2 comments about MiG Pilot Survival: Russian Aircrew Survival Equipment and Instruction.

1. The book is a good reference source on specialized equipment. Its only limitation is that it covers only a narrow period of Soviet equipment. Even so, it is a good book for a collector of Soviet items, flight gear, or anyone with an interest in military survival gear.



2. With the largest wilderness areas in the world, hostile climates and unfriendly local populations, Russian pilots had better know effective survival techniques and have good equipment. And they do! A very refined science, Russian survival tech has saved countless pilots, and cosmonauts too! This is the only text to cover the subject and includes a complete translated copy of their issued manual using the original illustrations. Lots of color photos details all their gear.

3 comments about The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan, 1933-1945.

1. Books on Japanese swords are by their nature scarce and expensive. Many of them are out of date, or of supeficial scholarship. And many of the best ones are in Japanese, which makes it difficult for the English speaking collector/ enthusiast to use. But this book is an essential reference
   in this field of interest.
   
   Most books of Japanese swords cover the old historic swords. But since there are only so many of these surviving, a new market in swords made after the age of the Samurai have become popular. Hence the interest in swords made in modern times, but in the traditional manner.
   
   This book originally appeared in Japanese in 1998, and was translated in 2004. It covers the efforts in the 1980s to commemorate the traditional
   Japanese sword smithy and manufacturing unit that existed at Yasukuni
   shrine from 1933 to 1945. Yasukuni shrine was founded in the late 19th century in Tokyo to commemorate the spirits of Japanese war dead.
   A number of these smiths were located, and some made swords which
   were part of special exhibition. Eventually a special presentation sword was made by a group of these artisans, and given to the shrine marking the 50th anniversary.
   
   Most of the production of these swords were given as presentation pieces
   to graduates of the Army and Naval officer schools. Also a number were ordered by the Imperial household. All of the swords made at Yasukuni
   were of the highest quality, and rigid quality control was enforced.
   
   The book is full of wonderful details about the smiths and artisans working in Yasukuni, the establishment and history of the unit, and its demise at the end of WW II. There are numerous pictures of these swords, their inscriptions, production notes, even the layout of the sword
   shop. There are also the basics about Japanese sword making and the
   traditional forge and tools involved. For a slim volume like this, there is
   an amazing amount of information and research packed into it. In all
   approximately 8100 swords were made at Yasukuni from 1933 to 1945.
   
   This is an excellent book and essential addition to anyone with an interest in Japanese swords, Japanese history, arms & armour, or WW II in the Pacific theatre.



2. Few things carry the taint of Imperialism like Yasukuni Shrine. Dedicated to war dead, the shrine became a symbol for the Emperor cult of WWII Axis Japan, with Class A war criminals such as General Tojo being honored there. In modern Japan, it is a last remaining relic, after State Shinto was banned by the US occupation forces, and even today an official visit by a government official creates an uproar in the Asian nations abused by the Japanese army.
   
   With this in mind, a book titled "The Yasukuni Swords" carries the same aura as a book titled "The Auschwitz Bayonets" or "The Mai Lai Guns." Even amongst Nihonto enthusiasts, WWII era swords were known for their inferior quality and mass production, handed off to soldiers before being sent off to slaughter. But this book, "The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan 1933-1945" is not about ignominious history or garbage blades. It is about the preservation of an ancient art, rescued from oblivion. In this case, it is the end, not the means that matter.
   
   By the time of the inauguration of the Yasukuni Forge, in 1933, there were less than 10 swordsmiths in remaining in Japan. The sword-banning act of the Meiji Restoration had almost caused the extinction of perhaps the most refined tradition of swordcraft the world has ever known. Even of the 10, only one, Gassan Sadakatsu, was able to make blades of ancient quality. The military government in power, attempting to foster their aggression with the resurrection of the samurai spirit, gathered the remaining swordsmiths at Yasukuni Shrine, and established the forge. This is their story.
   
   Their story is fascinating indeed, as is the tale of the slow and painful resurrection of the swordsmithing art. Not only the smiths themselves, but all the accompanying crafts needed revival. The unique ore needed was in short supply, and the oral tradition of its processing was in the minds of 80-year old men. The blade polishers and the hilt wrappers all needed to be sought out and new craftsmen trained. Specific to the Yasukuni Forge, only traditional hand-craft was used, forging blades for officers and high-ranking Imperials, rather than the machine-forged blades of the common soldier during the war.
   
   In the end, up to 200 new swordsmiths were raised from the fires of the Yasukuni Forge, ensuring the survival of Japanese swordcraft for future generations.
   
