2 comments about Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia, Vol. 4: Military Memorabilia Used by Federals and Confederates, 1861-1865..

1. I am a big fan of Dr. Lord. He certainly broke new ground when he first published his classic Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia (Vol. 1) which was considered the Bible in the field for years. While many of his other earlier works were just as good, his subsequent works of Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia Vols. 2-5 that he did in later years just kept declining, lacking the original research and text that made his first a classic, not to mention the quality of the memorabilia, as well as the authenticity of some of them. Check out some of his earlier works, you can't go wrong there, and don't pass on Vol. 1 in this series.



2. This book and the 4 following volumes are a great addition to anyones library who is a collector, a historian, a reenactor (like myself) or just has a general intrest in the civil war. It has hundreds of items with photos and descriptions of items ranging from swords to sewing kits to pistols to uniforms. As a reenactor, it was very useful in finding modern items that can pass as civil war period.

1 comments about A Book of Five Swords and a Scroll.

1. I was given a copy of the book by the author which I reviewed. Although the book is advertised as a "Paperback," it is an 8.5 x 11 inch soft cover book of 144 pages. It contains many photographs, maps and diagrams to provide the history of the Japanese swords, and the five swords that are the topic of the book. The author added a chapter on M/Sgt R. M. June, USMC, taken prisoner on Wake Island when that island fell to the Japanese on December 23, 1942. The author also includes a chapter care and cleaning of Japanese swords and an appendix.
   
   The photos and graphics make this book a worthwhile addition the library of anyone interested in Japanese history, Japanese swords, and the chapter on M/Sgt. June.

No comments about Third Reich Belt Buckles: An Illustrated Handbook & Price Guide (Schiffer Military History).

No comments about Collecting Military Medals.

2 comments about Insignia of World War II.

1. This book is a damned good book for the average person interested in WW2. It tells all about the major medals, ranks, patches, etc of the big countries like England, US, and Germany. It also has really brief showings of other axis/ally countries. However, it is nowhere near in depth enough. I bought it expecting to find all of the pilot's brevet wings and explanations. Items like Japan's pilot wings aren't even in it at all, nor are Russia's. Even for RAF, USAAF, and Luftwaffe, it just shows them, and doesn't tell you any more. You only get descriptions about the medals. If anyone out there has a better book to recommend on this exact topic, please email me: nas@jet2.net I'd be happy to answer any other questions about this book, too.



2. I waited over a month for this book to arrive and when it arrived I found that it was well worth the wait. The book is not, nor does it claim to be, the definitive reference on military insignia during the WWII period. It is a solid secondary reference source though, and contains a great amount of information conveyed through excellent illustrations and interesting text. The major and minor participants are covered in a clear format that makes searching out specific information quite easy, although a "beefier" index would have helped. All in all this volume is an excellent addition to my "library" and would easily find a home in collectors and history buff's collections. Besides, where else could you find the rank insignia for a Captain of Engineers in the Finnish Navy?

No comments about The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Civil War Collectibles: A Comprehensive Guide to Union and Condederate Arms, Equipment, Uniforms, and Other Memorabilia.