Customer Reviews

The M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (Cross-Sections)

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I was surprised to find this is a children's book. With that said, I enjoy it very much. The illustrations, particularly the exploded views are outstanding. Several CAD drawings (including the front cover) show the new MIA2 TUSK. My only complaint is that the book is too short.

I was pleasantly surprised to come across the 'Cross-Section' series of books on military hardware put out by Edge Books. Though the series - which apparently ran to 12 titles - is intended for readers 9-12, the information and especially the illustrations add up to a very appealing package. Aside from the M1 Abrams volume, the series featured books on the A-10, AH-64, AV-8B, B-2, EA-6B, F/A-22, Humvee, LCAC Hovercraft, M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, M2 Bradley and the M270 MLRS. Series authors were Steve Parker and Ole Steen Hansen.

I decided to review three of the Cross-Sections books, choosing a tank, an aircraft and a combat support vehicle.

THE M1 ABRAMS MAIN BATTLE TANK volume showcases the series' main selling points. The text - divided into chapters on Tank History, the M1's Mission, Cross-Section, Engine, Gun, Turret Crew, Systems, etc. - is brief but concise and informative. The illustrations, most of which are CAD images, are just super. They give the reader an up-close-and-personal view of the M1's various components and systems.

A blurb on the verso of the title page claims Parker's book is "an in-depth look at the M1." That's stretching it a bit - the book only runs to 32 pages - but I will say THE M1 ABRAMS MAIN BATTLE TANK is a very nicely done basic primer on that particular weapons system.

Younger readers interested in military 'heavy metal' will enjoy this book and the others in the 'Cross-Sections' series. Recommended.