Reviews (4)

For the detailing buff
Maybe more for the ship model builder than for the naval historian, unless you are planning to build a replica of a sailing vessel of the covered age as an experimental archeologist / historian.
argh, title?
The bad: it's assumed you know the terms for all the rigging etc. Such terms as cro'jack, leeches, single whips, tackle pendants, etc are undefined in the text, and there is no glossary. The 24 plates, detailed drawing of models, drawing, rigging guides, etc, some with pages of keys, are all so small to be virtually useless. The book would need to be several times larger, with plates extending over many pages, to be able to differentiate the various lines shown. No guide is given showing a generic sail plan (I'm used to a course, lower top, upper top, top gallant; a different method of naming sails than in this book). I found google a necessary accomniant...
Hard-To-Find Information Now At The Tip of Your Fingers
In another review, I said that one needed 3 books as a foundation for the hobby of model ship building. Oops, I was wrong.This is number 4!Read more

Subjects:  1. 17th century    2. History    3. Masts and rigging    4. Reference    5. Ship models    6. Ships    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    8. Ships & Shipbuilding - History    9. Transportation    10. Marine engineering    11. Sailing    12. Transportation / Ships & Shipbuilding / History   

Reviews (1)

Best Management Text Around
Don't let the title fool you.This is one of the best management texts around by people who have to get it right or more will suffer than just their stock options.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Military Science    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Technology    5. Technology & Industrial Arts    6. Encyclopaedias & Reference Works    7. Military engineering    8. Reference / General   

Reviews (6)

Review of Stratton's British Lee Enfield rifles
A wealth of basic collecting information for the beginning collector, good descriptions of various parts and has serial number tables.

British Lee Enfield Rifles No.4 and No.5
The author provides comprehensive coverage of the technical details of these rifles in a compact format. The book is full of
Author hits the mark.
Charles (Skip) Stratton is well known amongst gun collectors for his articles on collecting Lee Enfields.I was interested to discover that he had published books on collecting Lee Enfields.His books is aimed (no pun) specifically at the collector whom needs to know how to pull the bolt apart and to put it back together again, without wandering into the sphere and expertice of an armourer.Stratton makes no attempt to explain how to undertake tasks best left to a gunsmith or amourer.By reading this book a collector will be able to say recognise the difference between an early and late production nose cap.Read more

Subjects:  1. Military Science    2. Technology & Industrial Arts    3. Small firearms, guns & other equipment    4. Weapons & equipment   

Reviews (1)

Good, but needs more diagrams
This book provides a good overview over HOW an outboard works.However, if you don't have a good grasp of technical terms and an engine manual, much of the learning in this book is hard to use.Detailed diagrams and a longer list of defined terms would make this book a 5-star effort. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Gasoline engines    3. Motorboats    4. Outboard motors    5. Ships & Shipbuilding - Repair & Maintenance    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - Small Boat Maintenance and repair    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Transportation   

Reviews (4)

Excellent overview
For years, Friedman has set a standard for naval ship subjects.This design history is full of clear quality photos, very nice line drawings by Baker and overviews of the many aircraft carriers.There are also design charts, specifications and lists of ships in the appendices.Just enough information to keep your interest without going too far.An excellent starting point for one's quest to research an individual ship.

The masterpiece on U.S. Aircraft Carrier development.
I've read just about every book I can lay my hands on concerning the Essex class aircraft carrier and though this magnificent book envelops each American carrier it is far (FAR) more superior to the mediocre Essex-Class Carrier by Alan Raven, regardless that Alan Raven's book is dedicated to the Essex alone. Many believe that Raven's book is the standard for the Essex class carrier but it falls far short when compared to this brilliant masterpiece.
Superbly Detailed and Fascinating
This volume, one of many in Norman Friedman's naval design histories, is amazingly thorough in its coverage of U.S. aircraft carrier design from the 1930s-era Saratoga and Lexington through the nuclear-powered Nimitz-class, as well as the offshoot amphibious assault carriers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Aircraft carriers    2. History - Military / War    3. Military - Aviation    4. Naval Equipment    5. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    6. United States    7. Shipbuilding technology & engineering    8. Technology: General Issues    9. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (2)

