4 comments about A-2 and G-1 Flight Jackets: Hell-Bent for Leather (Motorbooks Classic).

1. This is one SILLY book- especially if you want to find anything reliable about vintage flight jackets! The "experts" quoted in this book are all the owners of 1980's flight jacket companies trying to cash in on the Top Gun craze. You've got your Stuey Clurman and your Jeff Clyman and some guy named Wegge and of course the indomitable Burt Avedon all spinning tales about A-2s and G-1s! Gems like this explaining original jackets' russet color:"...results from oxidation of the dyes." or this from Burt: "Chrome snaps on an A-2 are bogus." I think the best quote in this book has to be "Authentic is a much misused word" (James Goodson)! Boy he isn't kidding! Reading this book is like overhearing a bunch of rowdy drunks in a bar blowholing about quantum mechanics- "Hey- I knew a guy who stepped into a wormhole!" Not one actual reference- crappy photos-interesting only in kind of a sadly comic way.



2. Flight jackets are very special articles of clothing to many (including the preceding reviewers) hence their continued popularity since their inception which the authors tackle on all fronts. Unlike the first reviewer, I LIKE to hear the stories of individuals and their jackets. It adds context and the taps the passion that many feel for the jackets which has led to their special status in the military and civilian marketplace. Conversely, I find the listing of contract numbers and the like boring (there is already a book out on Combat Flying Clothing that covers all USAAF WWII flight gear by Sweeting...I suspect the preceding reviewers have it. THAT's a reference book). I have many books on aircraft specs and history, but many more on tales of aviators and units that are not reference books per se, but tell their stories. Any good aviation library ought to have both. So what is this book? At any rate, it has scores upon scores of newly discovered images of A-2 and G-1 jackets which sets it above the very few other books that deal exclusively with the A-2 and G-1 Flight Jackets. The authors deserve a great deal of credit for unearthing so many "new" images from a wide variety of sources (check the photo credits, they are widespread and no doubt a result of diligent research. Too many times, I see the same "retread" photos used over and over). Is it a definitive reference book?...I don't think it was intended to be one, but it is a gorgeous book with many, many color photographs even from WWII era. I found it to be more than a Flight Jacket Book, it really comes across as an aviation history thorugh the many images that grace the pages. Being a naval aviator myself, I earned a G-1 and found the book to be a rich addition to my collection. I have given it as a gift and recommended it to many others. I'm glad to see it available again as many friends have seen my copy and wanted one for themselves. It would have been nice if the publisher had allowed the authors to update it after 10 years, but I suspect Motorbooks wanted to reprint it as is to avoid the costs associated with doing so. I'm sure the authors would be willing, but they don't make decisions on reprinting, publishers do. Perhaps there will be another opportunity down the road if Motorbooks reads the reviews.



3. As a history of the A-2 and G-1 jackets, this book falls well short. The authors present a weak history of these sought-after jackets that is frequently interrupted by rather dull accounts by former members of the military reminisincing about their personal jackets. Not enough attention is paid to the 20+ wartime manufacturers and the different contracts for the A-2' jacket . In addition, the authors make several technical mistakes in identifying certain models of jackets, such as the A-1 that the author frequently calls a "pre A2" or not mentioning the first version of the G-1 called the M442 or misidentifying a D-1.

   The authors are also well out of date with the current companies manufacturing high end reproductions. If one is interested in these jackets and their history, they would be better severed by starting with the Eastman catalog and Internet sites of History Preservation Association, Lost Worlds, and Aero Leather Clothing.




4. This book, one of the first if not the first one to cover vintage flight jackets, has been out of print for several years now, so it's good to see it available again. On the other hand, this new printing offers no revisions or corrections (including photos printed in left-right reverse and repro jacket makers who no longer exist), and so it still falls way short of being a worthy reference for flight jacket enthusiasts. Some jacket information in the book can be misleading and indicates a lack of fundamental research, even by basic observation. Relating an expression of surprise over hearing of an original A-2 made of goatskin, for instance, does a real injustice to the actual sizable fraction of goatskin A-2's, including entire contract runs. The revision history of the G-1, which has had a much longer life than the A-2, is virtually ignored, including the fact that the designation of "G-1" did not appear in the jacket itself until the late 1940's. While there are some good photos throughout the book, and there is undoubtedly some good and interesting information, more coverage of jacket details would have been appropriate and the credibility does suffer from errors and superficial treatments. With respect to the ever expanding interest in vintage flight jackets and those who wore them, this book makes a good starter for someone wanting to know about the A-2 and G-1, but it's not a definitive reference. And considering the incredibly long and impressive list of people in the Acknowledgments section, it is tempting to wonder how good this book could have been.

