THE BEST OF AFTER THE BATTLE Then and Now

Edited by Winston Ramsey Publisher: After the Battle Web: www.afterthebattle.com ISBN: 978-1-8700-0679-80 Hardback: 264 pages

RRP: £45.00

The arrival of this book in the editorial office was a bittersweet moment as it signalled the transition of the publishing ownership to Pen and Sword Books Ltd after being in the capable hands of Winston Ramsey for 50 years. An astonishing achievement, and during which time Winston and his contributors have added significantly to our collective knowledge of the Second World War. The reviewer is proud to have been a part of that decades-long journey.

This book is Winston’s swan song with After the Battle in which he selects 21 of the best features from the long run of After the Battle Magazine. And there has certainly been a feast of subjects to select. It cannot have been an easy task!

In his selection, Winston has found a balance of features to showcase. All of them illustrate what a truly superb publication the magazine has been, and each feature shines a spotlight on the versatile quality of specialist contributors across the decades.

That Winston’s input will be missed is an absolute given, although it is pleasing that the titles (including the back list) will become an imprint of Pen and Sword Books Ltd and publication of books under the After the Battle banner will continue. Thus, we are assured of new titles going forward and that the efforts of Winston will live on beyond his tenure at the helm.

Finally, it is important to note that the publication of this book sadly sees the publication of the last issue of After the Battle Magazine : number 195. What pity that the milestone of 200 could not have been reached!

Apart from saying that this is a most highly recommended book, it only remains to say: Winston Ramsey, we salute you! The military history world has so much to thank you for.

Reviewed by Andy Saunders