Reviews (1)

GOOD BOOK
Good overview of major weapons of the allied infantry. Could use more illustrations ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. History: World    4. Military - Pictorial    5. Military - Weapons    6. Military - World War II    7. History / Military / World War II    8. Inter-war period, 1918-1939    9. Ordnance, weapons technology    10. Second World War, 1939-1945    11. Weapons & equipment    12. World history: Second World War   

Reviews (8)

How to Design a Boat
Good, but scanty in detail.Gives you an adequate overview of the subject but lacks sufficient detail to be of much practical use.

How to Design a Boat
Excellent step by step technical approach - with a good practical balance to the engineering issues.
I read it again and again
I have accumulated a lot of boat books over the years, mainly on building and design. I really love this book. Mr Teale gives you a concise course on how to design a conventional boat. He doesn't try to turn you into a naval engineer in this little book, he just gives you enough info with no guff and not too much jargon.
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Subjects:  1. Boating - Boatbuilding    2. Boating - General    3. Boats and boating    4. Design and construction    5. Handbooks & Manuals    6. Sailing - General    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation   

Reviews (4)

Huie Can DO!
As a son of a submariner from WWII, I grew up hearing all the navy stories and meeting the naval pals of my father. This garnered me a more than casual interest in things Naval regarding WWII. I also grew up with theJohn Wayne version of the Seabees. I like Huie's version better. Writtenduring the war, it carries all the flavors of patriotism it was written toimpart to the American public. I found it a "page turner" once Igot past the first few preliminary chapters as he was setting the storyline us. Well worth the money. I am looking forward to reading his sequel:From Omaha to Okinawa.

thisisexactlythewaythings wereon each island
iserved inthe1st special constructionand steverdoring batt. onthe canal guadacanal and made 2tripsandended in saseboinsept of 45 as soonas thepeacetreaty was signed. this book has picturesandstories bythemen who were there. bookwasajob welldone

Great Little Read!
This book is surprisingly interesting and contains a bunch of good "first person" stories complete with unique and numerous photos. The atmosphere is real WWII since the book was written in 1943. Makes you want to find out what happened next. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1910-1986    2. Biography    3. History - Military / War    4. History: World    5. Huie, William Bradford,    6. Military - World War II    7. Military Science    8. Naval Engineering Forces    9. Naval History - World War II    10. Naval operations, American    11. Navy    12. Personal narratives, American    13. Sailors    14. Seabees    15. Technology    16. United States    17. World War, 1939-1945    18. Europe    19. European history: Second World War    20. Huie, William Bradford    21. Naval forces & warfare    22. Second World War, 1939-1945   

Editorial Review

For anyone who's ever despaired of making a bowline knot from instructions saying "dive into the bunny hole," or illustrations showing a plain line in figure 1, a completed knot in figure 4, and a bafflement of loops in between, here is a solution. Originally written in Italian but translated into English by Maria Piotrowska, the Read more

Reviews (16)

Very helpful and easy to read.
This book has excellent illustrations to help learn knots.There is a brief text instruction for every knot in the book.I think the text instructions are somewhat lacking, but the fine illustrations more than make up for it.The text also gives some information on what each knot would typically be used for, which is very helpful.The book goes into great detail on fishing knots (ie tying a very large hook to a rope) which I find annoying, but could be very helpful for a deep sea fisherman.

An excellent manual for new boaters
I gave this book to a friend who just bought his first boat and he refers to it all the time - uses it for practice too.The pictures and illustrations are very clear - which is the most important part.You never have to ask "how did that piece go there?".The key is to practice a handful of knots so you can do them in the dark, or in a storm, when you really need them.

