1 comments about United States Marines Scrapbook (Military Scrapbook Series).

1. High quality. Big size. You can easily add pages since the front may be removed. I would buy this product again

2 comments about A Collector's Guide to Allgemeine SS.

1. THE ALLGEMEINE-SS is yet another entry in Osprey Publishing's successful and seemingly endless series of handy-reference booklets on all subjects World War II. Although little more than an extended pamphlet in terms of length, like all of Osprey's books it manages to stuff an impressive amount of information and a hell of a lot of illustration into just shy of 50 pages. It makes for an eye-pleasing and easy read, and more importantly, a super-convenient reference manual.
   
   The Allgemeine (or "General") SS is a sadly neglected subject, standing as it does in the long shadows cast by the other, more toothly branches of Heinrich Himmler's sprawling organization, most notably Security Service and the Waffen-SS; yet it is the Allgemeine-SS, and not these later-comers, which gave the organization the distinctive "black-clad" character which it is still associated with today, and (despite what Hollywood would tell you) it is only the Allgemeine SS who continued to wear notoriously beautiful and ultra-distinctive all-black uniform until the end of the war.
   
   As the name implies, the General SS was made up of all SS men who were not part of the "full-time" (that is to say, paid) members of the organization - in other words, all SS men who had not been selected to serve as SS combat soldiers, concentration camp staff or security personnel. Except for their seniormost officers they were unarmed, part-time volunteers, who periodically traded in their civilian clothes for black uniforms and jackboots when so ordered, lending their hands as police auxiliaries, security officers, collectors for Winter Relief, etc. The General SS was a large, popular and highly selective organization in peacetime, turning down about 90 of every 100 applicants and stressing rigid adherence to National Socialist ideology and racial purity. When the war came, however, the vast majority of the General SS (being mostly fit young men) were either drafted into the regular army services or transferred into the Waffen-SS, trading in their black uniforms for the field gray of wartime. Though vastly reduced in numbers, however, Lumsden smashes the myth that this outfit and its famous black getup disappeared into the ether after 1939, pointing out that as late as 1944 some 40,000 men, exempt from the draft because of age, wounds or other infirmities, continued to serve as representatives of the "black SS."
   
   Lumsden is terse but efficient in overviewing the organization. He briefly but thoroughly explains the history, mission, organization, uniforms, recruitment standards, symbolism and ideology of the General SS, adducing a number of photos as he goes, but relying mainly on attractive illustrations by Paul Hannon to show the many variations of the infamous black uniform, from the regular service getup to the astonishing English-cut dinner jacket, from the silver-buttoned overcoat to the white-jacketed summer dress. Lumsden may not have much room to work with, but he manages to stuff information and illustration from cover to cover, and will leave even knowledgeable readers with a better understanding of the subject than whence they came.
   
   To sum up: the ALLGEMEINE-SS is by no means the end-all on this complex and ill-explored subject, but it makes for a very fine beginning.



2. Basic information about the sinister and black clad soldiers of the nazi party. Must read for historians, modellers and militaria collectors alike.

No comments about Uniforms of the Waffen-SS Sports and Drill Uniforms 'Black Panzer Uniforms'.

1 comments about MAIN BATTLE TANK T-80 (Russian Armour).

1. Mikhail Baryatinskiy does a great job of covering the development and operation of this important modern Russian AFV.
   
   The chapters of this book are as follows:
   
   Tank Development History
   Production and Upgrade (T-80 - T-80 BV)
   Production and Modernization (T-80U - T-80 UD)
   Combat Employment
   From T-80U to Black Eagle
   
   This book contains the most detailed analysis of the T-80 tank up close. The book is replete with very detailed black and white photographs of the tank up close along with excellent colored plates, scaled drawings, and colored photographs. It is a dream come true for modellers and tank buffs!
   
   The info I found most interesting was the combat performance of the T-80. The biggest full-scale use of the T-80 in combat by the Russian army was in the Chechnya conflict in 1995-1996. As the author describes, the T-80 was used inappropriately by the Russian army without adequate training and no ERA armor on the tanks. Consequently, they were vulnerable to the RPGs and anti-armor missiles fired by the Chechnyans. The T-80 was even less survivable than the T-72 on certain conditions, but the T-80 costs so much more than the T-72!
   
