{"title":"Books by John Franklin","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781472803665","title":"Waterloo 1815 (2)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe battle of Ligny saw the Prussians pushed back by the French Army in what was to be Napoleon’s last battlefield victory.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis title represents the second instalment of the captivating study of the Waterloo campaign, one of the defining events in European history. In particular it focuses on the desperate struggle for Ligny. With Wellington unable to assist his Prussian allies in time, the Prussian centre was overwhelmed as night began to fall, although the flanks were able to retreat in some semblance of order. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStunning illustrations augment the drama of the fighting in this area while considerable research drawn from previously unpublished first-hand accounts provide a detailed and engaging resource for all aspects of the battle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56301182288245,"sku":"9781472803665","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472803665_3a681fb9-b7f7-4274-b238-de0848f4246f.jpg?v=1786034295"},{"product_id":"9781472804129","title":"Waterloo 1815 (3)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWaterloo is one of the most famous battles in history. Using the latest research combined with detailed illustrations, this title tells the story of the dramatic events of 18 June and the eventual Allied victory.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe name conjures up images of the terrible scale and grandeur of the Napoleonic Wars and the incredible combined effort that finally ended Napoleon’s aspirations of power in Europe. Drawn from unpublished first-hand accounts, and using detailed illustrations, this comprehensive volume is the ideal resource for studying the intense fighting at the battles of Waterloo and Wavre, the final, decisive engagements of the Waterloo campaign.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThose two battles are at the heart of this study, which explores the action at Mont St Jean where Wellington managed to hold the French at bay until the arrival of the Prussians under Blücher saw the Allies secure a hard-fought victory at the dramatic climax of the ‘Hundred days’.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56312438194549,"sku":"9781472804129","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472804129_8ab986d9-91ec-48b3-a569-8428dc7684c1.jpg?v=1786034297"},{"product_id":"britains-and-other-interesting-toy-soldiers","title":"Britains and Other Interesting Toy Soldiers","description":"John Franklin has been collecting traditional toy soldiers for over sixty years, mostly Britains but, as the title suggests, including other interesting additions. In this book he shares some of the in-depth knowledge gained through experience and countless hours of careful research, but most of all the passion and enthusiasm for his hobby. He explains how he was inspired to collect soldiers, like so many, in early boyhood and how a hobby grew into an obsession. The various chapters then examine themes he followed in his collecting, such as Britains Special Painting Orders and Indian Army Pipe Bands for example, or address questions regarding the manufacture or identity of specific sets that he has researched or, in some cases, is still seeking the answer to. It is packed with anecdotes, useful technical information and helpful advice for the collector but it is above all a proud tour of inspection of a sixty-year labour of love. Over four hundred photographs, show much of the author's magnificent collection in a parade of miniature pomp and splendour.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57483563860341,"sku":"9781399075374","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781399075374.jpg?v=1786178749"},{"product_id":"old-toy-soldiers","title":"Old Toy Soldiers","description":"More than two years have passed since John Franklin published \u003ci\u003eBritains and Other Interesting Toy Soldiers\u003c\/i\u003e (Pen \u0026amp; Sword, 2024), but his fascination with collecting stretches back over seventy years. In this brand-new volume, he invites readers once again into the rich and varied world of Britains Toy Soldiers, exploring fresh topics such as the Parade Series and HECO aircraft – subjects illuminated by his lifelong experience, passion and enthusiasm.Delving deep into the lead era of Britains production, John examines themes shaped by contemporary events at home and abroad, as well as the company’s inventive approaches to sustaining interest and sales. These diverse chapters continue the heartfelt dedication to his hobby evident in his previous book, offering stories, insights and practical guidance for fellow collectors.Drawing on seventy-five years of Britains’ hollow-cast history, he investigates the factors that may have influenced some of the company’s most intriguing designs. Included, too, are extracts from rare Britains catalogues, shedding light on the firm’s commercial strategies as it sought to keep its ranges appealing to both collectors and the public.Personal reflections add warmth and depth throughout, complemented by more than 400 full colour photographs – most from the author’s own diverse collection. Together, they celebrate the enduring charm and collectable appeal of Britains Toy Soldiers, a passion shared by enthusiasts across the decades.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57502155047285,"sku":"9781036183165","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781036183165.jpg?v=1786780974"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-john-franklin.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}