1939- Vehicles of Polish Troops
Jonca, Szubanski, & Tarczynski, WKL, Warsaw,1990

    From 1990, 1939- Vehicles of Polish Troops is one of the earlier books I have from the current well-established Polish hobby publishing sector. Capping out at 270 pages within a hardcover, perfect bound book, we're presented with a comprehensive catalog of the many armored and softskin vehicles in use with the Polish army in 1939. Apart from numerous indigenous Polish designs, the book also includes a variety of French and Italian types. Each type is illustrated with a line drawing and color profile, along with numerous b/w period photos throughout the book. We conclude with a color survey of Polish uniforms and insignias. While Polish language throughout the main text, a detailed english summary is included at the end, along with english photo captions.
    I purchased this book second hand and I believe it is OOP. WKL is still an active publisher, focusing largely on Polish topics: www.wkl.com

Aviator Uniforms and Equipment of IJN
ModelArt Co. Ltd Tokyo, Japan 2004

    Another masterpiece from the masters at ModelArt Co. in Japan. A large format, softbound edition covering every single minute detail of the uniforms and gear carried by IJN airmen. Apart from the typical flying helmets and sidearms, fascinating details about cartography, life rafts, and underclothing(!) are included. Richly illustrated across 132 pages with period photos, illustrations and images of preserved gear make this another home run from the ModelArt team.
    I picked this up new at a model show when it came out; I believe it's OOP now.

Blossoms in the Wind
M.G. Sheftall, NAL Caliber, New York, 2005

    This is really an outstanding book. Apart from providing the inspiration for my "Special Attackers" decal set, this book is a sensitive, yet, studious anecdotal history on the Kamikaze corps related by surviving veterans themselves. Author M.G. Sheftall is an American scholar living in Japan who spent years amassing the trust of surviving veterans who, in turn, provided their stories for this book. We visit with air corps and Kaiten sailors and are transported back to late war Japan as they relive their experiences, fears, feelings of loss and, finally, their hopes for post-war Japan. For modelers, only a small photo section is included, but, a photo of the stunning 197th Shinbu-Tai "Momotaro" rudder marking is shown being applied to a Hayate fighter.

    I picked this book up from a local book store and it is readily avaialble; I'd recommend the hardbound edition for longevity.

 

Blue Battlefields
Charles O'Mahony, Aviation Usk, Washington, 1994

    Ahh, the legendary Aviation Usk and their wonderful, wacky catalogs. The demise of this fine hobby shop/decal producer/publisher is, sadly, very well known so I won't belabor it. This book is one my my favorite Uskian products. Hardbound with 151 pages, Charles O'Mahoney deftly recalls his experience flying Marauders with the 320th Bomb Group over war torn Europe. Beginning with his enlistment, O'Mahony presents a lively and, at times, poignant, recollection of his wartime service. A nice selection of b/w photos throughout bring the story to life and illustrate all aspects of his experience. For modelers, we're offered (48) brilliant Kodachrome photos, many depicting the Marauders at work over Europe.  This is really a great book for both the history enthusiast and scale modeler.
     I purchased this title new from a local (now defunct...*sigh*) hobby shop. I've seen it on eBay from time to time and can still be obtained for a reasonable price.

Ali d'Italia #19, Breda 88
Enrico Leroni, La Bancarella Aeronautica, Italy, 2004

    One in a successful series illustrating Italian aircraft, Breda 88 presents a detailed, dual-language history of this much maligned attack aircraft. As is typical of the series, a wealth of period photos and manufacturers drawings, scale drawings and color profiles make this book an essential resource for the upcoming Special Hobby 48th kit...whenever it arrives. I've always liked the purposeful look of this plane and enjoy having a detailed monograph of it.
    I purchased this book through its North American distributor, Pacific Coast Models; it appears to still be available.