The adventures of an 18th century imagination, located in Northern Europe formerly ruled over by joint rulers Duke Karl Frederick and Duchess Liv.Not to mention the American colony of Ny Tradgardland the 17th century Colony of New Tradgardstadt and the newly restored territory of the Shetland Isles.
Featuring a supporting bill of gaming in a diversity of times,places and scales.Hopefully something to interest all who pop by...
Sunday 16 April 2023
John Ruddle Book
Bought this very cheaply second hand, it was the name that attracted my attention. Comprehensive lists and some photos that were new to me.
A good find. What a history this book must have had. They used to have this John Ruddle book in the Reference Library non-borrowing adult section (so obviously essential and available at all times to all people) in my current main library for 20-30 years plus. Then as libraries slimmed down for computers and cafe space, it got relegated to HQ store and after COVID appears unavailable (possibly sold like this one?) hopefully to a new owner and a ‘forever home’. Oddly until now I haven’t linked or thought of the John Ruddle of this book as being John Ruddle of the wargames garden using original Britain’s figures in all weathers.
Over the years l have got so many “treasures “ from Library sales especially locally. At uni the library left books it was getting rid of half way up the stairs on a trolley, free to those who wanted them. I still have some I got that way. Alan Tradgardland.
BTW, I found some additional photos of John Ruddle's garden setup. in Wargames Worls #1 I wanted to send them to you by email but somehow can't find your email address ...
I wrote about his garden wargames some time ago (https://wargamingmiscellany.blogspot.com/2010/11/more-about-john-ruddle-and-garden.html), and re-reading what I wrote has made me realise that I may well have missed a trick along the way with my Bell Époque project. Perhaps I should have done what John Ruddle did and used real world places but with my own imaginary geography rather than trying to produce completely new imagi-nations.
FWIW there seem to be a number of copies available on Amazon here in the UK (one hardback and a few others with “textbook” binding whatever that is…). Cheers, Geoff
Looks interesting book , one I haven't seen before.
ReplyDeleteNew to me too.
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
Nice find, one I am not aware of.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, me too.
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
A good find. What a history this book must have had. They used to have this John Ruddle book in the Reference Library non-borrowing adult section (so obviously essential and available at all times to all people) in my current main library for 20-30 years plus. Then as libraries slimmed down for computers and cafe space, it got relegated to HQ store and after COVID appears unavailable (possibly sold like this one?) hopefully to a new owner and a ‘forever home’.
ReplyDeleteOddly until now I haven’t linked or thought of the John Ruddle of this book as being John Ruddle of the wargames garden using original Britain’s figures in all weathers.
Over the years l have got so many “treasures “ from Library sales especially locally. At uni the library left books it was getting rid of half way up the stairs on a trolley, free to those who wanted them. I still have some I got that way.
DeleteAlan Tradgardland.
Tradgardmastare,
ReplyDeleteWell done! I've been looking for a copy of that book for years and never found one on sale at a price that I could afford.
It is a piece of wargaming history, and I'm sure that it will bring you many hours of pleasure ... and a few ideas as well!
All the best,
Bob
The price was very reasonable indeed. I just put in John Ruddle in the Amazon search and l was away…
DeleteAlan Tradgardland
BTW, I found some additional photos of John Ruddle's garden setup. in Wargames Worls #1 I wanted to send them to you by email but somehow can't find your email address ...
ReplyDeletePhil,
DeleteI wrote about his garden wargames some time ago (https://wargamingmiscellany.blogspot.com/2010/11/more-about-john-ruddle-and-garden.html), and re-reading what I wrote has made me realise that I may well have missed a trick along the way with my Bell Époque project. Perhaps I should have done what John Ruddle did and used real world places but with my own imaginary geography rather than trying to produce completely new imagi-nations.
All the best,
Bob
Most kind but I have a copy of that magazine still.
DeleteHe inspires so many of us Bob, l wonder if he knows?
Alan Tradgardland
FWIW there seem to be a number of copies available on Amazon here in the UK (one hardback and a few others with “textbook” binding whatever that is…).
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Geoff
Elliesdad (Geoff),
DeleteCheers! I have now bought a copy!
All the best,
Bob
Did he have any more pictures of his garden layout? Like most who follow your post, his garden is an inspiring project.
DeleteExcellent you got a copy!
DeleteThere are lots of articles on line,especially in blogs, just have a search…
Alan Tradgardland
His garden game was absolutely inspirational, and in my dreams is how I imagine Heaven.
ReplyDeleteInspirational indeed!
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland