I think it's soap box time. We need to say something about this.
Even though I don't author collector reference books I fully support ALL our authors who do. I never buy "cut rate" books-I buy them from the author. Where would we be without these priceless books and their authors? Are they perfect ? No. Nothing is--but they are the tools of the trade and no collector should be without them. IMO books can never be replaced by the internet. Both are essential-both are very necessary to the hobby. I urge you to support these authors and buy books.
It is evident from some of the questions posed here that some collectors who should know better and who have been in the hobby for quite a while don't buy books-or not many. Some seem to have based all their" knowledge" on info they see on this site and others. IMO-based on over 50 years experience--a serious collector can't do that!-you need ALL the information available. You need the books.
So-sometimes, IMO, we suffer from quite a lot of loss of timely new information because of this.
There are not many authors here. They are big time researchers and often discover new information. Why are they not here? Because if they disclose everything new they have painfully learned to you here on the internet, some won't buy the books. Sad, but true.
So--I submit that possibly if collector book sales increased, we would have more authors here, disclosing more information on a timely basis. Just my opinion-something to think about. A very good thing--if we could make it happen.
Buy books--there are many things of great interest in every one of them. It's good for the hobby--we need more books. We must make it worthwhile to publish them--or we will get no more!!

Well said Houston, I would be lost without my library. My fisrt port of call is always my bookshelves, only if I can't find the answer there do I try the net.

I much prefer leafing through the pages of a book than trying to read pages of text on a screen.

We indeed need more books!!!

Cheers
Don

Thanks Don--and we look forward to your proposed book on Tyrol badges. I will buy one for sure.
Another thing that comes to mind is that we have seen that the internet is not a permanent record. Look at all the valuable info we have lost just on on this site alone due to some server error or problem.
Perhaps we will see it again in a book-but only if an author feels he really takes no financial risk in publishing it. Just consider all the additional books we would have if it were not for this financial risk. Let's make publishing our books risk free!! You gotta buy them to do that!! Buy one today! Please, do it for the hobby!

I love my reference books and will always buy them and as many as I can.

As the author of six booklets (five of them self-published), on the subject of Third Reich era German Police warrant discs in the past seventeen years, I can say that it is an expensive project for any author-collector to undertake, however it has many rewards.

It also has a number of drawbacks too, such as the constant assault from those trying to perfect passable counterfeits....and those who have already bought one of the fake pieces rallying to the defense of their costly mistake.

The books were as much for my own benefit as for other warrant disc collectors, as no researcher can remember all the information accumulated over the years, as well as the necessary photographs.

I have always been happy if I could sell enough books to eventually break-even, and I have always managed to do that. To put an effective book together, even a small one, requires a lot of time, then the marketing part requires even more, so it is not an easy task, but iy is very rewarding to feel that you have helped fellow collectors in avoiding some of the pitfalls in our hobby.

I have a large personal reference library and I use it everyday... I always purchase the current reference books. But the Internet is also a monster for reference material. Try this link and see what I mean.

http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/media_fi.php?lang=en&ModuleId=10005852&MediaId=158

MW

Thanks houston ive been looking for a thread showing (newer) books and peoples opinions but to no avail. I know everyone has thier opinion on which book is better (or worse) but i was wondering can someone let me know which books are good for general reference for daggers and badges. I know about the heavy hitters Angolia etc just want to expand my library with any new material. thanks

Houston,

Thanks for starting this topic. You are absolutly correct that books are the basis of collecting. I have Don's books and I also have a bookshelf of reference books in easy reach of my computer. The internet forums are very helpful to researchers and they are quick but not always accurate. Take Wikipedia for example. I teach at university and some of my students think that this internet search engine (that can be written and altered by anyone with a computer) is a reliable source of information just like an encyclopedia. Not so and I won't let them use it as a source!

Anyway, I think it would be a good idea if authors would mention their books on this thread and hopefully more people would buy them and know who is behind the forum monikers.

George Wheeler (aka ORPO)

Wheeler, George, "Seitengewehr: History of the German Bayonet 1919-1945," 320 pages, 500 photos, $44.95, from www.bender-publishing.com

I agree. Let's make this thread a book site. Authors--sign up to be a GDC premium member and promote your book here!
As far as recommending any one book on anything I really can't-- except to say--I recommend buying ALL of them. Some are better than others, no doubt, but I can tell you for sure there is worthwhile information YOU NEED in every one. Are you going to find differences of opinion? You better believe it--but that's what the hobby is about guys--you must read to CONSIDER not to accept or deny--then you make up your OWN MIND.IMO That's the ONLY way to be happy with your collectibles-YOU MUST BELIEVE THEY ARE RIGHT! On many items you will NEVER get 100% agreement. If you can't afford to buy from the author, maybe you could just buy one from him once in a while to help-- but fill up that library any way you can. One book buy--and the info you learn there- can SAVE you or MAKE YOU $$$$$$$$$$$$$. Do I have your attention?
Want to discuss that book? We can do that too--right here. Maybe some more authors will join the banter. Would that be a great thing? You Bet!--BUT--NO insulting posts!!! We don't need that on GDC. It only hurts EVERYTHING. So--Watch what you say. You accomplish nothing by being nasty.

