Let me preface this by saying that generally, my main area of interest isn't the subject of uniforms. I know a lot of folks who find the subject fascinating, but it hasn't hit me. However, I do recognize excellence when I see it and I have to say that I'm very impressed by this latest book from Casemate. The subtitle is 'Uniforms, equipment & personal items of the German solider 1939-45' and while that sounds like a lot, it is. Every single aspect of the German soldier's life is covered in this book. It is more than just uniforms, but also his equipment of war, personal hygiene, interests in music and the arts as well as what he might have available to him for read.

Allow me to quote from the contents section to give you an idea of the scope of this book. There are sections on helmets, uniforms, belts and buckles, gas masks, field gear, weapons, and compliments (this is stuff like office supplies, glasses, cases and the such). There are also chapters that cover decorations, documentation, health and hygiene, food, propaganda, music, tobacco, as well as what the soldier could do on leave and leisure time.

 We see binoculars, underwear, money, pens, land mines, boots, chewing gum, rifles, postage stamps, rucksacks, playing cards and just about everything else you can possibly imagine. These are, for the most part, presented to us in full color with a description of each item and how it was used. If you have ever spent time in the military, just think of the thousands of items that you used at one time or another to do your job. It is truly staggering and that is exactly what we have in this book by Agustin Sainz.

It is an incredible documentation of what was available to the German soldier during WWII and I seriously doubt it will ever be surpassed. It is a fascinating book and one that is designed for research and just for hours of pleasant browsing. A book that I can most highly recommend to you if your interests lie in this area.

December 2008

Review book courtesy of  Casemate Publishing, where you can order your copy of this and many other superb books and DVDs.

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