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Rating: 
Summary: Not Really the reference I had hoped for
Review: I bought this book with thinking it would be the end-all be-all on WWII patches. Well, it isn't unfortunately. While the presentation is really good, hardcover, colored pictures and all, the content is less than stellar. First of all, you will find that large gaps between patches/text and blank pages are evident that the author is trying to fill the book up. Many more patches/ variations should of been included to enhance the quality of this book. You are really getting less info than what you are lead to believe. The information is not that accurate either. For example, the author ID's the 108th Airborne Division as a "phantom" division when it was actually a postwar reserve unit. Another example is the assertion that the 18th Airborne Corps used to be designated the 18th Armored Corps which was never the case. One glaring omission was found in the text concerning using ultraviolet light to ID reproduction patches. The author says that no matter what, if a patch glows, it is a repro. For new collectors, this is a very misleading statement. If a patch is washed using laundry detergent, it WILL glow due to the detergents phosphorescent ingredients.So, in the end, you have a book that is somewhat useful, but fails to deliver. Having been a patch collector for 23 years, I cannot recommend this book as a sole source...
Rating:
Summary: Not Really the reference I had hoped for
Review: I bought this book with thinking it would be the end-all be-all on WWII patches. Well, it isn't unfortunately. While the presentation is really good, hardcover, colored pictures and all, the content is less than stellar. First of all, you will find that large gaps between patches/text and blank pages are evident that the author is trying to fill the book up. Many more patches/ variations should of been included to enhance the quality of this book. You are really getting less info than what you are lead to believe. The information is not that accurate either. For example, the author ID's the 108th Airborne Division as a "phantom" division when it was actually a postwar reserve unit. Another example is the assertion that the 18th Airborne Corps used to be designated the 18th Armored Corps which was never the case. One glaring omission was found in the text concerning using ultraviolet light to ID reproduction patches. The author says that no matter what, if a patch glows, it is a repro. For new collectors, this is a very misleading statement. If a patch is washed using laundry detergent, it WILL glow due to the detergents phosphorescent ingredients. So, in the end, you have a book that is somewhat useful, but fails to deliver. Having been a patch collector for 23 years, I cannot recommend this book as a sole source...
Rating: 
Summary: Best book available on the subject, bar none!
Review: This is an outstanding work. Lots of variations, values, rare types, all branches, etc. I have never found another like this. The information made available is wonderful and in many instances, the author reveals facts that are little-known, or in some cases, rights erroneous, generally accepted information. Gorgeous color plates, all original patches, etc. Many, I've never seen before. The most helpful is the info on how to determine authenticity. That alone is worth the read! Excellent, excellent book!
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