Good Thread Houston...Books have always been the foundation of collecting third reich relics and always will be.

Thanks Houston, I've just got to figure out this self publishing lark

I was talking to a well known author & member of this forum a while back. He feels the internet is the way to go & wants to put his new stuff online as it's more flexible (no waiting for reprints for corrections). However, what happens when either he passes away or decides not to continue with the web hosting??? The website disappears....... At least with a book there should always be a copy around somewhere......

Cheers
Don

My two current books.

Warrant Disc book

Gestapo Credentials book

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Houston Coates:
There are not many authors here. They are big time researchers and often discover new information. Why are they not here? Because if they disclose everything new they have painfully learned to you here on the internet, some won't buy the books. Sad, but true.
So--I submit that possibly if collector book sales increased, we would have more authors here, disclosing more information on a timely basis. Just my opinion-something to think about. A very good thing--if we could make it happen.QUOTE]

Hey Hugh,

Just a simple thought for you and every author out there . . .

START A PAY-PER-MEMBERSHIP WEBSITE!!

Publish your material electronically! Charge as much as you would get for selling a book allowing a paying member to join and access the information, and COPYRIGHT all of the pictures and information on the site!

I agree that books are something that should never go by the wayside, but the on-line world offers so much un-tapped possiblity for authors as well . . .

Brad

Great topic and thread!

I am a very new to collecting of Third Reich artifacts. I inherited my Father's collection upon his death. My Dad has some reference books but as of this time I have no clue as how many books he has let alone what type of artifacts he has.

Thus far, I have relied on GD for information on how to just get started figuring things out let alone knowing what book to use.

It would really be helpful to me (and Im sure to most new collectors) if there was a published list of what books are out there and description (abstract) of what they represent as far as information. Too, where to find them and how much should we pay for them.

Does a list like this exist or can one be made up by the very informed people of this site?
I know I would benefit from that knowledge!

Thanks

There is a military book seller right on this site-On the home page click on advertising-you will find all the books currently in print. The thing about military collector books is that they are so limited they are a good investment in themselves. If you buy a WEB book--it is worth next to nothing and the pictures? Limited to what kind of printer you have. IMO a VERY poor substitute.

Thanks Houston! Probably one of the best tips I have recieved from this site, and I have had some super ones! I learned a lot just from visiting there and scimming the site for 2 minutes!

quote:

Originally posted by N.C. Wyeth:

START A PAY-PER-MEMBERSHIP WEBSITE!!

Publish your material electronically! Charge as much as you would get for selling a book allowing a paying member to join and access the information, and COPYRIGHT all of the pictures and information on the site!
Brad

As I stated in my comment above, what happens when the author dies as littlejohn did last year, if someone doesn't keep the web hosting going the info is lost. Littlejohns books will always be around.

Cheers
Don

Great topic and I totally agree with Houston.
Reference books are an invaluable source of information and every collector should invest in the reference books first to gain the knowledge from the authors who have spent countless days in their research to publish the facts of the hobby instead of the myth.

My reference library pretty much covers the areas of my interest in collecting and I still refer to them after all of these years. Study the books and not the hearsay. You won't regret it.

quote:

Originally posted by Don Scowen:

quote:

Originally posted by N.C. Wyeth:

START A PAY-PER-MEMBERSHIP WEBSITE!!

Publish your material electronically! Charge as much as you would get for selling a book allowing a paying member to join and access the information, and COPYRIGHT all of the pictures and information on the site!
Brad

As I stated in my comment above, what happens when the author dies as littlejohn did last year, if someone doesn't keep the web hosting going the info is lost. Littlejohns books will always be around.

Cheers
Don

Don,

Check out the other thread I started - I think this idea has it's faults, but it's potential could outweigh these faults if it's properly considered . . . brainstorming!

Cheers to you too!

Brad

Interesting thread - I have met a few authors and a few seeking to be authors. I have met most on more of the history related forums and they all have done very well at letting people know what the are working on - providing some tidbits and seeking to leverage the collective knowledge base.

Typically the discussions go deep into the history of the topic and if your lucky you can assist the author... somthing I have been lucky to do twice. I can wait to see my name in the credits

Anyway I guess if you help to foster interesting discussions with the intent of helping all levels of collectors and maybe provinding a historcial context to it all we might attract more current or future authors.

To all of you thinking about publishing anything please take a look at www.lulu.com it is one of many companies available that can help keep cost down and provide you a way to get published.

Just a few thoughts - off my soap box.

John