centuries, showing how different times and cultures reinterpreted him, and explores the reasons why he is still such a popular figure today.
Open Book[править]
Open Book (англ. Открытая книга) — книги, не попадающие в две предыдущие подсерии. Здесь наиболее выдающимися были книги о военном деле орков, эльфов и дварфов, а также 2 книги об альтернативной истории, где известные событий XIX века показаны в сеттинге стимпанка.
- Автор: Филип Смит и Джозеф А. Маккалоу (текст), Марк Стейси (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
Книга представляет собой набор из 65 планшетов-иллюстраций различных воинов XIX века с кратким описанием. За основу были взяты реальные исторические воины и сюжеты (военная реформа Чайлдерса, восстание сипаев), однако к ним были добавлены элементы стимпанка — главным образом в плане вооружения и снаряжения. Качество иллюстраций не уступает другим изданиям Osprey Publishing, как и комментарии, которые написаны со знанием всех тонкостей военной истории XIX века. Книга состоит из девяти разделов, каждый из которой посвящен определенной стране (Великобритания, Франция, Германия, США, Россия, Австро-Венгрия, Италия, Япония, последний девятый раздел посвящен всем остальным странам). Все представленные воины датируются 1880-ми - 1890-ми гг.
- Автор: Филип Смит и Джозеф А. Маккалоу (текст), Марк Стейси (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
Even as the discovery and exploitation of hephaestium helped bring the Civil War to its close in 1869, the arms race it engendered resulted in a cold war just as bitter and violent as the open hostilities had been. With neither side willing to rely solely upon the talents of their scientific establishments, saboteurs, double-agents, and assassins found ample employment. Against this backdrop of suspicion and fear, thousands of Americans - Northerners and Southerners alike - headed west. Some to escape the legacies of the war, some to find their own land, some for the lure of that great undiscovered strike of hephaestium that would make them rich, and some simply to escape the law. Ahead of these pioneers stood the native tribes, behind them followed the forces of two governments, while to the north and south, foreign powers watched closely for their own opportunities. This newly unearthed collection of the works of Miles Vandercroft fills a considerable gap in our knowledge of the travels of that remarkable individual, and also provides a fascinating guide to the costume and equipment of the forces active in the great drive westwards.
- Автор: Крис Прамас (текст), Гауке Кок, Даррен Тан (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
Although few in number, elves produce the most skilful and deadly warriors of all the races. Renowned for their archery and agility, they are mostly associated with hit and run tactics; however, they should not be underestimated in open battle. This book compiles all of the information known about these elegant warriors and how they practise war. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual elf fighter, it expands to look at how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types from their justifiably famous bowmen and swordmasters to their lightning fast cavalry, making note of regional variations and highly specialized fighters such as war mages. Accompanied by numerous illustrations in both colour and black and white, this book examines specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the elf way of war.
- Автор: Крис Прамас (текст), Гауке Кок, Даррен Тан (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
Despite their short stature, dwarves are amongst the fiercest and most feared fighters of all the races. Thanks to their great strength and stamina, Dwarves march to battle in thick armor and carrying numerous heavy weapons. This book compiles all of the information known about these grim warriors and how they wage war. From an initial examination of the fighting methods of the individual dwarf soldier, it expands to look at how they do battle in small companies and vast armies. It covers all of their troop types from the axemen that form the front lines of battle to their deadly accurate crossbowmen, and noting their specialist troops such as their famous siege-engineers. Also examined are their tactics in specific situations such as underground fighting and combat in mountainous terrain. Finally, the book examines a few specific battles in great detail in order to fully demonstrate the dwarven way of war.
- Автор: Крис Прамас (текст), Гауке Кок, Даррен Тан (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
To defeat your enemy, you must understand him. This volume offers an indispensable analysis of the most vicious killers of all - orcs. Born and bred for war, they are an awful, brutish, violent species and, despite their constant infighting and backstabbing, their horde armies remain a dire threat to all races. To them, war is life. Beginning with an examination of the fighting methods of the individual orc warrior, the book expands to look at how they do battle in their small warbands and in vast armies. Using vivid, illuminating illustrations, it reveals the tactics, technology and disposition of all the orc troop types, from lightly armed archers and heavily armored shock troops to their wolf cavalry and siege engines, uncovering startling regional variations and highly specialized fighters such as beserkers and battle shamans. Finally, it will explore specific key battles that orcs have fought in to develop the fullest possible understanding of these loathsome, terrifying creatures and the ways in which they go to war.
