5 comments about The Samurai Series: The Book of Five Rings, Hagakure - The Way of the Samurai and Bushido - The Soul of Japan (Illustrated).

1. I purchased this book for my son, but he asked me to read the third book, "Bushido: The Soul of Japan" after he had finished. I was so enthralled with the beautiful philosophy of Zen. I had been reading books about Taoism, but I'm now avidly grabbing up books about the Zen philosophy. This book does triple duty, with 3 complete books... and now 2 out of the 3 people in our household have read it.



2. A must read for anyone interested in the martial arts. Every year I pick one book that isn't on my summer reading list to keep from going nuts... you know, having to read Virgil and Homer and Faulkner and Updike... So this year, I cheated and picked a book that actually had 3 cool books inside. The Book of Five Rings is a great learning tool for those interested in the martial arts. I also really enjoyed Hagakure. I also really, really enjoyed the illustrations in the book. Now I just need to learn Japanese! :o)



3. From the formal teaching style of The Book of Five Rings to the almost conversational tone of Bushido and Hagakure, this book presents 3 of the most important classical texts written about the path of the Samurai in Japan. It is invaluable as a reference tool for the student of martial arts, the zen philosophy, ancient swords or classical Japanese texts.
   
   This is one of those books that you not only enjoy reading, but also having it around on your coffee table. This edition is full of rich illustrations depicting legendary Ronin, swords and battle scenes, as well as a clean presentation of each of the 3 included works. Definitely my new favorite addition to my book collection.



4. I purchased this book last year for myself, and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Earlier this year, I decided to pick up another copy for my brother, because Amazon was running a 30% discount. When I found the book description and reviews, I saw that some readers had been uncomfortable with the way these works had been presented. I hadn't really noticed a problem, but I could see how casual readers who are unfamiliar with historical texts might be confused.
   
   So anyway, when my brother's gift arrived, I had a chance to thumb through his copy, and apparently there is a new second edition. The contents are basically the same, but this edition seems slightly more ornate. There were also a few illustrations which had not been in the first edition I had purchased for myself.
   
   So I guess I should add that I am giving the first edition 3 1/2 stars, but I would give the new 2nd edition 4 1/2 stars. Cheers!



5. Very useful compilation of three masterpieces. Although it isnt the most deep edition in terms of commentary or introductions, it certainly delivers the goods on the main texts. (Serious students of Japanese might prefer a bilingual edition of the individual texts).

5 comments about Standard Catalog of Military Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide.

1. brilliant. An extremely spellbinding work. This exercise in brilliant analysis and insight would make even experts of history like Joe McCarthy proud.



2. If you have any interest in C&R collecting or hold an FFL then this periodical should be a well-worn tool on your bookshelf.



3. As many of the reviewers pointed out, just a basic description of the weapons. Variations of individual weapons may be pointed out, but prices for those variations aren't necessarily mentioned. It typically only refers to the primary manufacturer of a weapon, even though other arsenals may have supplied the same weapon (which can mean a substantial pricing difference), the variations probably won't be there or barely mentioned. Also remember this is a MILITARY gun book, if you have a commercial version of the weapon or import for civilian sale it is most likely not there at all(AK-47s, AR-15 etc). I also expected some mention of importers and their markings to help identify the weapons. You can get as good or better information from most of the gun forums on the internet.



4. Every year it improves....more info, better detail, only wished the printed pitures had better detail.....



5. This book is a great reference for the Gun collector and firearm enthusiast. The material is well written and a good point to search for values on military firearms.

No comments about The Public Art of Civil War Commemoration: A Brief History with Documents (The Bedford Series in History and Culture).

5 comments about Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868 (Metropolitan Museum of Art).

1. "Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor, 1156-1868" is the catalog from a seemingly unprecedented exhibit of samurai armor, swords (nihonto), sword fittings (koshirae), and war accoutrements displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2009, in partnership with the Tokyo National Museum and the Agency for Culture Affairs of Japan. The exhibit featured over 200 pieces of samurai art, including 34 National Treasures and 64 Important Cultural Properties, on loan from some 60 different museums in Japan as well as from private collections.
   
