Customer Reviews

Landing Craft, Infantry and Fire Support (New Vanguard)

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

 

 

Unfortunately this book is not as good as the author's previous excellent book on LSTs. There is simply too much ground to cover for both LCIs and LSMs and their numerous variants to cover both types in a single 48 page book. It would have been far better to treat both types in seperate 48p. books of their own, and the importance of both types in WWII would have justified this. Undoubtedly, this was probably not the author's fault, but due to a lack of vision on the part of the publisher.
What is in the book is very good, but it could have been alot better.

The LCI and LSM were two key landing craft used in WWII. Finally a 'ready referrence' on these two vessels. The book contained a good brief history of both types with the LCI getting most of the coverage as the most plentiful and versital. The diagrams were pretty good allowing one to become familiar with the interior of the vessels. There were some really excellent and seldom seen photographs of the LCI and LSM in action also. Thanks for filling a much-longed-for need.

Most detailed information on a subject that has not been covered well in the past. If you are interested in this sort of info then this is the book for you. I was surprised to discover it covered the LSM but slightly disappointed that it did not cover the LCI(S).

The book is techically well done but for a 48 page stiff paperback book (10 x 7). I thought it was overpriced.

My review of the Gordon L. Rottman-Peter Bull book "Landing Craft, Infantry and Fire Support" is offered as a sober counterpoint to the misbegotten praise from other reviewers. This book is in fact poorly researched, rife with errors and misinformation, and stunningly shoddy history.

Indeed, earlier this year, I submitted two copies of a 15-page itemized corrections and clarifications of "Landing Craft, Infantry and Fire Support" to Osprey Publishing in Great Britain, one copy of which I requested forwarding to Mr. Rottman for his review. In my cover letter, I further urged that Osprey cease publication of the Rottman-Bull book, withdraw all copies practicable, and carefully re-examine the manuscript for corrections prior to re-publication. Osprey in turn sent me a courteous letter of acknowledgement, but to date I have had no such response from Mr. Rottman.

Mistakes and inaccuracies in "Landing Craft, Infantry and Fire Support" run the gamut, from relatively minor to highly significant; from silly proofreading oversights to arithmetical miscalculations; from erroneous information to gross misrepresentations of naval ordnance and warfare. In sum, the Rottman-Bull book dishonors US naval history.

Good primer for the LSI and LSM class landing craft and their variants. Details on the boats was better than many recent Vanguard series books. It could have used a little more info on the operations they participated in. Otherwise it was concise and informative.

This is a good overview for one not familiar with the covered vessels. The drawings/photos actually make this booklet. The text offers very little insight into the operations and function of the differnt ships and craft. If you can find a copy used, get it. I'd think twice if paying full price.

Another good reference book from this author and Osprey Publishing. Dollars well spent if you are interested in detailed information on Landing Craft.