I recently received two books from publishers. Tiger Tank Manual: Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger 1 Ausf.E (SdKfz 181) Model by David Fletcher (published by Zenith Press) delves into the history, development production, and role of the Tiger Tank (the largest and most feared tank of World War II). Here is a brief description of the book from Zenith’s website:
The German Tiger I—officially known as the Panzerkampfwagen VI Tiger I Auks. E (Skiffs 181)—was probably the most feared battle tank of World War II. Its invincibility lay in its main gun and heavy defensive armor. The Tiger’s primary armament was the deadly 88mm Kiwi 36 L/56 gun that was the most powerful antitank gun then in use by any army, capable of penetrating 112mm of armor plate from a range of 1400 meters. The Tiger I also had the toughest armor of any German tank—its frontal armor plate measured 100mm thick. Using the successful approach and format adopted for the Spitfire and Lancaster manuals, Tiger Tank Manual gives an insight into acquiring, owning, and operating one of these awesome fighting vehicles. It also gives an idea through personal recollections of what it was like to command a Tiger in war and what it felt like to be on the receiving end of its 88mm gun.
Here is a brief description of the author from the publisher:
David Fletcher is the Tank Museum librarian, prolific author, and a world expert on tanks. He will write the historical part of the manual. Other museum volunteers who have been closely involved in the Tiger 131’s restoration to running order will write the technical element of the manual.
The second book, Aerosmith: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Boston Bad Boys by Richard Bienstock, provides insight into one of the most popular and enduring rock and roll bands in America (published by Voyageur Press). See below for a description of the book from Voyageur’s website:
Aerosmith is one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands of all-time. After their 1970s success was derailed by band strife and Dionysian excess, Boston’s Bad Boys received a career jump-start in 1986 via their collaboration with hip-hop legends Run-DMC and producer Rick Rubin. This first complete illustrated history of one of the world’s most successful and popular bands features a band history by music journalist Richard Bienstock and sidebar album reviews from a host of well-known music journalists, including Greg Kot, Jaan Uhelszki, Chuck Eddy, Bill Holdship, Martin Popoff, Daniel Bukszpan, and more. Illustrated throughout with hundreds of stunning performance and backstage photographs, as well as rare memorabilia, including gig posters, backstage passes, 7-inch picture sleeves, ticket stubs, and more.
About the author:
Richard Bienstock is a senior editor with Guitar World magazine and the executive editor of Guitar Aficionado magazine. He is also a musician and journalist whose writings have appeared in numerous U.S. and international publications. He lives in New York City.