Customer Reviews

Imperial Munitorum Manual

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Imperial Munitorum Manual is much like the Uplifting Primer book that is coming back into print shortly, although this one focuses more on the equipment of the Imperial Guard. Other than that, the style, layout and premise of the book is pretty much the same as that previously issued and entertaining work. If anything, my main criticism of the Munitorum Manual is that it is too much like the Uplifting Primer and therefore does not offer the reader much that is new in that regard. However, it is amusingly over-the-top in its harshness as was the Uplifting Primer and it is entertaining from that perspective. The list of punishable offenses regarding the treatment of equipment is so extensive, some of it seems to contradict well-established 40K background material. For example, putting kill markings on your rifle is listed as an infraction, yet Warhammer 40,000 stories, miniature imagery and artwork have prominently featured kill markings on Guardsmen's equipment for years. Perhaps the author was a bit stretched for material or perhaps it's a bit of intentional contradiction humorously showing the disconnect between the rules and how the Imperial Guard actually operate in the field. In either case, the book is a bit of dark, fluffy fun for 40K fans.

If you enjoyed the Uplifting Primer and want more of the same or if don't own a copy of the previous book and are looking for some Imperial Guard related reading, this book will amuse and entertain Imperial Guard and 40K fans, but don't expect anything terribly ground-breaking or new, because the Uplifting Primer, shortly to be re-printed, already covered that ground.

Every now and then a W40K novel mentions the manuals. Normally it is during a narration, where Readers see (or "hear") an officer's thoughts as s/he dwells on duties or regulations. But have you ever stopped to wonder exactly what was in those manuals? Better yet, did you ever wish you could actually have one of them? Here is your chance. This is the "revised edition of the first published 945.M41". It begins with a preface by Seward Rosencraz, Chancellor of the Estate Imperium, followed by a Logistical Officer's Chain of Command. The contents of this manual, in my own words, are as follow:

Part One - History and procedures.

Part Two - Regiments, Raising and Structure, Supply Needs, Shipping of Equipment for the Cadian 91st (Sentinels).

Part Three - Requesting of Equipment. (This section even mentions "the wholesome and nutritious" victuals supplied.)

Part Four - Care and Maintenance of Equipment, Unauthorized Modifications, Procedures and Punishments for Laxity in Maintenance.

Part Five - Identification of the items for front line troopers.

Part Six - Identification of the weapons for front line troopers.

Part Seven - Identification of the items issued to support platoons and squads.

Part Eight - Identification of the items issued to senior officers and specialist personnel.

Part Nine - A selection of forms for the many and varied situations likely to arise and how to deal with them.

Of course, no Imperial manual would be complete without some extra sections to inform troopers about famous people (a few paintings are illustrated), badges and insignia (each clearly shown and told why there are given to select heroes), and even the guidelines for calling in a fire mission. More than once the manual stresses that the maps enclosed must not fall into unauthorized hands, so soldiers (uh, readers) must keep this manual safe. And above all remember the motto of the Departmento Munitorum: "Only the awkward question; only the foolish ask twice."

***** I really enjoy how realistic the author, Graham McNeill, made this manual. I would not be surprised at all to learn that most W40K authors keep this gem close by as they create their stories, for quick and easy reference. Littered throughout the manual are the quotes all W40K fans know by heart (and, I admit, use in conversations with family members and friends in the military) such as: "Ammunition isn't free - make your shots count!" Even the texture, color, and shape of the manual are realistic. (So much so that if you are in the military and have this in your locker, at first [and second] glance it looks like it belongs there.) Outstanding! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I just got mine today (I was pleasantly surprised, it arrived five days early), and I've already read through it. It's a wonderfully written book, Graham McNeil is probably the best WH40K author out there. The garish, arrogent, over-the-top writing style is a perfect fit for the similarly styled Imperium of Man, and the pictures and codes add to the realism of a real requisition booklet. I'll be adding this to my collection of great WH40K books, and would encourage other avid fans to do the same!

This book is pretty cool, and goes with he Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer. Nothing like all the satirical forms and information inside.

I bought a copy for a buddy of mine, and picked up an extra one for myself. The build quality of the books was excellent. No issue there. It does have some entertaining tidbits and fluff stuff, but all in all, it wasn't as entertaining as the Uplifting Primer.

I just finish half the book , and i notice that at P.27 bottom right corner .
3 boxes stays in a straight line
and there is two of them content are the same ,both says" Is sub-sector command approval required?"
the last one is "Is Segmentaum command approval required?"

look like this:

=Is sub-sector command approval required?=
down arrow
=Is sub-sector command approval required?=
down arrow
=Is Segmentaum command approval required?=

should the middle one be "Is sector command approval required?"?

please advice

Looks and feel great in your hand, all sorts of interesing thing on the IG. A must have for WH40k fans.

This is a lovely little slice of propaganda from the Imperium of Warhammer 40k. According to it even the mightiest xeno will tremble before the might of the Imperium's fool-proof weapons of war. Rather interesting and informative to see what the poor infantry are coaxed into believing about their antiquated, and often unreliable, technology. This also gives us insight into the mad amount of bureaucracy involved in war making.

As stated in my review of the Uplifting Primer, I am biased heavily by my IG roots. With family in the army I connected with the way they run and how this book portrays the epic-level paperwork you have to file to get coffee let alone a bomber to level the enemie's bunker. A somewhat saterical look at how The Departmento Munitorum and its Comissar's operate, this book is guaranteed to grant laughs, headaches, and some sadness for those who have had to file similar paperwork. I carry this and the Uplifting primer in my jacket with me like a Doctor Who fan would carry the "Darlek Survival Guide."

The munitorium manual, written in the style of an army field manual, is a dossier of the history of the Guard and the Imperial Army, and includes decent descriptions of a Guardsmans equipment and weaponry. Its a nice addition for fluff fanatics, and a good intro to the IG universe if you have a friend whos interested in playing a Guard in the new 40k RPG. Aside from those two niche groups, this book won't find much purchase anywhere else. The paperwork section and crimes and punishments are also entertaining.