   In addition to this fascinating history, "The Yasukuni Swords: Rare Weapons of Japan 1933-1945" catalogs the blades of that era, showing the distinct markings and techniques and rediscovery of the art. There are articles on the Yasukuni Forge from the 1940s, as well as modern essays on the blades. Photographs bring the whole history to life, and this is one of the most fascinating books I have read for some time.



3. The Japanese sword occupied a position in their military culture not unlike that of the engraved pistols in American culture. One important class of Japanese swords are the 8,100 swords produced on the grounds of the Yasukuni Shrine between 1933 and 1945. The group of swordsmiths collected there preserved the time-honored forging methods and the aesthetic and apiritual traditions of the samurai warrior.
   
   In the aftermath of World War II sword ownership was banned in Japan and many of these swords were destroyed. Others became war booty and were removed to the victors countries.
   
   After the manufacturing of swords was allowed in 1954 many of the smiths began making swords again, but independently.
   
   This book is both a collection of photographs of Yasukuni swords and a story of the swordsmiths and the institution. It is a book that speaks of these historic swords with reverence.

2 comments about Civil War Re-Enactment.

1. I would only recromend this book to fellow reenactors who like looking for comrades in the photos, or for people who enjoy real pictures of men in action. Though it could have gone into more detail. The only text in the book is captions for the pictures. I've tried to figure out which events are which, but have come up blank. The main reason that I purchased this book was because it had a picture of my 1st Sgt and Captain. This book is recromended for reenactors and fans of good photography.



2. "Civil War Re-Enactment" is hardly informative about the Civil War or Re-enactments, nonetheless, it is a good book with excellent photographs. I purchased this book in hope of discovering the mechanics of certain uniforms or the workings of re-enactments, this book did not help me at all. But, I do not regret buying. If you want a book just for the pictures, this book is for you. If you want a book with any information whatsoever, look somewhere else.

5 comments about G.I. COLLECTORS GUIDE: Army Service Forces Catalog: US Army European Theater of Operations.

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



2. 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!



3. I have collected since the early 70's and still don't know it all but this book tells me everything I need to know for the ETO. Would like to see the same book put out for the pacific theater. This book covers everything from the simpelest of items to the most advanced items for collectors. A must have for the military collector. This book is used by the National Veterans Memorial Museum for reference in their collection.



4. As a World War II reenactor, there have been plenty of times when I've wanted to double check the information on a particular item. I'd seen this book for sale at a couple of shows, but shied away from the price. Finding it at Amazon for much less sealed the deal.
   
   Want to ID a division patch? Need to know where the "U.S." pin belongs on the service coat? Found a old military wool overcoat in the closet and want to know more about it? These questions and much more can be answered with this fantastic book. It has helped me several times, both before and after a militaria purchase. Dress uniforms, cold weather gear, equipment, weapons... everything you'd expect and everything you wouldn't. Gear for chaplains, female personnel, signal corps, engineers. Want to know what a Medical Department food tray looked like? Snow shoes by the Mountain troops? How about a company field desk? Chemical Department gloves? Ever wonder about what kind of cigarettes were included with the rations? Wonder no more. Just about the only area the book doesn't cover is anything to do with the Army Air Forces, which is a pity.
   
   If I had known about the treasure trove of information that this book held within it's pages, I'd have scooped it up years ago. I anticipate using it for research for years to come.



5. This book was recommended to me by a fellow US Army collector / enthusiast. It gives superb descriptions of each item, as well as detailed pictures. Since purchasing this book, I have realised just how valuable some of my collection is - & have also discovered the history behind some items that I thought were not that important. A must for any US Army enthusiast.

5 comments about Techniques of Medieval Armour Reproduction: The 14th Century.

1. I am new to making armor, but not so much to metalworking. This book gets you started on techniques (although a few could have a little more attention), and has terrific sections on measuring and padding. The illustrations and photos are a big bonus, and most are helpful to some extent. Overall a great example of a master passing on some of his knowledge to the apprentices of his craft.



2. Good book. BUT compleatly failed to mention safety glasses. These are IMPORTANT. you need to get a good pair and wear them when you are working in your shop. unless you think you will look good with a eyepatch.



3. I have yet to find a better book for armoring. Nearly every fundamental is covered.
   
   Tools, stock, techinque, buying tips, and even history is covered.
   
   The Maille section is somewhat lite but there are other books that are fully dedicated to that discipline.
   
   It's worth every penny. You can't go wrong with this book.



