Accuracy of osprey books

[Decius]

oh yes. I'm a fanboy. :wink:

[Jona Lendering]

As the author of three books published by Osprey, I would like to think they are accurate.

Unfortunately, you did not write all books... :wink:

[Ross Cowan]

As the author of three books published by Osprey, I would like to think they are accurate.

Unfortunately, you did not write all books... :wink:

But there are plenty of reliable books on ancient warfare from Osprey, e.g. titles by Duncan B. Campbell, Boris Rankov, Graham Sumner, etc., but any Osprey author will admit that the publisher is more interested in colourful and dramatic plates than the text.

Cheers,

R

[D B Campbell]

In the case of university presses, are you sure there's no kind of peer review? That is a very common way to ensure that the book is of decent academic quality.

If my experience is anything to go by, academic publishers request a CV, a chapter-by-chapter synopsis of the book, and a sample chapter, all of which is sent out to three (anonymous) academic referees for their comments. The publishers then decide whether to "commission" the book on the strength of the referees' feedback.

Some publishers even have the final manuscript read over by academic referees, to catch any errors before going to publication. I had the honour ( :wink: ) of reading Goldsworthy's Complete Roman Army for Thames & Hudson prior to publication.

(Maybe Phil Sidnell should introduce this system at Pen & Sword!? :wink: )

[Sean Manning]

As the author of three books published by Osprey, I would like to think they are accurate.

Unfortunately, you did not write all books... :wink:

But there are plenty of reliable books on ancient warfare from Osprey, e.g. titles by Duncan B. Campbell, Boris Rankov, Graham Sumner, etc., but any Osprey author will admit that the publisher is more interested in colourful and dramatic plates than the text.

Cheers,

R

But the existence of Ospreys so bad that they spread ignorance, not knowledge, taints them as a class. None of us is saying that all Ospreys are bad, but enough are that you can't recommend them as a class. Folks like you or David Niccole are honest enough to write only about what you are knowlegeable about, but many of their authors and illustrators aren't so scrupulous!

[Senovara]

oh yes. I'm a fanboy. :wink:

*nods* I'm a Ross Cowan fangirl. :wink: :oops:

[Ross Cowan]

oh yes. I'm a fanboy. :wink:

*nods* I'm a Ross Cowan fangirl. :wink: :oops:

Cheers,

R

[Andrew Brozyna]

Interesting. I did know that publishers send books out to be reviewed, but my impression has been that this was more of a marketing tool, and less a way to check content.

My view into the publishing world has been limited to a marketing perspective: book covers, ads, catalogs, etc. I thought the purpose of these reviews was to get a nice quote to put on the back cover and catalog—to sell more books. I have even had some editors complain that some of these reviewers don't even read the book—they're just saying nice things about their friend, the author!

So, I knew publishers typically don't employ a staff member that reviews content in-house. But, I hadn't considered the full purpose of the peer review process. I suppose my contacts aren't in-the-know about this process. I wouldn't expect the art director to know exactly what the editors are doing!

To bring this all back to Osprey: do they use this peer review process? Of course, the academically rigorous authors, Cowan, Campbell, Rankov, and Sumner wouldn't need any help from Osprey!

[D B Campbell]

To bring this all back to Osprey: do they use this peer review process?

In my experience, they don't, Andy. That's why you get such variable quality.

But we shouldn't judge a book by its publisher!

Of course, the academically rigorous authors, Cowan, Campbell, Rankov, and Sumner wouldn't need any help from Osprey!

:lol: Well ... we try our best. :wink:

[hoplite14gr]

I think so far the evident had been pointed about Osprey. Some works are marvels and some others would like to be. As may have said they are a good place to start.

I take the opportunity to thank Cowan, Campbell, Rankov, and Sumner for the help they have given me writing my own articles.

As for publishers: they are there mainly to make a buck and they tent to like sensational sometimes inaccurate things who think they increase sales.
The worse thing that can happen to an author is not to be able to have a say in the illustration.
Question being asked in a publichers office:
- Why did you put knights in plate armor! There was no such armor in 1080 AD!!
- Well the look spectacular!!!!!! We need to catch the eye of the public!!!!
(No I will not tell you the place and the persons but it is true)

Kind regards

[Graham Sumner]

the worse that can happen to an author is not to be able to have a say in the illustration!

That is true. I am always having problems with my illustrator!!!!

Graham.

[sonic]

Read the acknowledgements section at the front of a book. That will tell you that most authors ask friends/experts etc to read through their work and check for accuracy/readability etc. That may give you some idea of the accuracy.

[Conal]

the worse that can happen to an author is not to be able to have a say in the illustration!

That is true. I am always having problems with my illustrator!!!!

Graham.

Count yourself lucky "he" is only dilatory :roll: I have read that even the great Angus McBride could be "difficult" !!!!

[Graham Sumner]

Count yourself lucky "he" is only dilatory

If by that you are referring to the delays on 'Arms and Armour of the Roman Soldier', they are nothing to do with him, honest!

Graham.

[Conal]

Count yourself lucky "he" is only dilatory

If by that you are referring to the delays on 'Arms and Armour of the Roman Soldier', they are nothing to do with him, honest!

Graham.

I wouldn't be so mean .. I was refering to your oft musing that "he" must get of RAT & get back to the drawing board