   This book, compiled to commemorate the exhibit, is quite a production as well with over 350 pages including extensive, scholarly text covering the history of metallurgy in Japan, the political developments of the samurai era, and the evolution of samurai art in these two contexts. The photographic representation of the collection is impressive to say the least, with about 75 pages of armor, 75 pages of nihonto, 50 pages of koshirae, and 40 pages of clothing, saddlery, and artwork. Although the exhibit includes nihonto from the years spanning 1156-1968, a good deal of it is from the earlier part of that epoch, with a few good examples of early chokuto from the 5th to 8th Centuries, and then one noteworthy tachi or katana after another from the Muromachi through Kamakura eras including National Treasures by Kanehira, Nobufusa, Sukezane, Yoshimitsu, Rai Kunitoshi, Rai Kunimitsu, and Masamune to name a few. The text accompanying each piece includes measurements of nakago and sori, full translations (in both kanji and English) of the mei (tang signature), and a fairly detailed discussion of the significance of each piece. As another reviewer here says, the matte photographs do lack the kind of detail you'd really like so that you could see the hada (steel grain) and hatariki ("activities" of the tempered steel) of each blade, but they are by convention black and white and overall they're pretty good. There is certainly no other book in English that features such a noteworthy collection of mostly older blades from the warring eras, the periods when the quality of Japanese swordmaking is often considered to have been at its peak, so this is simply a must-have for any student or afficionado of nihonto. Like similar volumes from other exhibits, the catalog features koshirae that in contrast are mostly newer, with some wonderfully ornate Edo and Meiji period fittings made in the post-war era in which such artistic work flourished.
   
   I own several of these museum catalogs from exhibits that have taken place here in the U.S. in the past few years, and this is clearly the largest and most impressive collection. The overall production quality of the book is very fine, the pictures are quite good, and the level of detail in the text written by Japanese scholars is unparalleled. These kinds of books often don't stay in print forever, so I would highly recommend the purchase while it's still available for the paltry sum of $40. Easily worth it for such a compendium.



2. excellent book. it's like going to a museum with written narration about the history of japanese arms.



3. ART OF THE SAMURAI: Japanese ARMS AND ARMOR, 1156-1868 is a 'must' for any collection strong in Japanese arts. It provides an extensively illustrated catalog published to accompany the first comprehensive exhibition of the samurai, and uses works from public and private collections in Japan, along with 34 officially designated National Treasures and 64 Important Cultural Properties, packing in black and white and color drawings alike. College-level arts collections or holdings strong in Japanese history and culture MUST have this!



