Alejandro M. de Quesada. Uniforms of the German Soldier: An Illustrated History from World War II to the Present Day.

Alejandro M. de Quesada. Uniforms of the German soldier: An illustrated history from World War II to the present day, Greenhill Books, London, 2006, (www.greenhillbooks.com), ISBN 1-85367-679-9, hardcover with dust jacket, 224 pp, hundreds of b&w photos plus 55 colour photos, 258 x 190 mm, UK25.00 [pounds sterling].

The subject of the German military, particularly that of the Third Reich, seems to be an evergreen subject of interest to readers old and new. This amazing book should satisfy most researchers and military uniform enthusiasts. If ever there was a Boy's Own (or Old Boy's Own) picture book of the German Army 1918 to the present, this would have to be it. The subtitle indicates "from World War II" but in fact the author also provides valuable photos, chart material and text on the troubled times in Germany following the Armistice and the evolution of the Reichswehr, the armed forces of the Weimar Republic. An introduction by the noted historian Charles Messenger sets the historical background for the time frame of the book and provides an invaluable overview deserving of study by any student of modern German history.

The main body of the text is devoted to hundreds of contemporary photos with informative captions that provide invaluable facts about uniform patterns, innovations and variations as well as accoutrements, badges of rank, emblems and awards. Additional quick reference information is provided by the reproduction of charts of uniforms relating to the Provisional Reichswehr, the Freikorps, the Reichswehr, the WW2 German Army, the East German Army (NVA) and the West German Army (Bundesheer). One appendix even deals with the use of Army-style field-grey uniforms by the German Navy 1921-1945. A helpful glossary explains German military equipment and dress terms. The author's diligence in searching out photographs (all but one or two I had never seen before) and providing discerning comments on the same is to be commended. This is indeed a picture book to open anywhere for browsing and is guaranteed to send lovers of the subject into fits of ecstasy. In short, an enlightening and much needed reference. Syd Wigzell