ST RUTH’S FATAL GAMBLE

◗ Michael McNally ◗ Helion (2020) ◗ £21.95 ◗ 307 pages (softback) ◗ ISBN:9781913336066 ◗ helion.co.uk

This is an admirable blend of the political, strategic, operational and battlefield factors affecting the campaign in Ireland in 1691 and the climactic battle of Aughrim and its aftermath. It has the near-inevitable Helion flaw of an absence of scales on maps, which are in other respects well done (for example, showing different contour levels): I sometimes think the hard-working Helion editors must have a sign on their desks stating ‘Whatever we do – don’t insist on a map scale...’. If other good publishers can do it, why not Helion?

There is little detail on tactics and equipment, but this can be gained from websites, and is more than made up for by the quality of the text – well written, relevant, and conveying a real sense of tension. An excellent set of photos assists in a clear picture of the ground (much of which is as it was at the time), and there are six maps portraying different stages of the battle. With around 20,000 men a side, and a broadly 2:1 inf:cav split, this would make a hard-fought – and visually splendid wargames refight.