4. One day, when I was fourteen or fifteen my grandfather pulled me over to the book shelf and handed me some books and said that I 'had' to read them, implying that not doing so would condemn me to a life of ignorant darkness. One was The Red and The Black, another, Conrad's Lord Jim, I think and perhaps a third was Madame Bovary.
   His point was well taken, in retrospect, if not well made, and grounded in a belief that there is a certain canon of knowledge that has a place in a person's education.
   As such a library of books should be accumulated that help to inform one about the world.
   I would put it to you that this is one of those books. As an art book, quite frankly, it leaves a bit to be desired despite the superb construction of its binding and the quality of its paper. For this reason one is happy that the book is made in Japan, because it has the look and feel of something well made and substantial and unlikely to explode or be recalled for any other reason. Actually, my complaint concerns the editorial choice to go with a matte finish rather than glossy, and not to photograph the exhibited swords in color.
   This is a book ostensibly about art, after all and unless we are talking about black and white art, by God, I want to look at color reproductions. There probably is an excellent rationale for using a matte finish rather than gloss for the numerous excellent reproductions of Samurai 'Art' ranging from aforementioned swords to copious amounts of elaborate armor, highly decorative sword guards, fittings, scabards, clothing, and other accoutrements of war, as well as reproductions of period scrolls depicting more of the same. These are accompanied by mostly edifying text giving contextual information as well as interesting provenance details. Apart from some minor typographical irritations, e.g. in a discussion of a certain type of pig iron it is first identified as zuke and then as zuku, the accompanying text is generally lucid and informative. One does wish, however, that a broader discussion of the actual functionality of the pictured items had been undertaken for, while some of it was obviously ceremonial in nature, it is not made clear if all of it was, and it would be interesting to know just how effective the various armor and weapons were in their assigned roles. The weight of one set of the armor was listed once, I think it would have been interesting to know what each of the pieces at the exhibition weigh.
   Likewise, this Metropolitan Museum of Art publication, includes many pictures of swords. A major constituent part of the Samurai sword is the pattern that appears on the polished metal. These patterns are nearly indistinguishable as pictured: A major shortcoming.
   Nevertheless, this is a book worth owning. Not just for its large number of excellent, if matte finish, reproductions and extended essays but also for how well it demonstrates the very Japaneseness of these items. (Oh, and by the way, the book includes material earlier than 1156 as a means of tracing the evolution of the various forms of armor and sword blades.)
   What is perhaps most impressive about this collection is the amazing, utterly amazing, continuity of forms and aesthetics that can be observed from the earliest items to contemporary Japan's artwork or, more exactly, cultural signifiers.
   Such a unified cultural thread is really quite extraordinary. Consider, for instance, the English whose civilization is arguably as old as Japan's. Yet can any one identify a single continuous ancient English theme that runs through its culture today (Putting aside Shakespeare who one argues was channeling the Greeks and doing after a gap of more than a thousand years)? Englishness was once defined by its affinity to tea, a Chinese import, and to fish and chips (the latter, a new world import). Her artists, while excellent at times, hardly define the culture (Turner, Constable, Hogarth) do they? Dickens might have captured more than a moment in time, but one could hardly call any aspect of modern England Dickensian could one?
   The Japanese, on the other hand, not only defined themselves through an aesthetic typified by the Samurai (one part of a greater contiguous whole), but have also taken its motifs to heart and woven them into the present day culture.
   For this reason, what it says visually about the Japanese, I recommend owning this book. Also, I suspect it may become collectible; although I am unfamiliar with art books with Samurai themes so can't be sure.



5. The book was a gift to my son ,who is a collector of books on this subject,and he was very pleased.
   He said it was perhaps the most beautiful book in his collection

5 comments about Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine.

1. I got this for my son. Then I got him an M1 Carbine. Happy 18th! This is good reference book. It has all sorts of useful information about his carbine and my Garand. We both a have a deeper appreciation of these fine weapons, knowing more about the histories of our individual rifles.



2. Was very pleased with the book. The cover says it all. A job very well done my the author. The book was well worth every cent of the purchase price.



3. If you are looking to buy an M1 Garand or carbine and don't know what you should be looking for than this is the book for you. I think that it is an extremely informative book with great pictures. You should now be able to tell why one rifle is selling for $600.00 and another is selling for many times that amount. I am a collector first, and this book helps me to identify a recklessly, missmatched put together shooter which is fine if that is what you are seeking.



4. This is an extremely useful book for anyone who collects or deals in these particular items. It is well-written, accurate, and relatively comprehensive. I say relatively because one could write volumes on these two guns and their various incarnations. Highly recommended.



5. Has been very helpful to my husband in restoring his guns. Book as promised.

5 comments about GI Collector's Guide: Army Service Forces Catalog, U.S. Army European Theater of Operations.

1. A great reference guide to items used by the US Army in the European Theater during the Second World War. The photographs are very nicely done, and the information on the weapons, uniform items, and other objects that accompany the photos are also informative and interesting. A great research tool for reenactors, researchers, historians, and anyone interested in military history, especially World War II. The price is still fairly high for these books, but it is justified by the items contained within as well as the excellent photos. I only wish each branch and each belligerent involved in the war could have such a nice book.



