William Shepherd studied classics at Clare College, Cambridge, in the 1960s and then embarked on a career in publishing, which finally brought him to Osprey, retiring from the position of chief executive in 2007. He is author of The Persian War (Cambridge, 1982), translated from Herodotus. He has also written reading books for children and articles in the Osprey Military Journal, of which he was joint editor, and makes regular contributions to the Osprey blog. He lives in the Cherwell Valley, north of Oxford.
William Shepherd concisely yet vividly recounts one of the largest and most important land battles of pre-20th century history in Plataea 479 BC: The Most Glorious Victory Ever Seen ... The author's detailed reconstruction of Plataea campaign draws from ancient sources (predominantly Herodotus), close scrutiny of the battlefield and fairly recent studies of hoplite warfare. Wonderfulcolor plates by Peter Dennis highlight the illustrations and maps that enliven this 96-page paperback. - Toy Soldier & Model Figure (July 2013)