   The last 10 pages of the book offers some amazing colored photographs of the upgraded T-80U tank.
   
   Even though this book is pricier than most tank books, it is well worth the cost. If you're a tank buff, a military AFV historian, or a modeller, you would love this book! Highly recommended.

3 comments about Vintage Flying Helmets Aviation Headgear Before the Jet Age: Aviation Head Gear Before the Jet Age (Schiffer Military/Aviation History).

1. Awesome book, well researched and presented. Flying headgear which
   includes helmets, hats, caps, goggles, oxygen masks, microphones,
   headsets, face masks, etc. from the Wright Brothers, WWI, between the
   wars, and WWII. Includes designations and variations of headgear. Most
   photos are color from various collections along with black and white
   period photos. Great book along with Jet Age Flight Helmets book;
   Spalding Aviator's Clothing & Equipment in the 1920s-1930s; C.G.
   Sweetings Combat Flying Clothing and Combat Flying Equipment books; Jeff
   Warner's U.S. Naval Aviation Flying Clothing and Gear.



2. This is the definitive work on aviation headgear before the jet age. This is a must publication for historians, collectors and modelers who demand accuracy in their work.



3. I am an avid collector of World War One and Two aviation items, and this extremely well researched and beautifully put-together volume is one to have for collectors, modelers, enthusiasts, historians, museums, or just for those wishing to identify grandpa's old stuff in the attic!

   The information entered in the volume has been meticulously researched and well laid out with both period photographs of the gear in wear, and modern day close-ups of gear from both the author's collection and from the collections of fellow collectors.

   I also encourage those interested to pick up the next two volumes that are coming out concerning "Luftwaffe vs. RAF", flight equipment of the opposing air forces during the second world war.

   Both thumbs up from me!

   Rory Langran Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

5 comments about Tiger Patterns: A Guide to the Vietnam War's Tigerstripe Combat Fatigue Patterns and Uniforms (Schiffer Military/Aviation History).

1. The information in this book is edifying, but for an educated reader it can be tough going. I find it painful to read a book where the publisher has not invested the energy to make sure that apostrophes are placed correctly. The text of this book is sadly about on the level or many greengrocers' signs, repeating in published print common errors that I distinctly recall having addressed in middle school.
   In an apparent attempt to cover for his low state of literacy, the author has tried for an "educated" sound, replacing every instance of the word "in" with the word "within". He invents words like "asperse". Often, I can not tell what a given sentence means after several analytic readings.
   I would stress, however, that this should not reflect poorly on the author, who is clearly not an academic. It should reflect brutally on the reputation of his publisher for not taking editorial responsibility.



2. Tiger stripe Fan's Collectible Books.
   Very interesting book.
   Thank you.



3. When I purchased this book, I didn't expect to see all the diagrams and charts that it included. The author not only has photos and descriptions of the numerous tiger patterns, but he studied the different buttons and zippers as well! He has hand drawn pictures of patterns and cuts, and there are even a few personal photos of his family wearing tigers from his personal collection.
   
   I highly recommend this book for collectors and people who want to know more about Vietnam tigerstripes.



4. Sgt Johnson's book on the tiger stripe camouflague pattern and its variants is an excellent book. Indeed, it is the authoritative reference on the subject for some time. The authour's methodical sysmatization and meticulious research have certainly provided militaria collectors with highly rigourous technical standards.

   Although this book is primarly for collectors, modelers and reenactors will find this book equally helpful in their research.

   Nevertheless, there are a number of glaring oversights that detract from the book's overall value.
   First, there's no index. Given the book's meticulous details and bewildering variety of tiger strip patterns, an index isn't merely useful; it's absolutely essential.
   Second, there's no bibliography. Its absence is inexplicable; how is the collector, modeler, historian or reenactor supposed to learn more about this pattern and become more discerning without the primary and secondary sources? Especially since the book is primarily for them.
   Third, I found the historical background of the tigerstrips rather too perfunctory.I would've appreciated to know how the French Indochinese lézard pattern evolved into the tiger strips
   Fourth, spelling mistakes mar this book and it's unjustifiable considering that the book is sold by a professional publisher and its price tag
   Finally, the authour makes cryptic referencs to the 1990 edition of the book. Yet when I looked at the inside page for the publication data, the book was published in 1999.
   Despite these glaring oversights, which can be corrected in a subsequent reprint, this book is highly recommended




5. This is an EXCELLENT book about Vietnam War Tiger dtripe uniforms. THis is a book for experts or for whom wants to be the Tigerstripe uniform expert. If you like to study Vietnam War stuffs. THe last thing you want to miss is this book.

