Uniforms of the Soviet Union 1918-1945 (Schiffer Military History)

by Chris Nelson, David Webster

Release Date: July, 1999

Edition: Hardcover

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A Must for Collectors of Soviet Militaria

Webster and Nelson have written a pioneering study of Soviet military uniforms and headgear used between 1918-1945. This profusely illustrated tome is the first of its kind for collectors and military historians alike: Large, full-color photos nicely illustrate the tremendous variety of both field and dress styles worn by the officers and enlisted of the Army, Air Force, NKVD, Militia, and Navy (to name a few). Included are beautiful sections on 1920's-era pieces and seperate sections on headgear (especially visor caps). I heartily recommend this tome, but have a few minor reservations: The book is arranged chronologically, which proves to be awkward when attempting to research the uniforms of a particular branch en toto; furthermore, there is no index, which leaves the reader "thumbing" through the text when attempting to find a particular style or item. Lastly, steel helmets (including budennovkas) are treated only lightly (receiving but a few pages at best); field gear and accoutrements are left virtually untouched. However, these detractions should not take away from the overall value of Webster's great reference. The definitive work on the subject, however, remains to be written. Webster and Nelson's book ought to be complimented with Shalito's Red Army Uniforms of WWII, Khvostov's The Russian Civil War (1): The Red Army (Osprey Series), Goodman's book Lenin's Legacy, and Clawson's recent definitive study, Russian Helmets (2002).

Excellent

Very well photographed and detailed. With very few published books on the subject of Red Army uniforms this is the best! A very good collection of Soviet uniforms in 'color' If you're into WWII Red Army uniforms or are a Red Army reenactor or collector (You need this book!!!!)