There can be few wargamers who have not in some way been influenced by Don's books - especially those of us whose ages run into double figures and start with at least a '4'....
While I never met Don, I know that he was pleased to see many of his books reprinted as part of the History of Wargaming Project. I found two of his books (Naval War Games and Air War Games) early in my wargaming 'career' and both have proved hugely influential. It was with considerable pleasure therefore that I contributed photos, a revised chapter and a game to the expanded edition of Air War Games published last year.
I'm sure that much will be written about Donald Featherstone over the coming days, so I will add simply that his place on my own bookshelves is guaranteed.
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| My tatty 1966 edition of AWG |
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| The 2012 edition |
10 comments:
War Games was the first book I read on the hobby as a teenager and I still play those rules today.
Donald Featherstones contribution to the hobby was immense and will continue to influence many newcomers to the hobby.
I have several of his books in my library and they will filter down the playing community when I myself follows Don to that great sand table in the sky.
Jim Duncan
Well said Jim - were it not for Don's books we might be doing something sensible!
A sad day for the hobby, I always loved his Solo Wargaming book in particular.
If immortality is measured by the lives you touch, he will indeed live on for many years to come.
Don M
Agreed - I don't think he's in any danger of being forgotten.
A very sad day, he was one of the greats.
I came across Wargames when I thought I was reserving Grant's The War Game, which I could only keep out of the library for 3 weeks at a time. So, aside from some Little Wars style games (with marbles) Featherstone's Ancient rules (actually Tony Bath's) were the first rules I used [with homemade flats out of card and modeling clay bases]. I don't know if gaming has been as much fun since.
So, don't be sad. Celebrate Don's life and what he gave us and fight a battle this week for Don.
Bill
He was that Bill.
SAROE
Just back from the Wargames club where (as here) it seems everyone has a DF story. While the game we played was quite new (Command & Colours) it was a fun and easy to play toy soldier game (some of the toys were 40+ years old...) so I like to thnk Don would have approved.
I think he would
He had a great innings: born during the March 1918 German offensive, survived the influenza pandemic as a baby, served in WW2 and made it to 95. Winchester library had many of his books, which together with CHARGE got me into wargaming in the 70s.
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