A Picture is Worth a 1000 words
The many, many color photos of each knot at each step makes this book highly useful and easy to follow.Great variety of knots for many situations.A must have for my small collection of books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. General    3. Knots and splices    4. Sailing - General    5. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Reference / General    9. Sports & Outdoor Recreation   

Reviews (6)

Very bad
Very bad Excellent Resource
I own several other great books on ship modelling: I would not buy this book again
Lots of [bad] pictures.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Models    6. Ship models    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Models   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Marine Engineering (General)    3. Marine engineering    4. Marine machinery    5. Science    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - General    8. Transportation    9. Transportation / Ships & Shipbuilding / Repair & Maintenance   

Editorial Review

Donovan Webster, a former editor at Read more

Reviews (13)

Hit or Miss, and no solutions
The chapters on UXO remediation in France, and the Boneyards of Stalingrad were gripping.I could not put down the book during these chapters.I have walked these areas of France, and his descriptions of the people and the terrain are perfect.I found that the Nevada Test Site, and Vietnam chapters were a bit sleepy.As a Gulf War Veteran, I enjoyed the chapter about mine clearing in Iraq, but think others may find it plodding.
Fascinating...readable...compelling
I did not expect his book to grab me the way it did,yeah I'd read about all the land mines left in Iran etc. but to learn about the extent of unexploded munitions left worldwide from conflicts dating back a century was a shock.Mr. Webster took me around the world to places I wouldn't have imagined,the affluent young French wife who found her son playing in the yard with live German artillary shells,the plains of Russia still hiding live munitions,even a forgotten test range that is now a San Diego suburb where children playing found live unexploded artillary. "Aftermath" sobers the rush of war.
Mr. Webster has documented a sobering and horrific walk through time.He has described the international problem of Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) from past wars, which continues destroy lives even 80 years later.We have all been exposed to the images and the glorious stories of armed conflict over the decades, which society teaches new generations to honor.Much of the sheer inhumanity, the utterly cold necessity of combat is ignored.Mr. Webster traveled the world to seek out the continuing reality of sudden death, perpretrated by soldiers long gone or dead.Read more

Subjects:  1. Military    2. Military - General    3. Military Science    4. Modern - General    5. Psychological aspects    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. War    9. War and society    10. History / Modern / General    11. Military engineering   

Reviews (3)

Excellent
A must for the collector. color photo's and detailed drawings and pictures. This is the way to do it right. Includes Inception of the Globemasters, phototypes leading up to the C-17, Development History -photo's in the building stages - many, Missions, Productions list, and Specs, A "gotta a have one".

Very Good Reference on the C-17
I enjoy this book immensely.If you're an enthusiast, you know that there aren't a lot of books currently available on the C-17; the plane is just too new.The C-17 is, however, a fascinating plane, and if you're eager for more info you won't be disappointed with this book.The textual content is first rate.It has a very pleasing rhythm and balance.If you have other aerospace books on your shelf you know that sometimes the writer is very technically knowledgeable without possessing adequate writing skills.Or, the information is unbalanced (e.g., too much history, too little technical, or vice versa).This book was both written well, and edited well.The photos, too, are very good.While most are black-and-white [there are several pages of 4-color photos], they are well printed and not distracting because of their monochromatic nature as in some other, cheaper publications.I was also impressed with the tidbits of information that Norton delivers.You'll read about and see information on hidden features (e.g., jacks, APUs, exterior lights, etc.).All in all, it's a very well delivered presentation on the newest airlifter, and a worthy addition to your aerospace library.

A profusely illustrated history of this remarkable aircraft
With less than a decade from its first flight, and with production less than halfway through its presently federally funded run, the C-17A Globemaster II is still considered a young aircraft. Aviation specialist Bill Norton presents the reader with a profusely illustrated history of this remarkable American military aircraft's gestation, development, unique features, strategic and tactical airlift missions; and service record to date. Boeing C-17A Globemaster III is a remarkable and impressive addition to any personal, professional, academic, or community library aviation history collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. Military    4. Military - Aviation    5. Military - Pictorial    6. Aerospace & aviation technology    7. History / Military / Aviation   

Subjects:  1. Sailing - Navigation    2. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    3. Travel - United States    4. United States - Pacific - Washington    5. Outdoor Recreation Washington (State)    6. Puget Sound     7. Puget Sound Guidebooks    8. Marinas Washington (State)   

Reviews (4)

Excellent boat book!updated review ! definately 5 stars
I purchased this boat book for my nephew based on how the book was rated age wise, which was for 4 to 8 year old children. This book is packed with so much wonderful knowledge on different kinds of boats! I just, believe that a 6 year old would get so more out of the book. This book could be used for younger boat lovers if you just read the why type of boat it is and move on, I don't really see my nephew sitting down and paying attention. Plus most are boats he's not familiar with or would ever see here in Florida. The art work is well done and looks very realistic.
Biedrzycki and Pallotta team to produce a stunning book!
Jerry Pallotta, a.k.a. "The Alphabet Man," has once again written an entertaining book for children. Coupled with Biedrzycki's illustrations, "The Boat Alphabet Book" is one of Charlesbridge'sbest offerings. This book is a must for any student (or teacher) studyingwater travel.

