Leathernecks : an illustrated history of the U.S. Marine Corps

Two accomplished historians, one of them a career marine, join forces in this outstanding one-volume history of the U.S. Marine Corps. The marines have distinguished themselves in every American war except, possibly, the Civil War, and are currently proving their mastery of infantry combat in Iraq. But the book also covers periods, such as the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the marines were closer to being extinguished than distinguished, and their flubs and failures as well as their epic heroism in some of the toughest battles in American history. The post-Vietnam coverage includes uncertain weapons systems (e.g., the Osprey tilt-rotor), the integration of women and minorities (a work still in progress), and the marines' frustrating use as a diversionary force in the Gulf War. The whole book is, lavishly illustrated with a variety of photographs, posters, and paintings that enhance its already high value for both scholars and browsers."" - ""Bartlett and Sweetman, respected authorities on naval and Marine Corps history, collaborate on a significantly updated version of The U.S. Marine Corps: An Illustrated History. Owners of that volume need not shy away from this one. The illustrations in particular have been overhauled, incorporating many new photos and prints from unfamiliar sources. The text adds a final chapter perceptively analyzing the corps's spectrum of contributions to the war on terror, from peacekeeping operations in Africa to pitched battles in Iraq and Afghanistan. The authors' treatment of the two battles for Fallujah merit particular attention. Newcomers will find even more useful the initial chapter, a survey of marine forces since antiquity, and the body of the text, which surveys the U.S. Marines' protean history. The book, and the Corps it celebrates, are best defined by a photo: this candid shot, taken during the battle for Okinawa, shows two men of the 29th Marines sleeping, an Okinawan orphan cuddled safely between them in their fighting hole."" -Publishers Weekly""Superb narrative history profusely illustrated with a veritable gallery of Marine Corps combat art all thoroughly integrated by two proven masters of the profession."" - Col. Joseph H. Alexander, USMC (Ret.), co-author, Through the Wheat: The U.S. Marines in World War I""Thorough and dotted with vignettes of interest, this book reveals that a pair of veteran historians have delivered an excellent survey of the Corps and its unique culture. Several illustrations that remained unknown to most of us enhance their coverage of a venerable subject."" - Lt. Col. Kenneth W. Estes, USMC (Ret.), PhD., historian and editor of The Marine Officer s Guide, 7th Edition""Bartlett and Sweetman have produced a consummate blend of written and visual history that will please Marines and thrill their families and friends. It will no doubt become a gift of choice and is worth every penny. Leathernecks is a winner."" - Col. Allan R. Millet, USMCR (Ret.), author of In Many a Strife: General Gerald C. Thomas and the U.S. Marine Corps, 1917-1956""Bartlett and Sweetman have set the standard for any future illustrated histories of the U.S. Marine Corps. Concise, straightforward and absolutely fascinating, they have combined their extraordinary and award-winning talents as historians with a flare for art, photography and illustration. A must have reference for all serious students of military history, from cover to cover, Leathernecks deftly captures the spirit of what is means to bear the title, United States Marine."" - Dr. Charles P. Neimeyer, editor of On the Corps: USMC Wisdom from the Pages of Leatherneck, Marine Corps Gazette, and Proceedings Read more...