4 comments about World War II Homefront Collectibles: Price & Identification Guide.

1. Jacobs must be given credit for producing the very first priceguide on homefront collecting. And Jacobs has assembled photographs of some fairly uncommon items from his pool of experienced contributors. But thats where the kudos end. It is mostly all B&W with just a few color. The organization makes it almost impossible to identify an item that does not have a picture. He lists two different prices for the same item on different pages. His coverage of the homefront area is poor. He wastes several pages on listing gum cards while completely failing in the areas like anti-axis where covers, cinderellas and postcards are just about all that is listed missing ceramics, toys etc in that subcategory. He has a slug of jewelry photos that someone obviously spent a great deal of time shooting but they are all in B&W completely subduing that contribution. And his prices are plain and simply not credible especially when compared to his V For Victory book which has many of the same items but radically different prices without explanation. Overall I'd say buy it just for the pics but throw out the price guide part. Its a woefully error ridden text. An obvious rush job. I give it two stars for being the first.



2. World War II Homefront Collectibles: Price & Identification Guide presents more than 2,000 items known in antique collector circles as "homefront collectibles" originally produced in the United States to bolster civilian moral during the years of World War II. Profusely illustrated with 600 photos (including a section of full-color photography), World War II Homefront Collectibles is a unique, invaluable aid and guide for both beginner and experienced collectors and dealers. From jewelry, postcards, movie posters, and matchbooks, to toys, games, trading cards, and anti-Axis memorabilia, this definitive, authoritative, reliable, highly recommended guide is an essential addition to any personal, professional, or community library antiques/collectibles reference book collection. Send for the free Krause Publications catalog for a complete listing of fine antique/collectible price guide titles.



3. Tom Brokav said it all in his best selling novel, The Greatest Generation: "The World War II Victory era from 1941-1945 will undoubtably be forever known as the 'Greatest Generation' in America history! My book is a visual journey into the most humerous, often outlandish, and fascinating World War II collectibles ever assembled.206 pages.Over 2000 listings, 600 wonderful detailed photos,chapter biographies,with a price and identification guide for each collectible. Chapters include: V for Victory, Remember Pearl Harbor, Patriotics, Civilian Defense, Anti-Axis, and Wartime Kids. Homefront hobbyists as well as collectors of Americana will treasure this book.



4. Great, new 208 page volume with over 600 black and white and more than 60 full color photos. Covers homefront items ranging from: arcade pin-up postcards, greeting cards, matchbooks and POW, to stationery, comics, gum cards and toys. Numerous paper items are shown. Each major chapter includes an interesting and informative introduction to the topic. Values are provided. An outstanding compilation of a variety of collectibles, providing insight into life in the U.S. during WWII that will be of interest to people of all ages.

5 comments about Hunting Warbirds: The Obsessive Quest for the Lost Aircraft of World War II.

1. "Hunting Warbirds" paints the picture of a world few of us have traveled. I'm not talking about the deserted, frozen shores of Greenland, but the inner sanctum of the realm of warbird salvage. Living here are wealthy collectors, skilled restorers and daring pilots, each with a unique perspective and inner driving force. It's a small world that those of who attend airshows and read "Air Classics" don't often get to see in detail. Hoffman walked in their ranks and absorbed enough of their passion to coherently relate it. He lived though the same privations and fed off the same energy that keeps those die-hard warbird salvors working 18 hours a day, seven days a week at a remote recovery site. For me, it was a rare view of a world I will never be privileged to experience. Some reviewers have criticized Hoffman for technical errors. I suppose they are valid critiques, but I really think they miss the point. The book is more about the people than the planes. Though you certainly can't separate the planes from the warbird fanatics, Hoffman gives us a sense of what makes those guys tick. I for one enjoyed the hell out of it. Given the look we get, only the most techno-pedantic could fail to forgive the author for a few errors. That said, I hold back one star because so much more could have been included. Instead of a wall mural, we got a small canvas. After ingesting "Hunting Warbirds" I hunger for more.



