This introduction to miniature wargaming includes an introduction and articles by eight different authors on wargaming 10 different historical periods. At the end of each chapter, Quarrie presents rules for that particular period.

The historical periods covered include the following: Ancients, Medieval, Renaissance/17th century, 18th century, Napoleonic, Crimean war, American Civil/Franco-Prussian wars, Colonial warfare, World War I, and World War II.