This past weekend, Casemate traveled to Reading PA for the Mid Atlantic Air Museum’s World War II Weekend.
We all enjoyed the perfect weather (aside from the surprise thunderstorm on Sunday!) and it was great to meet and talk to everyone who stopped by our table.
We can’t wait to see everyone again next year!
Filed under Aviation, Reenactment, Shows, World War II
242 years ago today, hostilities between British soldiers and American colonists escalated after five men were killed in the notorious Boston Massacre.
via Library of Congress
From History.com:
British Captain Thomas Preston, the commanding officer at the Customs House, ordered his men to fix their bayonets and join the guard outside the building. The colonists responded by throwing snowballs and other objects at the British regulars, and Private Hugh Montgomery was hit, leading him to discharge his rifle at the crowd. The other soldiers began firing a moment later, and when the smoke cleared, five colonists were dead or dying—Crispus Attucks, Patrick Carr, Samuel Gray, Samuel Maverick, and James Caldwell—and three more were injured. Although it is unclear whether Crispus Attucks, an African American, was the first to fall as is commonly believed, the deaths of the five men are regarded by some historians as the first fatalities in the American Revolutionary War.
Filed under Books, Reenactment
We are pleased to announce that Robert Tonsetic’s third book with Casemate, 1781: The Decisive Year of the Revolutionary War, is now available. We wanted to find out a little more about the author, and what made him write this latest book.
Why did you write this book?
Life long interest in American History & Military History. I’ve always been interested in military history. I grew up in western Pennsylvania, and as a child my parents took my siblings and me on field trips to historic sites including battlefields, both in and out of state. I think my first trip to Gettysburg was when I was four or five years old. My maternal great great grandfather fought there, as well as most of the other major battles in the eastern theater during the Civil War, so that peaked my interest.
There is always something new to learn when one seriously studies the past. To write about the past, you can’t look back from the present and try to understand what happened. You have to look at the past through the eyes of the people who were there at the time, and keep in mind they had no insight into what would happen in the future. For example, a confederate soldiers who fought and survived Gettysburg would have known that they didn’t win the battle, but I doubt that few if any of them, would have though that this particular battle was the “high water mark” of the struggle, and that the war was, for all intents and purposes, over at that point. Otherwise, why would they have fought on for another two years?
What makes it stand out from other books on the subject(lists other books)? What is it about, your experiences/highlights writing it, feedback etc.
There are numerous books dealing with the American Revolutionary War. Most are broad overviews of the entire war, or focus on particular battles, or prominent historical figures (biographies). None that I know of focus on the year 1781, that I would argue was the pivotal year of American Revolution in terms of the military campaigns fought during that year as well as the diplomatic and political events at home and abroad during that year.
Do you have any advice for budding military history authors wanting to get published?
The only way to learn how to write is to sit down and start doing it. Of course you have to do the research first, and that is just as important. I get calls fairly often from my readers asking how they might get published, and I advise them on how to prepare a proposal, and suggest a few publishers who might be interested in their subject area. Of course there is always the self-publishing route, but you’d better have a degree in marketing, if you want to generate a large number of sales.
Have you read anything lately that you’d like to recommend to our readers?
I’m currently reading “The Glorious Cause”, by Robert Middlekauff. It’s part of the Oxford History of the United States, and it’s one of the best books ever written on the American Revolution.
Robert L. Tonsetic retired from the U.S. Army at the rank of Colonel, after completing 27 years of active service. He then completed his Doctorate at the University of Central Florida, and taught at the graduate level for five years, as a member of the adjunct faculty. He is the author of Warriors: An Infantryman’s Memoir of Vietnam (2004), Days of Valor: An Inside Account of the Bloodiest Six Months of the Vietnam War (2007), and Forsaken Warriors: The Story of an American Advisor with the South Vietnamese Rangers and Airborne, 1970-71 (2009). He currently resides with his wife, Polly, on Maryland’s eastern shore.
With the release of Kevin Dougherty’s second book with Casemate, The Campaigns for Vicksburg, 1862–63: Leadership Lessons, we thought we’d catch up with Kevin to find out a little more about him.
When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?
I became seriously interested in writing as a junior Army officer through military journals such as Infantry.
What is it about writing that appealed to you?
I like the permanency and transparency associated with the written word. Writing holds one accountable in a way the spoken word does not because of its exposure to continuous public scrutiny. I think we are more careful with what we write than what we say and I appreciate the discipline that requires. The idea that the written word endures is very appealing to me.