- Автор: Дэвид А. Макинти (текст), Гауке Кок (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
So you have decided to give up the rat race for the life of an international treasure hunter, but you are not quite sure where to start. Well then, this book is for you! Fortune and Glory tells you all you need to know in order to set off on an epic quest for the great lost treasures of history. Starting with a quick exploration of the history of treasure hunting and a look at the gear that you will need, it then delves into a survey of the 'lost' treasures that are out there just waiting to be claimed. Continent by continent, the book covers the legends of hidden locations like El Dorado and King Solomon's Mines, as well as covering the most illustrious lost artifacts such as the Holy Grail, the Hanjo Masamune, and the Irish Crown Jewels. If your interest lies with the loot rather than the history, the book also discusses Nazi gold, pirate treasure, and the treasure hordes of the Copper Scrolls. This book is your first step towards becoming the pistol-toting, fedora-wearing international tomb robber and treasure hunter you've always dreamt of being!
- Автор: Стив Уайт (текст и иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
Congratulations - your application for a Mesozoic hunting licence has been successful! Before you travel back in time and charge headlong into a pack of prehistoric big game, we strongly advise that you read the following guidebook. It will provide you with information crucial to success - and survival! You will learn the basic facts of the geography, climate and environmental conditions of the three periods that make up the exciting Mesozoic era. The book then covers the huge variety of dinosaurs that stalk these times, giving tips on identification, tracking, and the best weapons to bring them down! Let the hunt begin!
- Автор: Джозеф А. Маккалоу (текст), Мигель Коимбра (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
In J. R. R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring, what is the name of Tom Bombadil's wife? Which character does Scarlett Johansson play in the 2012 film The Avengers? Who is the protagonist of the video game The Legend of Zelda? Which barbarian hero carried a sword called "Graywand”? How well do you know the who, where, what, when and how of science fiction and fantasy? Do you dare face the ultimate test of knowledge drawn from the greatest novels, movies, comic books, video games and televisions shows in the history of these genres? Complete with questions ranging from easy to mind-bogglingly hard and including true or false, multiple choice, short answer, and match-up sections, this fun-filled book is the perfect gift for all lovers of science fiction and fantasy.
- Автор: Виктор Стейплтон (текст), Даррен Тан (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
Over a century ago terror stalked the streets of Whitechapel. Jack the Ripper's brutal campaign of murder panicked Victorian London at the time, but his legacy reaches out to the present day. If anything the story of Jack is now more confusing, obscure and mysterious than ever. With each passing generation, new theories and suspects spring up, adding a new page to a legend that has turned Jack from a historical figure into a mythical character who has become a star of folklore, literature and cinema. Within these pages Victor Stapleton embarks on a quest to uncover the real tale of Jack the Ripper, retracing his bloody tracks through the foggy alleys of London to finally reveal the true story of Jack the Ripper.
- Автор: Джозеф А. Маккалоу (текст), Питер Деннис (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение: OBK
The perfect Christmas gift, this beautiful book explains how the bearded, red clad, big bellied, reindeer driving jovial gent came to be the face of Christmas, and reveals the historical origins of Saint Nicholas over seventeen hundred years ago in the Eastern Roman Empire. In a winding, magical tale filled with mystery and good will towards all men, Joseph McCullough travels across Europe (and the North Pole… of course) to uncover the exploits of Santa in a book that is sure to fill even the most jaded scrooges with a little bit of Christmas magic. And for any nervous parents out there - don't worry, there are no Father Christmas 'spoilers' between the pages of this book - ensuring the wonderous children's whisperings of Santa will continue… for another couple of years at least!
OBK
- Автор: Дэвид А. Макинти (текст), Мигель Коимбра (иллюстрации)
- Обозначение:
For over a hundred years, Aliens have been trying to take over the Earth, but every time they have failed, often in the most unlikely ways. Well, no more! We Will Destroy Your Planet offers our future alien overlords all of the information necessary to bring humanity to its knees. Planning for an interstellar, or even intergalactic, conquest is a complex affair, that even races which have mastered faster than light travel might find difficult. This book offers practical, ‘how-to' advice on a variety of topics including logistics, environmental factors, and of course human weaknesses. It also goes into the big question of ‘why' you want to destroy or enslave the Earth, as this is crucial in determining which strategy and tactics to employ. Once that has been determined, the book follows as step-by-step approach to annihilating human resistance, suggesting the best and worst weapons, and giving guidelines on just how much destruction is optimal. With this book in hand, there is little doubt that humans are now in their last generation as masters of the Earth.
- Автор: Ubisoft Entertainment
- Обозначение: OBK
The Heroes of Might and Magic compendium is a lavishly illustrated, hardback guide to the world of Ashan, the setting for many years of Might and Magic games. Featuring exclusive artwork, stories, and fun facts, much of the content from the book is drawn directly from the Developer's Bible, the internal documents used by the game designers to keep track of timelines and plot developments. The book is divided into sections, examining the nine key factions, their history, abilities, rulers and major strengths and weaknesses. Also included is a history of the world of Ashan, presented as a timeline that covers all of the major events in the world's history. This book is a complete guide to the world of Ashan, its gods, its people, and its history.