4. This is a book on how to build armor. Tools, techniques, materials, workspace needed, cost estimates are all part of it. I make leather armor for re-enactors, so much of what was taught here was not directly applicable. However, there are chapters on how to measure, pattern, and cut. These are useful even if the material used isn't metal but leather. There are even some basic instructions on leatherworking. Overall, a pretty straightforward work. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in armor construction, collecting, or re-enacting.



5. This book is an awsome read, very interesting and the info on constructing armour is just incredable. Every aspect is covered even lining the armour to make it more comfortable, if you are intersted in medieval armour this book is second to none.

1 comments about United States Air Force Scrapbook (Military Scrapbook Series).

1. This item was above my expectations. Is being used as a memory book for memorial service. Could not ask for a better product.

2 comments about Support Our Troops: Quotations on Patriotism and Prayer.

1. 
   It makes me feel really good when driving down the highway and seeing another car displaying a "Support our Troops" car magnet. It is amazing how quickly they spread across America and even some here in Canada.What also surprises me is that even more people don't have them. This is the first book I've come across on these and it has chosen to quote many famous people on Patriotism and Prayer.It shows tremendous support for the Troops and shines like a beacon for what makes America what it is. During this time when Evil forces are bent on the destruction of Liberty and Freedom,there is no greater target for them than America.Particularly during the last century,many times evil men,systems and countries have challenged Freedom and Liberty and it has been the Troops of free countries,led by America,and with the help and faith of God,that Freedom has prevailed.After reflecting on the quotations in this little book,you will be less bothered by much of what is being represented by the media,Leftist groups,secularists,anti-war demonstrations,cut and run and appeasement politics,political correctness,anti-christian agendae,and all other attempts to negate the ideals and patriotism that are the foundation of a free society.Everytime I see a person in uniform,I can't help but be thankful to them for serving on my behalf.
   These thoughts may be a surprise coming from a Canadian. Unfortunately,Canada has drifted far to the left ,with 2/3 of the government,people and media becoming Liberal and Socialist. This has resulted in Canada leaning more to Europe and the weak and virtually useless United Nations to defend us while at the same time great increases in anti-Americanism and anti- Bush rhetoric. We have a few Troops in Afghanastan,but all to little for the threat that is upon us.As far as the rest of our support on the War on Terror is concerned,our involvement is pathetic.
   I have been approached by people here in Canada who see my "Support Our Troops" with the stars and stripes,and they have commented;"What's with that sign,they're not "Our Troops"". I reply,"Maybe so,but they're protecting me too,and I for one appreciate it."
   The review by Carolyn Howard -Johnson leaves me wondering .She talks about whether the artwork is paintings or photography.I don't see what she is getting at. My book has only simple drawings. There is no cut-out on the cover. My copy has a detachable car magnet ,same as the illustration .Carolyn seem very knowlegeable in publishing etc.;so either I don't get the points or there are different versions.
   It is also commendable that "A portion of the profits from the sale of this book are being denoted to FISHER HOUSE. Gary Trudeau of Doonesbury fame has done likewise with two books.
   
   Before you jump on the Anti- America bandwagon;
   
   Imagine the world without America.



2. This is both a disclaimer and a sort of review. I first found Eric's work in a book I was reviewing and fell in love with it. It looks like painting but is really--I don't know--retouched photos. I raved in the review and he wrote to thank me. I have written a couple of forewords for him since then. This book is my favorite of all he has designed. A little cut-out on the cover reveals the first photoart. From there it gets better because, though the content is inspirational, this book depends on the artwork to give a yoga practitioner a feel for the discipline.
   
   Andrews McMeel does beautiful gift books, but this is one of their best.
   
   Carolyn Howard-Johnson
   Author of the foreword for Effort and Surrender and award-winning author of This Is the Place, Harkening, Tracings and two books in the HowToDoItFrugally series, THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER: HOW TO DO WHAT YOUR PUBLISHER WON'T and THE FRUGAL EDITOR: PUT YOUR BEST BOOK FORWARD TO AVOID HUMILIATION AND ENSURE SUCCESS

1 comments about Official Price Guide to Elvis Presley Records and Memorabilia: 2nd Edition (Official Price Guide to Elvis Presley Records and Memorabilia).

1. This book is filled with great information about Elvis' music and other memorabilia. I bought mine at Graceland in 1999 and after seeing the current prices, I'm glad I did. It is a treasure trove of trivia and details about the great variety of music that was published when Elvis was alive and in the years following his death.

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

No comments about Military Cartridge Headstamps Collectors Guide.