Excellent reference book
If you like the WWII aviation history, this book is a good example of the efforts of the Luftwaffe in order to change the Fate of the Reich. It�s a comprensive study of the R&D planesof that period. I�m waiting for the second volume...

excellent resource
This book has some very in depth information on the secret projects of the experimental luftwaffe.The drawings, three views, photos, etc. areexcellent for aircraft modelers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Europe - Germany    2. History - Military / War    3. Military - Aviation    4. Military - World War II    5. Aviation    6. German    7. History    8. Military    9. WWII   

Reviews (9)

This book is a winner
I got this book for my birhtday. and i was amazed that there was so much info.The book covers todays combat aircraft it hase a contents of most modern fighting planes.You get info of aveonics powerplant's and armerment history and devopment info for all planes.it shows how alot of old planes from the 1970s are upgraded into modern version's for example the F-15 eagle came out as a air seperorty fighter 30 year's ago it was then rebult in into a modern strike fighter.Those are alot of things the book well cover.It tells you about the migs both in develupment and in servece.The book also gives you some of the most intresting info about combat expernce in recent wars and operations.I say you should by this book it is worht it.

OK refference
I got this book for what I thought was a good deal in the bargain books section at a Walden Books. I found it to be somewhat disappointing. Overall, the book's coverage of American aircraft is fairly decent, and extremely detailed. However, when it comes to discussing more recent American projects, including stealth aircraft, the book does poorly. The chapters covering these are too short and need to be updated like the chapters on less modern American aircraft. Another problem is the book's coverage of foreign war planes. These sections of the book seem to suffer from the same problems as the sections on American stealth, along with having poor photographs of Soviet era and Russian aircraft. Overall, the book is an OK refference for Gulf War era American warplanes, but badly needs updating on its other topics.

A Great Read for Buffs
I am not an entirely experienced Aviation reader, so for a starter reference for buffs, this is a great book.It is very detailed and goes well in-depth on the American warplanes.While some better coverage of foreign warplanes would be nice, I am personally most enthralled by American warplanes, so it's fine.A great coffee table book, great for anyone who wants to be able to learn about their favorite jet well enough to talk about it, but not too detailed to be cryptic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Airplanes, Military    2. History - Military / War    3. Medical    4. Military - Aviation    5. Military Aircraft    6. Military Science    7. Technology    8. Air forces & warfare    9. History / Military / Aviation    10. Military engineering    11. Weapons & equipment   

Subjects:  1. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Maintenance and repair    4. Outboard motors    5. Ships & Shipbuilding - Small Boat Maintenance and repair    6. Transportation    7. Motor cars: general interest    8. Vehicle maintenance   

Subjects:  1. Marine engineering    2. Rhodes, Philip L   

Reviews (3)

Coastal Georgia at its best
This is a great book!It contains an overview of the Georgia coast, along with a well researched ecological discussion.Then the writer analyzes each inlet and tributary right down to where to drop your anchor.A must for Georgia coast cruisers.

Packed with useful information
We were loaned a copy of this book before we took off on a two week vacation exploring the barrier islands by sailboat. Informative and useful
As an avid inshore fisherman, I regularly visit the Georgia coast. With so many inland waterways, the task of when and WHERE! can be quite a challenge. Fortunately, the Zydlers have accelerated the learning curve for me.Not only has the book been informative, it has also been a pleasurable read. It's not just a guide of the waterways (although it does that in great detail). The book brings a keen sense of history, a respect for nature and an armada of helpful resources that one could spend countless weeks investigating prior to a visit to this wonderland.Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlantic Coast (Ga.)    2. Boats and boating    3. General    4. Georgia    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Outdoor recreation    7. Pilot guides    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Travel    10. United States - South - South Atlantic (General)    11. United States - South Atlantic - Georgia    12. United States - State & Local - General    13. Places & peoples: general interest   

Reviews (2)

Classic Wooden Motor Yachts
This is a delightful book, beautifully produced with a wonderful collection of wooden motor yachts. My only comment is that I would have liked to read more about the stats of each boat viz. how many berths, cruising range per tank of fuel etc. A plan of the layout of each boat would have been great. I wish Mr McClure would write a supplement including the above information and any more he has on each boat. I would certainly buy one.

