Little Wars

a year ago

Little Wars is a set of rules for miniature wargaming written by H.G. Wells in 1913.
The book includes simple rules for infantry, cavalry, and artillery, using toy soldiers and a toy cannon.
Wells developed the game after a playful competition with his friend Jerome K. Jerome.
The game uses lead hollow cast soldiers made by W. Britain and makeshift battlefields.
Little Wars also includes philosophical reflections on war, reflecting Wells' pacifist views.
The book was first published in 1913 and has been reprinted multiple times, including a 2004 edition with contributions from Gary Gygax.
The game is described in a whimsical style, with illustrations and photographs of gameplay.
An appendix provides more complex rules for larger-scale play, including logistics and cavalry charges.
Little Wars is available online through Project Gutenberg and other digital archives.
The book has been reviewed as an interesting historical volume but of limited use to modern gamers.

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