Gents, does someone have a copy of Ospreys new(?) campaign book on Casssino, # 134 in the series ? curious of your objectivity... thanks Erich ~
Red not that I am aware of. Just wanted a book review from one of our forum memembers if possible. It looked good from the cover. I knowing Osprey titles they are always filled with pics and profiles of some sort. E ~
well if the recent releases are anything to go by it should be worth having... Will try to liberate a copy for myself!
I havent got it, but I had a flick through... Nice maps & pics but as always with Ospreys the text is a little basic. Not bad for the price though.
hmmmmmmmmm then maybe good for the shelves or a imple read while using the toilet ? ooooooooh that was bad.....
I've seen those Osprey books all over. What is everyone's consensus on them? I know they put out a LOT of titles, I'm wondering if the quantity reduces the quality any? Anyone here own a few and want to share their opinions?
I would like to recommend the recently published "Monte Cassino: The Hardest-Fought Battle of World War II" by Matthew Parker. ISBN 0-385-50985-5
MHN please give your opinion on Matthew's book that I have already started a thread on.....if you don't mind. E Monte I have a few of the Osprey works. In a word.......blah ! I find the Napoleonics interesting as the drawings/black-white paintings of historical interest. the profiles of course are at best guesstimates of what they may have looked like. Osprey is getting much better with the WW 2 titles but they have been known for poor captioning of photos represented and poor text writing and visible errors. Their elite series weem to be catching on as a good by and the US fighter group histories are fun but brief.
Although I have a few Osprey titles ( doesn't everyone ? ) IMHO they are useful as an introduction to any subject. The aviation titles certainly vary in quality depending on the author, the selections of photos are OK but my biggest gripe is - NO BIBLIOGRAPHY !
yes indeed. When in doubt on those Air force titles check google or even MHN's associations for the representative/and or web-site as many are listed so you can chat first hand with the guys and get their true impressions. I personally feel the Osprey books are a good overall value for the mighty US dollar as an introduction to the battle, men or air force/bomber group, etc. further reading is required...........
I think they are ok. Some minor mistakes maybe but all in all relatively good material and pics. http://www.ospreypublishing.com/list_by_period.php/per=2
here is a case in point that was given by Kai's link. KC winners of the oakleaves. how can you even describe effectively the recipients in a mere 200 pages or less with 1-3 pics; all the award winners and their bios ? something like this covered in such a small format is absurd.... I would gladly spend 75.00 plus on something more useful of such an undertaking
It pretty much depends on the author. I find these books good in general, though some titles have better pictures of maps, better drawings, better typography and editorial graphic design. The 'Essential History' collection is supperb, in my opinion, their 4 titles on WWI were magnificent, and the one of the Franco-Prussian war is one of the best war-books I've read. In their 'Campaign series' I found 'Mons', 'Gallipoli' and 'First Ypres' very good. 'Kaiserschlacht' and 'Verdun' were dull, even lousy.
