Little Wars

English author H. G. Wells created Little Wars, a set of guidelines for using toy soldiers, in 1913. Simple rules for miniature wargaming were supplied in the book Little Wars: a game for boys from twelve to one hundred and fifty as well as for that cleverer type of female who enjoys boys' games and novels. Little Wars featured rather basic infantry, cavalry, and artillery rules, as well as a miniature 4.7-inch gun that fired projectiles-typically little wooden dowels-to take out the enemy's men. The book, in addition to being a war game, also makes various allusions to the philosophical implications of battle. A game that Wells describes in the book is shown in sketches and pictures that serve as illustrations for the whimsically written book. Additionally, Wells provides a description of the game from the perspective of one of the generals who blisteringly recounts his memories.