From "tots" to "tens", this book's a winner.
This book has brightly colored, interesting illustrations to engage a tiny tot. It is a rhythmic and engaging alphabet book for the slightly older child. And it is a tightly written informational book on boats for thegradeschool age child.A winner that grows along with the youngster. Wecouldn't resist buying one for both of our grandchildren. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alphabet    2. Boats and boating    3. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Concepts - Alphabet    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. Miscellanea    9. Transportation - Boats, Ships & Underwater Craft    10. ABC books   

Reviews (12)

It's all metric!
The weapon described in this book looks like it would be of great utility to own, in times of need. The drawings are clear, as are the instructions. The design was carefully worked out so that partisans could manufacture the weapon covertly, with parts distributed among many small shops, and in great quantity. And, most importantly, the steel stock used are all very common sizes of material, easily available at any steel supply house IN EUROPE! However, none of the materials called for are available in America! I love the book, however, when the Ummah forces my family into dhimmitude, I will have to die in place, since this book won't help the resistance at all.

Best Sub-Gun Book
Just got the book this afternoon and let me tell you that this is a keeper. Angry plus dissapointment
After buying and reading the book I realized that I need a lathe to make the gun. Lost my money! I think that the author should let the visitors know about that "little fact" before buying the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Design and construction    3. Do-It-Yourself    4. Do-It-Yourself - General    5. Firearms & Weapons    6. General    7. Gunsmithing    8. House & Home    9. Military Science    10. Submachine guns    11. DIY    12. History / Military / Weapons    13. Small firearms, guns & other equipment   

Reviews (2)

A real American hero
I met Herky and his wife when I moved to Southern California several years ago.I had heard of him, but wasn't familiar with the details of his exploits during WWII until reading his book.It is fantastic!Written by him alone, without the aid of a "professional author," it is a refreshingly honest, first hand perspective, on the life of a fighter pilot during WWII.The events that he experienced flying P-40s, P-47s, and P-51s from North Africa to Italy are facinating and cover a longer period than many of the aces that fought in the war.If you have been disappointed in the past by the personal shortcomings that some "heros" have exhibited in other parts of their lives, look no further than Herky.He is someone his peers looked up to during the war and is someone we would all do well to emulate in our lives... a real American hero.

Couldn't put it down.Great WWII Army Air Force history.
For the past ten years, I have been doing research, and for eight years, coordinating reunions for an Army Air Force Primary Aviation Flying School.The very first graduating class of this school produced at least three ofthe top fighter aces of WWII.Herschel H. Green was one of these.Overthe years, I have heard numerous stories from several hundred former cadetsand staff from the school.This, however, is one of only four books that Iknow of, written by these individuals.It is unique in that it is thecomplete history of an individual from childhood, to the present.Itconcentrates on all aspects of his life, which, as Tom Brokaw reflects inhis book "The Greatest Generation", began with the way in whichhe was brought up as a child.His attitude, respect for others, andability to want to succeed in everything he did enabled him to survive insituations where others failed.His accurate records of his missions showhow he, and his fellow pilots, maintenance crews, and various planes, weresuccessful, while others were not.He shows the human aspect of preparingfor combat, participating in numerous battles, making the adjustments tosurvive in war as well as in peacetime, and finally retiring, and joiningthe civilian world. His ability to be flexible and function under changeand pressure has insured his success in all aspects of his life.I had thepriviledge of talking with Colonel Green a few weeks ago, and at the sametime, request a copy of his book. In addition, I received an autographedpicture to add to my museum collection with the others who were successfulafter completing training here.He is a very pleasant individual to talkto and have hopes of seeing at one of my future reunions.I highlyrecommend this book to anyone interested not only in military aviationhistory, but specifically in WWII. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. History: World    3. Military - World War II    4. Air forces & warfare    5. Aircraft: general interest    6. Biography: general    7. Green, Herschel H    8. History of engineering & technology   