Do you have any advice for budding military history authors wanting to get published?
You can’t just write about something you are interested in. It must be something—and must be told in such a way—that other people are interested in it too.
How much research did you do for the book? Can you give us some tips on this?
I researched Vicksburg and did field work at the battlefield. I have been a practicioneer and student of leadership all my adult life and the leadership examples I saw at Vicksburg struck a familiar chord. Then it was just a matter of putting the two together.
What fascinates you about revisiting the past and bringing it to life in a book? Have you always been interested in history?
I grew up in Virginia where there are many Civil War battlefields. My Dad took me to many when I was little. I was struck by the connection walking those battlefields gave me to great men of the past.
Why did you decide to write this book? What prompted you to put this story down on paper?
The leadership lessons are timeliness and I think we can learn much by examining the decisions and actions of those who have previously been in situations similar to our own.
What do you like most about your book? Why should we read it?
I think the book appeals to a wide audience: Civil War historians, military men and women, managers and leaders of all walks of life. The Vicksburg Campaign provides the story, but the lessons are nearly universal.
Kevin Doughterty, a former U.S. Army officer, has previously written several highly acclaimed works on the Civil War, and currently teaches at The Citadel. Be sure to check out his first Casemate book, Strangling the Confederacy:Coastal Operations in the American Civil War.
The third annual Military History Weekend in beautifulWilliamsburg,Virginia is soon to get underway, on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16. Despite the ruckus caused by Hurricane Irene, which forced the Fair to switch from its previous venue, we are now ready and in-place, just across the village to the Crowne Plaza Williamsburg, atFortMagruder.
As always there’ll be a panoply of military history throughout the eras, and events and displays for people of all ages. This annual event, sponsored by Casemate, Osprey Publishing, W. Britain, the Toymakers of Williamsburg, and theVirginiaWarMuseum, yearly features participants from throughout the country. Aside from an unprecedented display of books there are vendors of all kinds, from antique firearms (which you can actually hold and point) to wargaming, modeling, and miniature enthusiasts, with all their expertise and artistry.
MHW has also been noted for its large attendance of re-enactors, who can sometimes startle one strolling down the aisles. On one side is a Napoleonic grenadier, in full authentic uniform, but then on the other is a German Fallschirmjäger, camouflaged and holding a Panzerfaust, but just near a US Marine. A delight every year is the Medieval Fantasties troupe, whose displays of personal sword-and-axe tactics in close combat way back when, are of utter fascination. AntiqueUSmilitary vehicles (and others) are always on hand, for the current generation to gain a sense of how the Greatest Generation was able to prevail.
Please make a point to stop by the Casemate stand, where our full array of books—both published and distributed—will be displayed. With over 2,000 titles by now, MHW gives us the rare chance to display our complete line all at once. While there, don’t hesitate to say hi to Sean Johnston and Curtis Key, who will be running our stand, and always happy to meet other military history enthusiasts.
Prominent authors and highly decorated veterans will be at the Fair for signings and conversations, and there is also a full program for the kids, ranging from a “Kid Boot Camp” in the afternoons to tutorials on games or creating their own miniatures. Richard Killblaine, coauthor of THE FILTHY THIRTEEN will be signing books at the Casemate stand on Saturday at 4:30, and A Stephen Hamilton, author of ODER FRONT 1945 will be on hand Sunday morning at 11:00 for a signing. With colorful and entrancing displays throughout (not to mention the chance of meeting a Viking in the hall), MHW is truly a fun event for the entire family.
For those who haven’t yet visited Williamsburg, what can we say?Philadelphia, NY and UK based Casemate had little firsthand knowledge of the locale until Military History Weekend lured us to visit.
But once seen it has more than lived up to its reputation. On one side isYorktown(beautifully preserved) and on the other the Pocahantas Trail. Then the numerous Civil War battlefields, Busch Gardens (an amusement park, not a rosary),Virginia Beach,Norfolk,Jamestown, and countless other places straight down the center of American history. Not to mentionWilliamsburgitself, which is at the center of it all, and the perfect venue for another fun weekend for history enthusiasts.
We look forward to seeing you this year, a great time all but ensured.
The fall always brings excitement to Casemate. In addition to a new season of books, two important shows run almost simultaneously. David and Colleen are sure to return from The Frankfurt Book Fair (October 12th-16th), with many new ideas from all around the publishing world. Let’s just hope none of our books get arrested this year!
