Semper Fi: The Definitive Illustrated History of the U.S. Marines [Hardcover]

H. Avery Chenoweth (Author), Brooke Nihart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 3, 2005

With more than 1,100 images and a text written by respected author and veteran Colonel H. Avery Chenoweth, this tribute to the U.S. Marines shines with all the pride of the Marines themselves.

Salute the few, the proud, the Marines. From their founding in 1794 to their most recent actions--including the second battle of Falluja--the entire history of the U.S. Marine Corps comes vividly to life in these lushly illustrated pages. Pore through the comprehensive images of nearly every Marine hero, uniform style, sidearm, saber, weapons platform, recruiting poster, plane, helicopter, boat, and mess kit. Many of the photos were shot recently right at the Historical Center at Quantico, Virginia, and they include rare and never-before-seen artifacts from the Marines' long history. Colonel H. Avery Chenoweth provides fascinating background information and context to compliment the visual journey.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Colonel H. Avery Chenoweth USMCR, Retired, served as officer-in-charge of the Marine Corps First Combat Art Team, and is a veteran of the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf Wars.
He twice received the prestigious Col. John W. Thomason Award for Artistic Achievement, as well as the Legion of Merit for his artistic coverage of the Gulf war. Colonel Chenoweth is the author of Art of War: Eyewitness Combat from the Revolution through the Twentieth Century.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (October 3, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402730993
• ISBN-13: 978-1402730993
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 10.3 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,252 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is one outstanding Marine book., October 22, 2006

By 

Lawrence Butts "Major USMC" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Semper Fi: The Definitive Illustrated History of the U.S. Marines (Hardcover)

I own several of the more popular table top books about the Corps,the ones with emblems in the center of the cover, but this one is really superior. First that needs mentioning are the outstanding photos of the artifacts, items that you would see in a museum. Also the text tells the story in enough detail to allow the reader to gain a good knowledge and appreciation of this historic institution. The book is well put together and really an attractive edition. Also it tells the Marine Corps story right up to our current war on terrorism. What really made me buy the book was when I saw 3 photos that were taken of Harrier jets of the Bumblebees of VMA-331 aboard the USS Nassau during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. I was a member of VMA-331 during that cruise. In fact I ran into the author, Col Chenoweth, one day in medical triage, as he was headed out to take photos of the air ops. In the book, there are two standard deck shots of the jets on the ship and then there is one of a pilot in his jet preparing for takeoff. That pilot was Captain Manny Rivera USMC of New York who was lost in an aircraft crash soon after that picture was taken.
That's all it took.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Semper Fi is Super Fine, November 7, 2005

By 

Lise M. LaHaye - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Semper Fi: The Definitive Illustrated History of the U.S. Marines (Hardcover)

There is no book like this on the military market...A great illustrated tome,with a cover that will attract your eyes to the invaluable stories inside its genuine historical value.This is a must have book for all the families of the members of the Marine Corp.It will remind them of WHY their sons and daughters chose this branch of the military services.That Esprit de Corp is as alive today as it has always been in the 230 years of its existence,and in today's world,maybe even more so.It will renew your pride in being an American.Open it to any page,and your interest will be renewed for the proud and the best this country has to offer.I wish for the recruiters to have one book to give to their family,so that when the goings get tough,they can get comfort in the History which has produced so many great military men and women.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Few, the Proud!, November 5, 2006

By 

Avid (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Semper Fi: The Definitive Illustrated History of the U.S. Marines (Hardcover)

There are a number of books on the Corps, but this is one of the best, professionally prepared and well produced books I have seen. With that in mind, it seems odd that the one and very serious error, as was previously mentioned, is the Birthday of the Corps. As the author, researchers, or producers should have known, the Corps of US (or Continental) Marines was born on November 10, 1775 and we (Marines) will celebrate 231 years of proud service to this copuntry in a few days.

The remainder of the book gives a clear, precise and detailed account of the history and equipment of the Corps, without getting bogged down with specific elements of that history. Should a reader wish to look further on a portion of history, as noted, there are many more detailed accounts of specific periods, battles, etc.

However, it presents the story of the Marines with gusto, like the burning of Washington by the British during the War of 1812, when Marine gunners and riflemen from the Barracks and the Navy Yard held the British advance, causing them numerous casualties, allowing the Continental Army to withdraw. One of the few buildings not destroyed by the Brits is the Marine Barracks at 8th and I, and is one of the oldest buildings still standing in the city. A Royal Marine officer refused to burn the building out of respect for the gallant stand taken by the American Marines in their desperate attmpt to defend the city.

The book itself is well produced and handsomely presented, and for the price, a solid bargain, certainly for any Marine, or anyone else interested in the history of the Marine Corps.