2. Piston-engined aircraft of WWII are among the most fascinating and important artifacts of the 20th century, part of some of the most intriguing history of war and humanity that affected millions directly and indirectly. It is not surprising that they evoke passion and obsession.
   This book attempts to describe the passion and obsession, but its disjointed, episodic and disintegrated form works against it and the technical errors are annoying. Reviewer Collins (see his review) correctly identifies the core problem: the author does not seem to have considered his audience(s). If he's writing for knowledgeable aviation enthusiasts, his lack of depth, poor research and many errors are a turnoff. If he's writing for non-flyers, he doesn't provide enough background information on the many wonderful flight museums and collectors around the world to frame the subject adequately (his superficiality about, say, Kermit Weeks, is a huge disappointment, as just one glaring example). If he's writing for readers who enjoy literature, his lack of polish is a disappointment--much of the book reads like a first draft. It seems that Hoffman's approach to flying is skewed to the gee-whiz and away from the magnificent, mysterious realities of aviation.
   Offering credentials like AIR & SPACE and SMITHSONIAN doesn't induce confidence in the reader. Both these publications often use materials from staff or stringers that are deeply disappointing and too often read like the work of somewhat talented amateurs, matched by editorial positions that seem to be issued--without justification--ex cathedra. If Hoffman had written for AVIATION WEEK or FLIGHT JOURNAL one could be sure of its quality.
   If some genuinely competent pilot-writer could approach this subject--someone like, say, Walter Boyne or Richard Bach--it would result in an important historical document with breadth, depth and authenticity. Such a work is urgently needed. Sadly, HUNTING WARBIRDSA is not that book.



3. I think this book was terriffic. Of course there are going to be some mistakes in the technical areas of the planes...the author never claimes to be an expert of every part of every plane that is covered...get over it. The book lets everyone have a small taste of a hobby (or addiction) that isn't available to eveyr person. I'd love to own a ME109, but can't. I like to read about the salvage and saving of these wonderful machines, and I think this book does a marvelous job of doing that. If you are reading to get a 110% account of airplane facts, buy a manual. If you want a story of a dying part of American history and culture, read this book.



4. I thought this a great book. It seems that a new generation of writers that often publish in the outdoors magazines like Backpacker or Outside are discovering the WW II eccentrics who are well known to us, their sons and nephews, as being the aviators and mechanics of the past who won the air war over Japan and Germany. As a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, these men were our former mentors and role models. We went where we were sent and didn't question the duty or the reality of it all. Later, after finishing my tour in the Army, I flew the bush in Alaska, and this book reminded me of my early days on the North Slope, flying a Bell Jet Ranger with a seismic crew in the Colville River Delta. I was the furthest west chopper pilot during those spring months of 1969, and about the third youngest Army pilot to arrive on this edge of the Arctic Ocean. We flew around Prudhoe Bay and astonished many of the old bush pilots with our know-how and amount of flight time at such a young age. The B-29 story made me reminisce about those months up there, when anything could happen and did. Lot of fun and a lot of misery! Somehow, one has to go through these extremes in a swashbuckling manner to relate to these early aviation stories before GPS and much safe devices came about today. Good reading and a great young writer is Carl Hoffman.



5. My immediate enthusiasm for this story waned pretty quickly, under the influence of Hoffman's many errors of fact, so disappointing from one with his aviation credentials. Such obvious and simple errors, which should have yielded to even the most superficial research (You're standing there in front of the engineýJust count the cylinders, fer Chrissakes!), cast a nagging doubt over everything else he has to say. And why the hokey cloak-&-dagger act concerning the obsessive collector "somewhere in the midwest"? The Walter A. Soplata Collection in Newbury, Ohio was written up in Jon Allen's "Aviation and Space Museums of America",
   and has been known among warbird buffs throughout the world for more than a quarter-century!

No comments about Warman's Vietnam War Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide (Warmans).

1 comments about A COLLECTOR'S GUIDE TO THE KRIEGSMARINE (Collectors Guide to).

1. This book is great as a portable reference the photos are nice .But lacks the in depth details to tell one maker from another on the badges. A nice intro book for the new collector.