1 comments about Wearing Propaganda: Textiles on the Home Front in Japan, Britain, and the United States (Published in Association with the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design and Culture).

1. An intensively researched, tightly written, extensively documented study of patriotic and propaganda textiles developed by the major players during WW II and the years immediately before it. The acknowledgements page alone reflects the author's interaction with many of the leading lights in textile research today. Highly recommended!

2 comments about United States Military Medals 1939 to Present.

1. This is a great book. It has full color photographs of practically every medal issued by the government since 1939. It also gives the criteria for each award. If you collect medals or are just interested in thier history, this is an excellent book.



2. Shows color plates of all medals, ribbons awarded by the United States. Also shows Foreign Awards authorized as part of U.S. military uniform. The basic criterion for each award is given so you can see if you might be eligible for this award. There are also sections on devices (oak leaves etc.), their meaning and wear, how to wear medals in proper order and on civilian clothing. (a pin is considered appropriate) A section is devoted to the issue of U.S. Medals to Veterans, Retirees and thier families. A Hardcover book which only costs a bit more than the softcover. Generally a well done book. My only criticism as a collector is that it does not show the reverse side of medals. Ed Jones Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 753

3 comments about Knives 2006.

1. I have every edition of the "KNIVES" annuals since the first one came out in 1980. As a knifemaker and collector I like to keep up with the state-of-the art knives that these amazing makers present in this book. The photos are plentiful and the paper quality of these softcover books has greatly improved since editor Joe Kertzman has taken over the helm. If you like knives in all their glory, then all of these books are highly recommended. The only reason that I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I feel that Mr. Kertzman gets a little "ornate" in some of his descriptions. Let the knives speak for themselves, Joe. Hee hee.



2. Not the book I wanted. I wanted a book listing Case and Buck knives values. My mistake.



3. I decided to buy this book basing on the pictures of the knives inside. Once received, the pictures are worth more than the price I have paid for. Details with each knife is the extra bonus to the owner. Very good especially for custom knife collectors, and myself as a trader on ebay's -unclevit- listing store. I will buy more from this writer, perhaps every year. Recommend. Good Value.

No comments about Spiked Helmets Of Imperial Germany.

1 comments about Soviet Uniforms and Militaria 1917-1991.

1. Being an ex-serviceman of the Soviet Army and Soviet uniform books and dress regulations collector I would not recommend this book to any serious reader. Several pictures show items of field, service and special dress mixed or worn wrongly. Models present a real nightmare for any average sergeant-major: unshaved, long hairs, wearing totally unfitted uniforms (too small or too long sleeves, blouses and trousers are not pressed etc). The art of wrapping putties (see pre-1945 section) must be a great mystery to them (and to the authors). All this is described as "non-regulation manner of wear" but in fact present a group of scarecrows rather than regular soldiers.
   I remember my first sergeant-major who used to say that a real soldier is expected to kill an enemy by his look and appearance. I think - he was telling us the truth. Two stars for binding and dust-jacket.

1 comments about Worlds of Thomas Jefferson At Monticello.

1. If you are interested in Thomas Jefferson or Monticello, this is a terrific book. Over 150 of Jefferson's personal possessions are photographed and documented with detailed explanations and provenance of the items. Covered are varied objects such as works of art, china, portraits, scientific instruments, natural history specimens, and personal objects. This book really illustrates how varied Jefferson's interests were. A very fascinating book!

No comments about Uniforms of the Waffen-SS 1942-1945 Ski Uniforms, Overcoats.

4 comments about Geronimo!: U.S. Airborne Uniforms, Insignia & Equipment in World War II (Schiffer Military History).

1. This incredible masterpiece does for airborne what author Jon Maguire's Gear up! did for US Army Air Force collecting.The close-up photography shows every thread of material on each authentic World War II field uniform thanks in part to the fine studio photographs taken by master photographer Robert Biondi. This book is a must for every serious collector and also for your father or grandfather(or grandmother) who served so proudly! Highly recommended! You will not be disappointed!



2. This book contributes virtually nothing new to this field - its contents are covered, and covered with greater accuracy and authority, in the books of Michel de Trez, John Andrews, and Gary Howard. Novice collectors of the artifacts of U.S. airborne forces will be especially ill-served by this book if they use it as an authoritative guide because of the author's indiscriminate use of replicas, more than a few of which are of poor quality. There are better books on this subject; do yourself a favor and seek them.



3. 190 pages of (mostly) color photographs. Chapter 1: Dress Uniforms. Chapter 2: Jump Jackets & Pants - good coverage of the pathfinder & other 1942 uniform articles, plus camoflage jacket/pants/cap. Chapter 3: Headgear; hard & soft - painted, netted, medic, MP, liners & training helments. Chapter 4: Boots (brief). Chapter 5: Insignia - You want insignia? We got insiginia - 30 pages worth. Chapter 6: Marine Corps Airborne - more camo, but also brief. Chapter 7: Troop Carrier and Airborne Engineers - some color & some interesting B&W aircraft shots. Chapter 8: Equipment: This is the mother lode! There's everything here, all the way down to photos of U.S. Army issue socks, underwear & necessary accoutrements for (hoped for) liberty in France. Includes some original WW2 photos of troops preparing to load up for the Sicilian operation. Chapter 9: Airborne Comparisons - This was a very nice bonus: color photos of WW2 British & German paratroop uniforms & equipment. The only criticism I can offer is that I wish Mr. Rentz had expanded this last chapter substantially. Could this possibly lead to one or more sequals? Bottom line: I'm quite pleased to add this volume to my collection. If you paint military figures pertaining to this particular era, you will enjoy this book!



4. Collectors and historians alike have been waiting for this authoritive book. This is a benchmark for the genre.

No comments about German Daggers Of World War II - A Photographic Reference: Sa - Feldherrnhalle - Ss - Nskk - Npea - Rad - Hitlerjugend.

4 comments about Fighting Colors.

1. An excellent surprise :
   Wide choice of photographs. Some rarely or never seen before, such as a "sharkmouthed" F-4F Wildcat.
   Mostly bombers nose arts (huge variety of B-24 Liberators), but some fighters or transports also.
   A few oldies from WW1, and others from Korea and Vietnam.



2. This is an excellent look at noseart. Some of the noseart is a bit "racy", but nothing out of the ordinary, considering the context of the times. The expressions of healthy, often lonely young men at war, many who did not return from their missions over enemy territory. Hopefully the author will produce another volume.



3. The book is historically accurate and extensively researched. There is no R-rated material in the book. The artwork on the planes reflects young men at war, who lived like there was no tomorrow. For a number of them, there was no tomorrow. Buy the book.



4. The artwork should have been rated R for adult. I bought it for a gift and when I received it, it was too racy to give.