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1. I like the
pictures but some will say there are fuzzy
ones. Not of the Sander's type but I'm sure
some of these are older photos. It does not
detract.
2. What does in
my mind is a nasty habit of picture taking
without clear pictures of the Cockardes. Lots of
pictures that show right side not left. No real cockade
pictures or same detailed explanation.
You get used to his very high standard and
disappointed when he falls short of it. My pet
question about Brunswick Cockardes goes
unanswered and pictures of BOTH Cockardes are in
the book.
3. He goes up
to the edge in explaining most clearly how one
became an officer. There is no explanation of
how Fahnrich cockardes worked with tests. It is
also confusing to understand what exactly
happened to OYV's. Having said that his
coverage is huge and far clearer than you will
find elsewhere in English.
4. Super
explanation of reserve and landwehr folks but
again he takes you up to the edge. He does not
discuss specifically the re-use of helmet
plates. (double holes?) For example the
Brunswick reserve is there but in 2 different
parts of the book. Not crystal clear how
reserve and landwehr differed in plates. No
relative scarcity of reserve helmets can be
gleaned from the statistics provided.
5.
Organization. The tables in
Militaerische Kopfbedeckungen Der Kaiserzeit
are far better than Stubb's organization.
Info is there but it is harder to pull out.
6. So where is
the M15 stuff? Once again the title leads you
the wrong way 1918 is perhaps not the best
ending date.
7. Ok there are
mistakes and some major holes in the photo
lexicon. I am stunned for instance at the light
coverage of Bavarian helmets. In fact minor
states didn't fare too well. The Duke of Baden's
helmet for instance. Ok but there is nothing
better YET.
Physically
this book is massive. Maybe 6 pounds, 400
pages, 2-3 inches thick and in large format.
VERY HEAVY. As big as the Emperor's Coat.
A wonderful thing to see is
that he includes helmets that seem original but
not totally correct! He points out issues and
problems. Just like the recent Woolley book
there is a difference between the regulation and
reality. I love it. He admits uncertainty.
Due to the holes it shows that
no book can stand alone. You need several. but
start here.
Why buy this book?
1. It is cheap relative to any
other reference.
2. It is outstanding.
3. It is in print and
available. |
