Michael Roffe – Illustratör

First published in 1979, the Usborne Book of the Future is a fondly-remembered book from a time when people dreamed of the future as a place filled with wonder and amazing new technology. After more than 40 years of science fiction focussing on dystopias and doom, it's time to remind readers young and old that, in fact, the Future is STILL a place that holds hope and excitement.The book is built in three sections. The first explores all kinds of robots, the jobs they will do on land, sea and in space, and where they will get power from.The second is all about cities of the future, and how people will live, what new buildings they will build, how computers will change the world, and what people will do for fun.The final section is about the future of travel, from planes, trains and cars on Earth, to Space shuttles and journeys to colonise other planets.This re-issued book retains the original text and stunning artwork, but now comes with a foreword by renowned BBC Futurologist Tom Cheesewright, who was inspired into his career by the original edition of the book. From outlining the internet to asteroid mines to 3D printers and robot helpers, you'll be surprised by how accurately this book predicted life in the 21st Century.Long out of print, copies of the original printing of this book fetch three figures on auction sites. Now at last people who remember this book from their childhood can find it again, and share it with the next generation, at normal bookshop prices!

It is arguable that no group of fighting men in the history of European arms has been so misrepresented by ill-informed publicity as the French Foreign Legion.Though initially conceived in 1831 as a means of drafting recently discharged foreign soldiers to Algeria, the Legion has developed into a sophisticated force of motorized infantry, airborne troops and light armour.In this book, acclaimed French Army expert Martin Windrow examines the history and uniforms of the French Foreign Legion, from its service in the Carlist War of 1835-36 to World War II and beyond, debunking many of the prevalent myths surrounding this formidable force.

‘Look!’ There is Jackson standing like a stone wall. Rally behind the Virginians!’With these words General Bee ensured the reputation of Thomas Jackson and his troops who were fighting alongside him at the battle of the the First Bull Run. This reputation was enhanced during Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley campaign and other operations where the Stonewall Brigade’s actions gained the praise of their Confederate compatriots and the respect of their enemies.This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organization of the Brigade and its combat experience during the American Civil War. Detailed maps and contemporary illustrations accompany this account of their major engagements.

Alongside meticulous illustrations, this book examines the uniforms and equipment, history and organisation of the Iron Brigade during the American Civil War.The major battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg are all covered. Uniforms are shown in full colour artwork.

The Coldstream Guards is the oldest serving regular regiment in the British Army.First called 'Monck's Regiment of Foot' the regiment was formed by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, and was later re-named the 'Coldstream Guards' after the Scottish village where Monck assembled his troops before marching into London. In the years following the English Civil War, the troops saw action in the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimea, Egypt, Sudan and South Africa, and World Wars I and II.This book outlines the history of the Coldstream Guards from its inception to the end of World War II, detailing the uniforms and equipment of this prestigious unit.

This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of George Washington’s Army.The chronology of the American Revolution is summarised, and its major personalities introduced. Uniforms are shown in full illustrated detail.

In 1921, Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick Gerald Peake formed the Arab Legion as a police force in the former British protectorate of Transjordan.The Legion's main roles were to keep order among Transjordian tribes and safeguard the villagers from Bedouins. In subsequent years, under the leadership of Glubb Pasha, the Arab Legion was transformed into the best-trained of all Arab armies. This richly illustrated book examines the history of the Arab Legion, detailing the infantry, supporting arms and services, and air, sea, police and national guard forces. It also profiles leaders, like Pasha, who were influential in the evolution of this force.

The desert war produced commanders of dash and originality on both sides.The memory of the German commanding general, Erwin Rommel, has endured as the epitome of skill, daring and soldierly integrity. His victories were brilliant until he was bested by poor health, lack of reinforcements and an opposing commander who was his equal.The contribution of his various troops is detailed in a full order of battle which includes his veteran Afrika Korps and Italian allies, and their uniforms are shown in full colour artwork.

In the years between the Russian Revolution of 1917 and World War II, the Soviet Army underwent dramatic changes in conscription, organization and effectiveness.The Russian Army in World War I had been lacking in leadership and drive, but was transformed by the Soviets into a force to be reckoned with, as evidenced by its crucial victory at Stalingrad.Enhanced by colour plates, illustrations and photographs, this book traces the development of the Soviet Army from its Tsarist heritage, through the tumultuous years of the Red Army, to its full modernization in 1957.

The history of the King’s Regiment, one of the oldest infantry regiments of the British Army, can be traced back to the late 17th century when it was formed during the rebellion against King James II by the 1st Duke of Monmouth.In this book Alan Shepperd explores the remarkable history of the ‘King’s’, from the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685 through to the regiment’s involvement in the two World Wars of the 20th century. The book also chronicles deployments in the New World, South Africa and India. The uniforms and equipment of the regiment are examined in full detail, illustrated with photographs and colour illustrations.

The Royal Regiment of Artillery originated in 1716, when two companies of artillery were formed to ensure that a regular force of gunners was readily available.The Regiment expanded rapidly in the 18th century and, since then, has seen service in campaigns worldwide, from the Boer and Crimean wars of the 19th century, to World Wars I and II. During the Cold War, the Regiment was even equipped with US-supplied nuclear-capable artillery and missiles.This book outlines the history, development and uniforms of the Royal Regiment of Artillery up to the late 1960s.