2. I collect American military guns of the past and have found this book exceptionally fine in assisting me in selecting accessories for my collection.



3. Many have called this the de facto USGI collectors catalog. It does cover a lot of equipment.. most general issue items are included.
   
   I did not see it as a collectors guide. It does not point out the things that make items unique. It shows a boot. Gives the name, and maybe a picture of the makers mark. Well.. how many companies produced that item? Which company name would be rare and the other common? Is there a stitch or eyelet type that would differentiate an early shoe vs a late shoe? Little of that information is in the book.
   
   Another example are the Handy-Talky radios (BC-611's) there where at least 6 models (A-F) and the circuit components differed dramatically later in the war. This book shows a BC-611, and some other items and then moves on.
   
   The pictures are excellent quality, and the construction of the book is nice and heavy.
   
   But to call it anything more than an introduction to USGI equipment is an overstatement.



4. Important and majestic book regarding all material and items used by GI in WWII; extremely important for beginning collectors and modellers.



5. This is the most in depth book I have found in color on the subject of European Theater American WWII collectibles. This is my most favorite book on the subject and I highly recommend it if you are getting started in this hobby. It accompanies me to all shows I attend. But be careful, with more knowledge, comes the a greater want to buy the stuff! Highly recommended!

5 comments about Warman's World War II Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide.

1. Fast service ! Really great reference book. Makes collecting a lot easier ! Highly recommend !



2. I am a collector of WW11 items and this has come in very handy for Identifing items, when the tags have been removed from items, A lot of history of the item and would recommend this book to others. There are better books out there but this one is very usful for the novice.



3. Warman's World War II Collectibles book is very informative but it leaves out some gear that could be studied, like tents and the gear that goes along with with tents. I realize that covering so much more material in a single volume could be prohibitive.



4. Excellent reference for the military collectible "buff". Doesn't have EVERYTHING, but there's lots of good information for you to value items you have, or want to procure...Worth the money...



5. Being a intermediate collector, I thought this book was great for identifying and giving a good price guide for a great deal of WWII collectibles. Advanced collectors probably would not appreciate the overview of many subjects, but this book plainly states it is not specific in all areas. I would definetly take this to shows for ID help for sure! Great buy!

4 comments about Vanished Armies: A Record of Military Uniform Observed And Drawn in Various European Countries During the Years 1907 to 1914 (Shire General).

1. A fine book. I recomend it to enyone who is intersted in the full dress uniforms of the beginnig of XX century, but I must notice that two plates of the British Army are repeated, so one is missing.



2. VANISHED ARMIES: A RECORD OF MILITARY UNIFORM OBSERVED AND DRAWN IN VARIOUS EUROPEAN COUNTRIES DURING THE YEARS 1907 TO 1914 offers a collection painted in the early 1900s by author A.E. Haswell Miller, a Scottish artist and army officer fascinated by military dress. It appears in print for the first time and provides a collection of watercolors and notes key to any military history collection.



3. Solid eyewitness full-color watercolors of European soldiers as seen in public in pre-World War One Europe (some a little later). Many of the uniforms are thus some variation of social or walking-out dress. No close ups of badges or insignia. Also by the nature of things, bandsmen are well represented, as are some cloaks, capes, and overcoats as worn in colder weather. Great Britain and Germany have the most numerous examples, but smaller countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands can be seen as well. The range of subjects makes no attempt at being comprehensive, but rather is just what chance presented to the traveling artist during this time. Since color photography was rare back then, this is the next best thing. Recommended.



