Social sciences

This retrospective of Jims skateboard art bombards the reader with colorful decks, logos, ad art, ad layouts, photos, and stickers to illustrate the history of skateboarding, from the urethane revolution to the present. Take a ride with an inside view of Phillips Studios, to observe the wacky world of his crazed studio artists and examine their graphic assignments. The story traces the roots of sk

The “Desert Boneyards” are a concept well known to every aeronautical enthusiast, and yet also veiled in secrecy. Gigantic desert aerodromes in which military and civilian aircraft from all over the world are stored, either permanently or for a time, in order to serve as sources of spare parts or to be reactivated after a certain time. In this unique photo documentation, the reader is shown the be

In the 1980s, music defined the moment: “Video Killed The Radio Star” ushered in MTV, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” ruled The Breakfast Club, and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” became the anthem of a generation. The 1980s were also the most visually provocative era of the last millennium. Every new vinyl single hit the stands wrapped in eye-catching sleeves that reflected the latest

Make your own folding pocketknife with this easy-to-follow guide. Step by step, this instructional manual unfolds the secrets of constructing a slip-joint folding knife, which is held open by spring force and friction. In addition to introducing different variations of this knife style, this guide presents the materials, tools, and technical design skills needed for the project. Diagrams clearly d

The essential collection of pin-ups from photographer Robert Alvarado. He subtly combines color, form, and style to create an allure that captivates onlookers and confounds fellow photographers. The influence of pin-up photography pioneers like Alberto Vargas and Gil Elvgren is clear, but throughout the 145 alluring examples of Alvarado’s work, his signature approach to this classic form will impr

In the years between 1940 and 1945, a total of approximately 12,500 Belgians served in the Waffen-SS, a number roughly equal to the strength of an infantry division in 1944. Because of political and social problems and different objectives of the volunteers, however, the men were not combined in a single unit, rather they were deployed in three different formations. This book describes the major u

One of the distinguishing features of the World War II German Army uniform is the use of shoulder straps and boards to denote rank, branch of service, and in some cases the assigned unit right down to the company. This heavily illustrated book covers construction methods, material, types and styles of embroidery and metal devices, as well as the identification of branch and unit. Detailed charts a

This book covers the organization, tactics, weapons, equipment, orders of battle, and uniforms of official and unofficial units, from early raiding parties to formal assault battalions. Rare photos depict badges and insignia not previously known, while primary documents describing regulations and training are provided in their entirety. New information on the origin of shock tactics is presented,

The flag is a country’s national symbol and is far more than a mere banner. It reflects that country’s independence, the citizens, and their social views. As such, a flag is treated with respect, defended, and given a military salute. As so much is bound up in the flag, it may also be ridiculed, defiled, and burned in protest. As a symbol of the pride of the people, the flag is imbued with a varie

From the girl next door to sexy switch-blade sisters, the pin-up girls depicted in this collection of works by 15 of today's best artists boldly display the full spectrum of the genre. Through masterful use of color and media, both traditional and digital, these artists from around the world capture the female form in ways that remain true to their forefathers (Gil Elvgren, Alberto Vargas, etc.) b

New for World War II Soviet collectors, this box set of two volumes is he first comprehensive collection of Marshals’, Generals’ and Admirals’ parade uniforms. With hundreds of beautiful, large format full-color photographs, detailed close-ups of uniforms, and an archive of vintage photographs, this collection will take you on a visual journey through the development of the Soviet World War II fla

In 1944 the Maus giant battle tank, weighing almost 190 tons, was supposed to help turn the Wehrmacht’s fortunes of war on the Eastern Front. Just two prototypes of this monster were delivered, for its undeniable advantages—tremendous firepower and virtually impenetrable armor—were outweighed by the disadvantages of its slowness, excessive use of materials in construction, and fuel consumption so

Pop-art connoisseurs are treated to a mind-bending journey through the blistering paintings of San Francisco artist Dirty Donny Gillies. Take a visual tour of his vibrant, hand-drawn and screen-printed poster art series "Blacklight Rebellion" and hand-painted solo art show "Fantastic Voyage." This ultimate collection of cool also includes his iconic work for Stern Pinball, metal giant Metallica, V

This book showcases a comprehensive catalog of restored WWII color Kodachrome slides. Many were taken during the heat of battle by individuals trying their hand at capturing moments of wartime service with little or no previous photographic experience. These images age with time, and vast numbers were stored in conditions not always conducive to long-term preservation. The restoration and preserva

This book continues with the overview of the Waffen-SS units that fought during WWII. It follows each unit as it was raised and then where it fought. Within each of the various battles covered, the book focuses specifically on each Waffen-SS soldier that was awarded the Knights Cross to the Iron Cross (and higher grades where applicable). This volume covers the period January to May 1944 and featu

Continuing the tradition of creating the next level of breathtaking pin-up girls in the modern world, internationally acclaimed photographer and pin-up artist Celeste Giuliano presents her classic style of pin-ups in stunning 3-D for the first time ever. The pin-up girl has been a staple of classic American culture since the 1920s. Featured on advertisements and novelty items, their coy smiles and

This guide showcases knives used by America's clandestine military in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. It provides the collector and others interested in the period a way of identifying honest SOG (Studies and Observations Group) specimens and separating them from counterfeits. With beautiful color photographs that show a high level of detail, the book identifies all known SOG specimens (ove

The 7th Waffen SS Mountain Division was raised for war in the rugged terrain of Yugoslavia. The unit included a huge number of Volksdeutsche, ethnic Germans recruited from outside the Reich. After numerous anti-guerrilla operations in Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia, towards the end of the war it was employed against units of the Bulgarian Army and Red Army forces in the difficult mission

This book chronicles the history, training, and operations of UnitedStates Army Special Forces, including never before published photos andinsignia that were designed and worn by the men of the United StatesArmy Special Forces. The modern United States Army Special Forces was formed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on June 19, 1952. Special Forces have served in every major and numerous minor confli

USS Yorktown (CV-5) was the US Navy's first battle-worthy, purpose-built aircraft carrier. Her crew, already accustomed to wartime conditions by maintaining Neutrality Patrols during 1941 in the Atlantic, quickly adapted to the Pacific Theater, having been dispatched there immediately after Pearl Harbor. First at Coral Sea, then at Midway, Yorktown's flyers blunted the sword of Japanese aggression