More (And Better) Classic Wooden Motor Yachts
Ron McClure's first book on old motorboats (CLASSIC WOODEN YACHTS OF THE NORTHWEST, Sasquatch Books, 2000) was a hit with vintage-boat fans, but it was limited to classics of Washington State and British Columbia.Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Motor Boat Design And Construction    3. Motorboats    4. Ship Maintenance And Repair    5. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - Repair & Maintenance    7. Ships, Wooden    8. Transportation    9. Yachts    10. Maritime history    11. Shipbuilding technology & engineering    12. Ships & shipping: general interest    13. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (5)

Really Unique
This book is great, primarily because of the pictorial treatment of the subject.As retired Navy, I have read extensively the history of World War II and specifically of the U.S. Navy role in winning the war.The exploits of the PT boats in the Pacific theater were of special interest. The detailed pictures of the interior and exteriors of the PT boat in the book are particularly good.I found the book to be very helpful in seeing pictorially what fighting the war in PT boats was like.The many original drawings of the profile and deck plans alone are worth a purchase.

Excellent Pictoral History
Vic Chun has done an outstanding job of bringing together brief histories of PT Boats from each theater. The book is well researched. He covers all makes and manufacturers. Some information has been included on the elusive subject of PT Boat camouflage. Highly recommended for the PT Boat enthusiast.

PT Boat Enthusiast! Two Thumbs Up!
I've bought several of these books for my uncles who served in the Navy during WWII. They loved it!They told me this was one of the best books on PT Boats out there.I liked it because I don't know a lot about these boats and I found it informative and my uncles know a lot about these boats and found it informative too.One of my uncles especially liked the cut out designs - because he has been making models of several boats and he used this book to help him make a PT. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. Naval operations, American    5. Navy    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    7. Torpedo-boats    8. United States    9. United States.    10. World War, 1939-1945    11. American history: Second World War    12. Europe    13. European history: Second World War    14. Naval forces & warfare    15. USA   

Reviews (3)

Pixilated
Probably the most thorough treatment of projected German aircraft, Myhra's book also suffers from inexplicable lapses: pictures are duplicated, line drawings are pixilated, and illustrations often so jumbled that one does not always know which plane is being described. The use of models and digital imaging is appreciated, but there is so little editorial control over layout that any benefit is lost. A great muddle of a book that even includes a photograph of a Messerschmitt sewing machine. If only it had been better edited.

Secret Aircraft Designs of the Third Reich
David Myhra gives the reader an unsurpassed look at the technological brilliance of the Third Reich. History buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike will be astounded by the rare photographs included in the book as well as stories behind the designs, which sometimes surpass the wildest fiction one could imagine. The most complete book on Nazi X Planes(especially in terms of visual content)"Secret Designs" makes you feel glad that Hitler and Goering made so many crucial mistakes that prevented many of these planes from ever becoming airborn and wringing havoc with the less advanced American designs of WWII.