Subjects:  1. Firearms    2. History - Military / War    3. History: World    4. Military - General    5. Military Science    6. Ordnance    7. Special forces (Military science)    8. Special & elite forces    9. Weapons & equipment   

Reviews (2)

Its All Here-The Biggest Air Battle Yet
The expression: "Turning Point of WWII", is a cliche no doubt, but it may apply to the Battle Of Britain airwar in 1940. Jacobs and Lightsey have done an excellent job of detailing Britain's struggle against the German Luftwaffe.There is just enough technical detail to show this is a well researched book, but not too many statistics and numbers to overwhelm the reader. Paul Jacobs' original and innovative drawings add another dimension to the text.
Everything You Wanted to Know About the Battle of Britain
This is a very comprehensive review of the Battle of Britain, the campaign which saved Europe from an indefinite period of darkness, oppression, and inhumanity.Without the courage and resilience of the British people and the courage, competence, and sacrifice of the young pilots and crews of the RAF from whom so much was demanded Hitler's legions would have stood triumphant over a defeated Europe.The level of detail about the technological and tactical development of aerial combat and strategic bombing from WWI to WWII, including radar, propellers, engines, gasoline, machine guns, gunsights, will attractaviation 'wonks' and the address of the broader political imperatives which led to war will attract the historian and political scientist.Mr. Jacobs' unbelievable sketches throughout add very helpful imagery of the aircraft which fought the campaign.I was intrigued, too, by the description of the influence of American aviation developments in the building of the German and British airfleets.I wish, though, the authors had addressed in more detail the effect of the early British breaking of German communication codes.A good read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerial operations, British    2. Aerial operations, German    3. Aviation - History    4. Britain, Battle of, Great Brit    5. Britain, Battle of, Great Britain, 1940    6. Europe - Great Britain - General    7. Great Britain    8. History - Military / War    9. History: World    10. Military - Aviation    11. Transportation    12. World War, 1939-1945    13. Air forces & warfare    14. Battles & campaigns    15. British & Irish history: Second World War    16. Europe    17. European history: Second World War    18. History / Military / World War II    19. History of engineering & technology    20. Second World War, 1939-1945    21. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Reviews (2)

Excellent source for ship handling information
This is an excellent source for information on Naval ship handling.It is a little dated, but the basic concepts remain the same.It covers everything from working alongside the pier through towing.

I intrested for buying books on shiphandling
I am Capt.Wessaam A.0 Hafez I will be very aprechated if you send me the titel and summert review for book about Shiphandling,Shiphandling by tugs, and Shallow Water effect on Shiphandling, Scorted Tugboat ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Handling    2. Warships   

Reviews (6)

Oceanic navigation classic
The most complete study of early navigation I have come across. The author does a fantastic job of comparing the different styles of landfinding as used by the Pacific islanders. Lewis brings the knowledge and experience of an accomplished western sailor and navigator to his studies, and in doing so is able compare and contrast ancient and modern techniques. A scholarly study of primitive navigation, the book is not always an easy read, however for the reader looking for a complete comparison this is the volume to have.

An academic book by a knowledgable navigator
This book is written by an academic. I don't necessarily mean this in a negative sense. The author has done a very thorough research on the topic and presented his findings. The effect is a book that can be called a comprehensive treatment as far as it can be done given that the practictioners are disappearing fast. Exellent on Pacific Voyaging
David Lewis has zig-zaged the Pacific in modern yachts and traditional canoes. His broad experience and long resarch, using his own and many schoolars data, has made this a good analysis and documentation of theextremly impressing and interesting phenomenon of ancient and presentvoyaging in the Pacific. Others, specially anthropologists fieldworking inthe Central Carolines of Micronesia, had written about the presently usedMicronesian voyaging system, others less throughly about the forgottenpolynesian,but Lewis mangage to give a synthesis of the technologies andsome of the social aspectsof traditional voyaging in the Pacific ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Australia & New Zealand - General    2. History    3. History: World    4. Micronesians    5. Navigation    6. Polynesians    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    8. South Pacific Ocean    9. Transportation    10. Hawaii    11. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (2)

Proves that counter-insurgency is not new
Despite being over sixty years old, the 1940 edition of the USMC's Small Wars Manual remains one of the cornerstone documents for fighting counter-insurgency warfare.Written in a direct style that is absent from today's military documents, the small wars manual covers the art of fighting limited wars from A-Z, to include ambushes, running elections, disarming the population, and dealing with locals.This book is widely used, often imitated, but never beaten.Far from a historical document, the Small Wars Manual remains vital today.