Military History Weekend (Crowne Plaza Williamsburg at Fort Magruder, October 14th-16th) was almost lost due to the late summer storm season, but thanks to a lot of hard work and a change of venue, we are tying up loose ends and getting ready for what is sure to be another successful show. Stay tuned for updates!
Casemate is pleased to announce that HOLY WARS: 3000 Years of Battles in the Holy Land is now available. We caught up with author Gary Rashba to find out a little more about him and this important new book…..
When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?
It just sort of happened! While serving in the Israel Defense Forces, I was having so many strange and unique experiences as the only American in a unit comprised nearly exclusively of Russian immigrants, that I began jotting down anecdotes, and these came together into an article. While searching for a publisher, I was invited to write an article about one of the battles Israel has fought. After that first battle article was published, I wrote another. And another, and it began shaping up into a book.
Do you have any advice for budding military history authors wanting to get published?
Start by finding something that fascinates you, as you must be intrigued to get excited about the project. Your writing hobby has to be a passion, a labor of love, in order for you to truly give it your all.
How much research did you do for the book? Can you give us some tips on this?
There is a great deal of information available on-line, but nothing can replace old-fashioned research at a good library. The internet is a great source for references and finding out who the subject experts are—some of whom, in my case, were willing to meet or talk with me to share their knowledge.
Why did you decide to write this book? What prompted you to put this story down on paper?
It happened one chapter at a time, with me jumping around from one period to another as I learned about particular battles, became fascinated by their story and decided to write about them. When I published some of my work in magazines, I discovered there is a wide audience eager to read the history in the way I was presenting it.
What do you like most about your book? Why should we read it?
I like that it covers such a broad swath of history, from the Bible up through modern times, including the less covered 1300 years comprising the Arab, Mamluk and Ottoman periods. With such a wide perspective, the book shows how despite all the years, little has changed: many tactics and strategies remain the same, transcending time. And it also reminds us that the Holy Land has been the scene of conflict for millennia, with today’s Arab-Israeli dispute just the latest round.
What are you working on at the moment?
Writing some articles on various military and aviation history topics I’ve encountered over the past years yet haven’t had a chance to write about.
Thank you, Gary for taking the time to talk to us!
This year’s Historicon show in Valley Forge, PA was a huge success, as expected. Crowds of people visited Casemate’s booth to meet authors David Glantz, A. Stephan Hamilton and Alan Zimm.
We worked hard to keep the shelves stocked as readers came by to pick up new releases and old favorites alike.
Thank you for another great show- next up- IPMS!
Filed under Books, Military History, modelling, Napoleonic, Publishing, Reenactment, Shows, Wargaming, World War II
FALL-IN! ™ Moves to Lancaster PA in 2010, landing at the Lancaster Host, long time home of Cold Wars and Historicon. Since the convention takes place on Halloween Weekend, look for some interesting goings on! They will be designating a room to Zombie, and other Halloween themed games, as well as a few other surprises currently in the works.
The theme for this years show is the 235th birthday of the Marine Corps. Technically, it isn’t, as the U.S. Marine Corps wasn’t really formed until 1798, but the formation of the Continental Marines has long been celebrated at the Corp’s Birthday.
Theme games will be made up of a multitude of periods and conflicts, from 1775 to 2010.
If the Marines were there, we will be as well!
Filed under Books, Military History, modelling, Napoleonic, Reenactment, Shows, Wargaming, World War II
2010 Military History Weekend starts today!
The 2010 Military History Weekend Show Times
Saturday, October 16 – 10:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday, October 17 – 11:00am to 3:00pm
Collectors Club Special Evening Event: Saturday, October 16th from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Papillion Restaurant in the Hospitality House Hotel. For ticket information please contact W. Britain. Tickets are limited to 400 guests total, so reserve yours today!
Show Location
Hospitality House Hotel
415 Richmond Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185
www.williamsburghosphouse.com
Tel: 757-229-4020
We look forward to spending this special weekend with you again this year! For more information, visit the Military History Weekend site at www.mhwshow.com.
Don’t miss demonstrations by the Medieval Fantasies Company
Performances are at:
Saturday 2PM – 3PM
Sunday 1PM – 2PM
Filed under Books, Military History, Reenactment, Shows, Wargaming