Very Good, but could be improved
Myhra has produced an excellent summary of German advanced aircraft designs during the "Third Reich". What sets this work apart from similar offerings by Masters and Schlick and Meyer is the coverage given tothe designers of the aircraft and the companies which built them coupledwith the use of colour photographs of scale models. On the down side, thebook could have done with more proof reading to remove some of therepetition in the text and numerous minor typo's. It was also let down bysome very poor quality illustrations, some of the line art looks like itwas drawn using a ZX Spectrum home computer from the early '80�s. Ingeneral the illustrations are poorly organised and of greatly variablequality. I would hope that a second edition would correct these minorflaws, a tie up with Dan Johnson's excellent web site, Luft 46 would allow the illustrationsto be greatly improved. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Airplanes, Military    2. Design and construction    3. Equipment and supplies    4. Germany    5. History    6. Military    7. Military - Aviation    8. Military Science    9. Prototypes    10. Research    11. Technology & Industrial Arts    12. World War, 1939-1945    13. Air forces & warfare    14. European history: Second World War    15. Military vehicles   

Editorial Review

Warriors have used incendiary weapons from the earliest times. In this comprehensive study, English chemist and historian J.R. Partington traces their origins to Assyrian bas-reliefs from the 9th century, B.C., and even finds hints of them in the Old Testament (see Proverbs 26:18, for instance). Firearms technology took a great leap forward with the advent of so-called Greek fire, used by the Byzantine fleet to defend Constantinople against Arab attackers in the 7th century, and then later versus the Crusaders. One of history's first secret weapons, Greek fire is poorly understood today. Contemporary accounts describe nozzles spouting a fiery liquid that would burn even on the surface of the sea. Experts have tried to determine the exact nature of the substance--the recipe has been lost--but without reaching any definitive conclusions. Partington offers his own theories about one of the great mysteries of premodern warfare. He also describes the advent of gunpowder, exploring the legend of supposed inventor Black Berthold (a mythic figure, says Parrington) and examining the development of firearms in Europe, the Middle East, and China. First published in 1960, Read more

Reviews (1)

A mixed bag
[At the beginning, I must point out that the book I read was the 1960 hardbound edition, and some of what I have to say might not apply to later editions.]Read more

Subjects:  1. Explosives    2. Fire Science    3. Greek fire    4. Gunpowder    5. History    6. History - Military / War    7. Incendiary weapons    8. Military    9. Military - Weapons    10. Military Science    11. Ordnance    12. Technology    13. Education / Higher    14. Weapons & equipment   

Reviews (4)

A Good Technical Manual, Provided You Have Experience...
I found this book to be a very good shop manual, as it includes most of the repair procedures anyone would want to perform.However, I found this book lacking in a couple of areas. For one, there is not a comprehensive troubleshooting section.Troubleshooting steps are given for a few systems, but this book is written only for service, so you have to know what is wrong and what part of the motor to work on before this book is useful. Also, much of the engine terminology is not defined, so again you need some experience with this before you start.Once you get past these hurdles, this manual is very detailed, with plenty of good pictures showing key steps in the repair proceedures.For the seasoned marine mechanic, this is an excellent reference.For the do-it-yourself boat owner, it might not be the place to start.

Overall it’s a descent technical reference for the money
When I bought mine several years ago. There is a lot of good general information with some specifics, but don’t expect to be rebuilding a motor with this book if you haven’t done it before. One problem with this and other Chilton books is that they try to cover to broad a range and be everything to everybody in one book. This book has helped me solve a lot of problems or at least led me in the right direction but it won’t hold your hand and walk you through every detail. You will definitely want a good outboard troubleshooting guide to go with this book unless you are already familiar with outboard theory and have some experience.

Almost
Informative, but not complete.It's like they don't won't the average, hard working man to know exactly how to fix everything wrong with his engine.I learned a lot, but still have to take the engine in for certain problems I'm sure I could do with my tools but the book gave incomplete information on how to fix.A book this at this price should give every detail on how to fix almost every problem with the engine it covers.Am I right? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Handbooks, manuals, etc    3. Maintenance and repair    4. Outboard motors    5. Reference    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - Repair & Maintenance    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - Small Boat Maintenance and repair    8. Transportation    9. Boating    10. Reference works    11. Ships & shipping: general interest   

Reviews (1)