An Old Book but Surprisingly Revelant
Between the two world wars the United States sent its military forces to numerous small countries to bolster the US diplomatic efforts. The countries so 'invaded' included virtually every Latin American country and countries as far away as China and the Philippines. In order to have their forces operate, the United States military has to have manuals that define what the forces are going to do.
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Subjects:  1. Military Science    2. Science/Mathematics    3. Technology    4. Technology & Industrial Arts    5. Military engineering   

Subjects:  1. Ordnance    2. Springfield rifle   

Reviews (3)

Absolutely excellent
I heartly agree with Kip Putnam...This is perhaps the best book for sailors to read, it should be in every avid sailors library.Fully comprehensive, it covers basic sailing theory but also explains in easy to comprehend english the finer most complicated details fo sailing.I purchased the hardcover version in 1976 and have used it consistantly ever since.Mr. Putnam's comment, "No other book does so great a job of explaining the sport from beginniners to professionals." is oh so true.

Sheer excellence
This is perhaps the best book for sailors to read,Fully comprehensive, it covers basic ideas like the slot theory, but also explains the Kutta-Joukowski theory that defies it.Ross goes on to describe othersimple things as well as things that are not so simple.The book is welllaid-out; chapters are in good order, more complex details towards the endof the book.What the table of contents does not tell about the locationof a particular subject, the complete index does.At least as much testing of these theories as research went into the writing of this book. Although the thickness of the book attests to the complexity of the sport,its author explains each detail in a wonderfully simple style. No otherbook does so great a job of explaining the sport from beginniners toprofessionals

This book is out of date.
Much of this old "bible"of sailinghas been out of date for some time. The worst areas are those regarding the physics of sailing. Old saws such as the "slot effect" and the "aerofoil lifteffect" are no longer given credence in the industry. As a particalguide for the beginning sailor, the rest of the book is useable, althoughthere are many better books available on the market. The Glennans SailingManual, for one. I would not waste my money on this out of print, out ofdate book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Boating And Sailing    3. Sailing    4. Sails    5. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    6. Small Ship Design And Construction    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (4)

Best book to answer all your questions
Although I enjoy reading John Gardner's books the most, when it comes time to build this is the book I'll have on my workbench.It's packed with more info than any other book I've seen and answers all those nagging questions.It's by far the best Bible on boat building.The only part about his boat building technique I question is the use of screws, battens, and small blocks of wood toreplace clamps.Guess I'll have to try it both ways to be convinced it's easier.Hat's off to you John.Good work.
How to Build Glued Lapstrake Wooden Boats
I concur with other reviewers as to the generosity of the authors. There are so many valuable tips in this book. I have just started my boat and have already realized some time-savings. I am very pleased with this book.

Great book on glued lapstrake
This is a great book for any boatbuilder, especially the home builder like I am.I have built 3 lapstrake boats, 2 hard chine boats and 1 cedar strip and I like glued lapstrake the best.John's book has a great amount of detail.I wish I had this book years ago.I really like his method of planking without clamps.He screws down battens instead.The building frame and mold set up allow you to get underneath to scrape excess epoxy before it cures.He focuses on minimizing sanding after the planking is all done.Sanding can easily take as long as building if you do a sloppy job.Many shopmade jigs and neat ideas are shown like such as: angle gauge, gain-o-matic, circular saw batten guide when ripping strakes, and many others. I was very interested in the section on finishing.I saw one of John's boats in person at a Mystic seaport small craft event and I thought for sure the finish was sprayed.It was not.It was beautiful.John's craftsmanship is first rate and probably the best I have seen in glued lapstrake boats.His attention to detail carries over into his writing.Ruth Ann Hill deserves a lot of credit too for the high quality boats and this book. Not many people can do both building and writing well, but they pull it off.I hope he comes out with more boat plans in the future. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boatbuilding    2. Boating - Boatbuilding    3. Boating - General    4. Design and construction    5. Gluing    6. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Wooden boats