3 comments about Civil War Knives.

1. It was quite a wait to obtain a copy of Marc Newman's book regarding Civil War Knives & it was worth the wait to find one at a resonable price.Marc's book gives us a look at a lot of knives rarely mentioned in print. Although I believe that a couple of his knives are misidentified as Civil War era (specifically the knives featured on page 32). For the most part, this book gives the reader a chance to see knives carried by both the front line soldier and the officer.These are using knives,,,not the presentation for pomp knives often featured in similar guides. If I were Marc, I would not worry about the misidentified knives. Even Harold Peterson has knives in his " American Knives " that were later identified as contemporary recreations.All & all, Marc has done an outstanding job compiling this selection of historic Americana.



2. Civil War Knives must be the most boring book in the world but Mr. Newman is still my favorite teacher ever in regard to his knowledge in history or whatever in regard to the artifacts, costumes, and the rest of it. Basically, Civil War Knives will help you do well in college or whatever. If you were to ask me if Civil War Knives is a good book, I would say "yes". Mr. Newman has been researching history since he was 7 years of age so he'll bsaically turn around to you and wind up teaching you a lot about the Civil War in regard to knives, weapons, and the rest of it. Stop playing games and buy the book!



3. Author Marc Newman has succeeded in his 1998 book Civil War Knives in going a long way toward filling a void that has long existed on the subject of, as the title indicates, the many and various types of knives used by both sides for everything from preparing meals to rendering the enemy hors de combat. The book is well illustrated with clear, sharp photos of the knives. The text, although somewhat lacking in descriptive quantity, more than makes up for it in the quality of writing. My only wish is that he had described the sheaths of those knives which have them. Marc has gone a long way toward supplementing the work begun by Abels, Peterson and Albaugh a number of years ago.

2 comments about Individual Gear And Personal Items Of The Gi In Europe, 1942-1945 (Schiffer Military History Book).

1. `Individual Gear And Personal Items Of The Gi In Europe, 1942-1945' is a very good companion reference book for the WWII collector. It will provide the serious collector as well as the just curious with thorough information regarding the many personal articles and extras that the American Army took along with them during WWII.



2. I got this book as a companion to what our squad calls "the bible": "GI Issue Collector's Guide" by Henri-Paul Enjames. The "Individual Gear" book covers just what it says: items that a soldier would typically have with them in camp or in the field. Topics include shaving kits, glasses, foot powder, language guides, lighters, cigarrettes, and flashlights, just to name a few. Overall the photoraphy and layout is very good. My only complaint is some of the photos of reflective items (such as watch faces) have a lot of glare on them. But that grumble is because my wife is a photographer and has taught me to look at pictures with a critical eye. The average reader will hardly notice the blips.
   
   I'd highly recommend the book for any serious collector or reenactor.

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.

No comments about A Short History of Costume & Armour: Two Volumes Bound as One (Dover Pictorial Archives).

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.

No comments about Gallantry Medals & Decorations of the World.

1 comments about Wartime Scrapbook: From Blitz to Victory 1939--1945.

1. The reason I loved the wartime scrapbook, just one of Robert Opie's beautiful books, is that it is is simply glorious to pour over. I can't imagine anyone ever tiring of the colors, the products and momentos from such a crazy yet unflashy era. The war years provided little but shortage in every way, but this book shows just how attentive product design and everyday life reflected what people sorely needed. The pages are filled with beautiful handwritten notes by Opie (I assume). And the glossy pages are strong and turnable. Very coffe table-ish and probably bathroomy as well.

No comments about Discovering British Military Badges and Buttons (Shire Discovering).

1 comments about Japanese and Other Foreign Military Collectibles Price Guide: Collector Items of Historical Interest from Japan and Other Nations of the World.

1. Save your money and buy a current book with current pricing. This historial document shows how rapidly prices and information changes, and provides a sobering look at the need for collectors to keep up to date. ...