Customer Reviews

Camouflage Uniforms of the Soviet Union and Russia: 1937-to the Present (Schiffer Military History)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book fills a void to those of us who have been interested in modern Soviet/Russian military gear. Until this book was published most of the details of the history, development and pictorial record of Soviet/Russion camouflage uniforms was clouded in secrecy. The first half of the book covers the chronology of the development and use of camouflage within the Red Army in general and especially within special forces units(airborne and spetsnaz). The second half of the book is the "good stuff"...for the next 70 or so pages are photos and detailed descriptions of every camouflage pattern used by the Russian/Soviet armed forces. The descriptions begin with pre-WWII "amoeba" pattern and finish up with the plethora of patterns worn by present day Russian armed forces. It is THE definitive text on this subject. The book is also printed on heavy gloss paper and robustly bound(I know, I'm picky). I highly recommend it.

Buying this book I was hoping to get a detailed portfolio of soviet uniforms, with detailed photographs and descriptios. Referring to guide books in vietnam era reenacting/collecting I find Desmond's book a little chaotic however shoving superb quality photos. In my opinion the book lacks full photos of uniform - you see only shirt front or whole silhouette of a soldier - no details of pockets, trouser's legs, flaps, etc - alle these little facts that make difference when you're a collector.
This book is a useful guide for a newbee ora somebody with little knowledge. I'd throw in more additional "era" photos, and more detailed descriptions.
Anyway the book is worth it's price and I hope it's going to motivete another autor to enlighten the subject with a larger album.