At the beginning of the Napoleonic period the British Army's record left something to be desired.During the Peninsular War, however, Wellington led and trained an army that never knew a major defeat on the field. Even Wellington himself described his army as 'able to go anywhere or do anything'. This book examines the formidable British Army which played an integral part in stalling Napoleon's advance, focusing on the staff, infantry, cavalry, artillery and sieges and sappers.Numerous illustrations, including eight colour plates, vividly depict the weaponry and uniforms of Wellington's Peninsular Army.

In 1809 the dispossessed Friedrich Wilhelm of Brunswick, consumed by his desire for revenge against Napoleon, entered into an agreement with the Austrians to raise a new corps of infantry and cavalry.As a physical expression of this vengeance he decided to clothe his new troops all in black and adopted as his badge the skull and crossbones, resulting in his corps' christening as Die Schwarze Schar (the Black Horde).This book details the pivotal role that the Black Brunswickers played in major battles of the Napoleonic Wars, including Quatre Bras and Waterloo, and outlines the organization, uniforms and equipment of these formidable troops.

The King's German Legion was the largest and most respected of the foreign corps which fought as integrated elements of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars.The light and heavy cavalry, light and line infantry, and horse and foot artillery of the KGL made major contributions to Wellington's victories during the Peninsular War, and several units covered themselves with glory at Waterloo.This book offers a comprehensive overview of the KGL from its origins to its disbandment, including its uniforms, weapons, flags and standards. Meticulous illustrations offer unprecedented details of this impressive fighting force.

The Gurkhas have a long and distinguished service record.This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of the Gurkha rifles. It traces the origins of the now famous Gurkha regiments and also covers their service history during the Great Mutiny and the 3rd Afghan War. During the two World Wars the Gurkha rifles performed countless tours of duty and their regimental battle honours listed in the book bear testimony to their extensive service.A series of full-colour illustrations accompany the text.

In 1795 the kingdom of Poland fell prey to her stronger neighbours, Russia, Prussia and Austria. Following the death of the king of Poland in 1798, his kingdom was divided among these three neighbouring powers.France became increasingly involved, and protested at Poland's treatment, offering refuge for Polish exiles. On 11 October 1796 the Polish Legion was formed in the French army by General Dombrowski and Napoleon. This book covers the uniforms, dress, organisation and equipment of the infantry, artillery, and cavalry of Napoleon's Polish Troops. Among the cavalry units covered are the Chasseurs and Lancers.This title also provides a summary of the Polish divisions' campaigns in Spain, Russia and within Poland itself.

The Royal Green Jackets are widely acknowledged as innovators who developed much of the thinking of the British infantry in the fields of tactics and training, mobility and marksmanship, equipment, management and individual initiative from the 18th century onwards. They were the first to wear green uniforms as camouflage rather than red and to fire the more accurate rifle instead of muskets. This book examines the history of the component regiments of the Royal Green Jackets and describes the action of individual regiments in the Napoleonic Wars, Boer War, and World Wars.Numerous illustrations and photographs depict the Green Jackets' uniforms in vivid detail.

In 1806, at the beginning of the Peninsular War, the Portuguese army was not at the peak of military efficiency.Nevertheless, under British tutelage it played an important part in the fight against Napoleon. Under Wellington's command, the Portuguese army distinguished itself in battles at Bussaco, Fuentes de Onoro and Albuera, and in 1813 helped the Allies win a decisive victory at Vittoria. Beginning with a chronology of Portugal's part in the Peninsular War, this book examines the uniforms, equipment and organization of the Portuguese army's various units.Detailed colour plates and numerous illustrations complement the text.

In the Sudan in 1881 an obscure son of a carpenter pronounced himself the ‘Mahdi’ or ‘Guided One of the Prophet’, the long-expected Messiah of the Islamic faith.His influence was so strong that Egypt (co-ruled by Britain and France) was plunged into war. Robert Wilkinson-Latham provides an absorbing account of the Sudan campaigns, including the siege of Khartoum, the unpredictable General Charles Gordon, and the Nile Expedition.The author details the organisation and fortunes of all forces involved, painting a fascinating picture of the place and its peoples from 1881–98.

This book examines the uniforms, equipment, history and organisation of the armies that fought in the Boer War.Christopher Wilkinson-Latham explores the composition and appearance of both sides, and summarises the campaigns fought. Alongside concise text, this guide is richly illustrated, and uniforms are shown in full detail.

During the Falklands conflict, aircraft (both fixed and rotary-wing) were of crucial importance to both sides.They moved reinforcements quickly across the sea and over the islands, attacked surface vessels, and provided protection against attacks from both above and below the waves. The role of air power was thus to assist friendly surface forces in theirs. Consequently, the air arms of the two antagonists functioned in what was essentially a supporting role, but nevertheless a vital one.

This cult classic delves into mysteries such as whether the Loch Ness monster exists, and tells stories of dragons and monsters from around the world. It also looks at some of the most frightening creations of myth and legend. First published in 1977, this is the third book from Usborne's beloved World of the Unknown series to be brought back by popular demand. With a brand-new foreword by comedian, actor and writer Robin Ince, the book remains otherwise unchanged from the original.