4. Many thanks to Crowood Press for publishing this book. I was somewhat familiar with Haswell-Miller's work, in a few books on the British Army, and some post card reproductions, but I was unaware of the scope of his work regarding other European armies, pre-1914.
   Thw author's style is appealing to me, and the illustrations were all done from life, during his travels over the years. The British Army, as to be expected, and the German Army are covered in depth, with the French Army a close third, as well as the Austro-Hungarian forces. There are also decent sections on the Belgian, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish Armies. My only real diaappointment was the small section on the Russian Imperial Army, only two plates.
   For those with a serious interest in the full dress of European armies at it's peak, or for any military uniform enthusiast, I recommend this book highly.
   My only complaint is that two plates in the British section were repeated, thus one plate is missing. A publisher's error that is inexcusable.

5 comments about GI Collector's Guide, Vol. 2: U.S. Army European Theater of Operations.

1. Book was a bit disappointing. Although it had some interesting stuff in it - it seemed to refer a lot back to Vol 1. Definately not as good or as interesting as Vol1.



2. Excellent tool for any collector of military memorabilia. Many unusual and rare items listed. Good buy!



3. Buyer beware,check every page for clear readable printing.I bought the previous edition of this book GI Collectors Guide Vol.1 the green book from Books From Califorina .I just flipped through it without checing every page and sent it out as a gift.I was later notifyed by the person who received the book that several pages were unreadable and had blurred pictures along with blurred wrighting.I then notifyed the store about the problem and o this date have not herd back ,buy the way this book was purchased 11/13/2009



4. I originally encountered this book at a friend's house, the president of the non-profit reenactment group U.S. 2nd Rangers Infantry Battalion of St. Louis, MO (2ndrangers.org). He uses this book for researching items he is interested in, finding out exactly which year items were produced, and for entertainment. He has touted it as one of the best research tools he's found for WWII reenacting.
   
   After I flipped through it and attended WWII Weekend 2009 at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis I decided to start a business recreating the paper products from WWII for reenactors and the public. This book is absolutely invaluable in that respect. It has more items than any other book I've seen. It truly is an all in one resource.
   
   If you're a reenactor or WWII aficionado, or have a child or someone else in your life who is interested in WWII this book, and its sister book Volume I, are the perfect purchase. Though the price may be off putting for some you have to realize that the book is full of 100% full color high gloss pages it is beyond worth it.



5. Excellent, a good continuation of Vol. 1 which was also excellent. Great pictures and descriptions. The personal items makes it a hit.

3 comments about The SS Totenkopf Ring: An Illustrated History from Munich to Nuremberg.

1. Basically a nice picture book. NO source materiel cited (the author FORGOT to include it). In the community of this subject, this book's stated theory of the way the rings were manufactured is highly disputed. Nice pictures, that's it. Caution is warranted here as this is only an opinion book and not supported by fact in some areas. The author is very controversial in many collecting forum pages. He certainly is no expert in this subject.



2. A book written for collectors by a collector expertly traces one of the Third Reich's highly prized awards, the Totenkpof Ring.
   
   The author has documented 200 of these rings, which he has observed, and makes the assertion that if 20,000 were actually issued then the survival rate is about 100th of 1 per cent. This truly makes this award one of the rarest for collectors today.
   
   Beautifully illustrated with large colour close up photos, the book examines the ring basics, award documents, presentation boxes, Rings by date and the Structure and significance and regulations.
   
   One of the very interesting sections is the one titled personality profiles which covers such persons as Herman Priess and the ring awarded to him which shows in the wonderful photos the ring he received.
   
   As this is a book for collectors it also covers the Bain of any serious collector - reproductions.
   
   The book is printed on fine glossy paper for excellent photo reproduction and at a little over 170 pages makes for fast reading.
   
   There is no other book out there that compares to this one, on what is a very specialized field of collecting. (Dare I say expensive!)
   A well researched and informative piece of writing, and if you are considering buying one take this particular book with you.
   
   I have a reproduction ring, award box and award document, so I was fascinated to learn what the various symbols, dates, and engravings actually signify.



3. This book explains the ideology of the Nazi SS, the rituals and occult beliefs, and informs the reader on the significance of the death head rings. The book examines the deep research of the Nazi party and their commitment to global domination. Very well written with superb photographs.