COLLECTOR'S ILLUSTRATED OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
by George C. Neumann and Frank J. Kravic
286
pages, 8-1/2" X 11"
Softcover,
$30.95, ISBN: 0-9605666-8-6
Hardcover,
$44.95, ISBN: 0-9605666-7-8
Reviewed by Mark Baker
I've been waiting a
long time for this one! Ever since I borrowed a friend's original edition of it six years
ago, I have yearned to own a copy. As I studied the photographs and digested the
historical notes of the borrowed edition. I was greatly impressed with the way it
presented the material culture of the Revolutionary War period. I knew that I needed a
copy of the book.
Over the next several years, I continued to borrow that same friend's
copy. Each time I took it home, I entertained myself for hours studying the over
2300-photographs of original mid-18th century accoutrements, clothing and weapons. But
each time, I had to return the book and content myself with only sporadic glimpses of
Neumann and Kravic's diligent research. I have craved very few books like I hungered for
this one.
The authors,who are both historians and reenactors, include practically
everything associated with the life of the common soldier and officer in their
encyclopedia. Each artifact has been expertly photographed, noted and listed in
alphabetical order for easy reference and intensive study. Many of the 18th cnetury items
are cross-referenced to aid the reader in searching for a particular artifact. Virtually
thousands of items used during our country's fight for independence are examined and
pictured for the reader's benefit.
As a result of Neumann's and Kravic's careful research, the reader is
able to examine dozens of personal collections and wander through the artifacts of several
museums. But this clever encyclopedia offers more than just a stagnant listing of
artifacts. The details in each photograph are clear, refined and feature helpful angles of
each artifact. Also included are photographs of Revolutionary War reenactors in action,
each scene tastefully placed throughout the text. Another touch I particularly like is the
art work of renowned illustrator George C. Woodbridge. His skilled line drawings appear
throughout the text to illustrate certain items that have not survived the passage of time
or that can be better illustrated by drawings than photographs.
The Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution
is a must for anyone interested in our early heritage, especially the thousands of men and
women who reenact the civilian or military life of Colonial America. The book is also
useful to those who depict life during the French and Indian War or people who just love
to look, read and wonder about the War for Independence. If you fit any of these
descriptions, I strongly suggest investing in a personal copy of The Collector's
Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution.
Some books are good for borrowing, but others are sound investments. The
Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution is worth the purchase
price. Only once in a great while is a book of this caliber discovered by history buffs.
You had better latch on to it.