Buy the book !
I had been looking for a simple-to-use text for teaching the subject, when I picked up my brother's copy.I read through it in about three days, and bought a copy for myself and a copy for my student.
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Subjects:  1. Navigation   

Reviews (3)

Beautiful color testimonial of U.S. Tanks in WWII...
I reviewed the German twin to this book and as in that one, this is just a limited sampler of a few, and probably more representative U.S. Tanks in WWII.
American Tanks of WWII
This 97 page referance book, is fill with clear color photos. Gives good information of preserved examples in North America. Brief overview of american armored vehicles of WW II
This book is a brief look at the major armored vehicles of the U.S. forces during World War II. It has some interesting data that is not always readily available. The most interesting feature is that all of the photographs are recently taken of vehicles that are presently owned by individuals and museums. This gives the reader an appreciation of the number of vehicles that are preserved today and the excellent condition they are kept in ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Armored Land Forces    2. Equipment and supplies    3. History - Military / War    4. Military - World War II    5. Military History - World War II    6. Military Science    7. Reference    8. Tanks (Military science)    9. United States    10. World War, 1939-1945    11. History / Military / World War II    12. Military vehicles    13. Second World War, 1939-1945    14. War & defence operations   

Reviews (6)

Passing ASVAB Score
I am an Air Force recruiter. You need a 36 on your ASVAB to get into the Air Force. The previous comments about passing ASVAB scores are incorrect.

It helps
I feel this book can be very helpful. Although you only need a 45 to pass the ASVAB, it is still very important to do extremly well. A 45 will put you in a limited postion to select the military occupation of your choice. Your GT score and some of the line scores account for what type of occupation you will have in your future military career. I suggest that if you are not good in a certain area, get the book and practice. The ASVAB is important for how far you will be able to go in the military and what you will qualify to do.Take it from somebody who is trying to be in Intel but is off by just a few points. You've got to be kidding.....
I can't see the reason for buying a book on the ASVAB. You only need a 45 for the Army and a 65 for the Navy and Air Force. Anything above that is unnecessary. And if you can't score a 65 on this....then maybe a career in the military isn't for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Armed Forces    2. Educational Tests And Measurements (Higher Education)    3. Military Science    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Study Aids    6. Study Guides    7. Test Prep    8. Testing & Measurement    9. Examinations & assessment    10. Higher & further education    11. Military engineering    12. Study & learning skills    13. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (1)

Thank the Outboard Motor Gods.
I have had one humdinger of a time trying to find information on my Chrysler '72. Here it is all rolled up in one great little guide. It doesn't go into complete tear down, but I didn't want that. This book saved my motor from the dump. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive - General    2. Boating - General    3. Handbooks, manuals, etc    4. Inboard-outboard engines    5. Maintenance and repair    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Self-Help    8. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    9. Ships & Shipbuilding - Repair & Maintenance    10. Technical & Manufacturing Trades    11. Technology    12. Transportation    13. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (2)

Great cutaways, covers many obscure British aircraft
This book contains a collection of aircraft cutaways which were published in several British aviation journals during World War II. The book offers a unique perspective because unlike most modern reproductions, the cutaways were drawn from real aircraft by artists visiting the factories. Some details on the cutaways have been omitted for contemporary security reasons.
History on two fronts
This is a history of both classic aircraftof WW2, and the development of the cutaway artform early years. Text includes both original extracts from the magazines "Flight" (for whom he later worked) and "The Aeroplane" from the war years, as well as commentary by Bill Gunston from a position of hindsight. Information on the artists as well. Like all Gunston's books, a sardonic strain of humour is evident, as well as some personal memories. It leaves me wishing for a similar effort covering early post war aircraft. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. History: World    3. Military - Aviation    4. Military - General    5. Military Aircraft - World War II    6. Military Aircraft Design And Construction    7. Military Science    8. Aircraft: general interest    9. History / Military / Aviation    10. History of engineering & technology    11. Military vehicles    12. Second World War, 1939-1945