собственно текст -
Blake Field
Graf and Grislawski - First Look
Tue Sep 9 00:07:47 2003
69.3.223.230
Well, it is here! I am so happy to have received this book today. I have been looking forward to it ever since I saw the first news about it at Jerry and Judy's site. My curiosity about Hermann Graf - beginning when I read Toliver and Constable's writings, then Mr Bergström's (In "Luftwaffe Fighters in Profile I") - is about to be satisfied. As well, I have been most curious about Alfred Grislawski, since reading about him and his association with JG1.
As we have all seen at the Eagle Editions website, the heavy paper dust cover has photos of both Graf and Grislawski framed by a dark red background - dare I say Rot 23? The cover itself is of rich red leather (yes, I buckled and bought the autographed edition). Inside the front cover is a color map of "Europe During WWII" with a key to major cities in the story.
The signature page is covered by a transparent sheet that protects Mr. Grislawski's autograph, which is under a photo of him in front of his well-known Fw 190A-7. (I have #7 of 100, I see...).
The forward is written by M. H. H. Wägenbaur and Hans Renz of Traditionsgemeinschaft JG 52. Also present is a forward by Mr. Grislawski. There follows an introduction by Christer Bergström as well as one by Vladislav Antipov, the authors.
Then follows the main text, nicely divided into smaller chapters. Then there are about thirty pages of apendices, covering confirmed victories, photos and some extremely well-done color profiles from Claes Sundin - who needs no introduction here.
Among the interesting chapters are ones such as "Mölders, Udet and Rall are Gone", "The Two Hundredth Over Stalingrad", "JG50" and "Hub Zemke's Lucky Shot". Couldn't resist and read that last one.
The book itself is well made. The 312 pages are heavy, glossy stock, and feel nice under the fingers. The type set is nice and clear and easily readable. There are many many photos - most of which I have never seen before. There is even a black-white-red-white-black striped ribbon attached for a bookmark.
At first look, I already know that I will not at all be disappointed in this book - and I am expecting a lot from it. It is perfectly in line with Eagle Editions other first-rate offering: Axel Urbanke's "Green Hearts, First In Combat With The Dora" - well made, extremely well presented; A great read. I still pick that one up quite frequently.
Based on what I have seen so far, this one is a must-have guys and gals. Get it, or get it on your Christmas lists.
