30 Years of Military Vehicles in Lebanon - 1975 to 2005
SUMMARY
ISBN - 9953-0-0705-5
Media - Soft cover, A4 landscape format, 195 pages B&W / colour, 687 photos
Review Type - Full review
Advantages - Great photography - detailed photo descriptions - comprehensive coverage of subject matter
Disadvantages - none
Recommendation - Highly Recommended
Availability - ELITEGROUP
ELITE GROUP - PUBLISHING
Before you even turn a page of this impressive book, you get a sense of...."this is going to be good!". And so it is. Military vehicles of the Middle East have always been a popular subject amongst modellers, and this tome brings together a wonderful collection of photographs taken by Samer Kassis in Lebanon over the last 30 years. This book is a history lesson, a great reference work, and a fantastic "flick-thru" book for that inspiration we all need to start or complete a modelling project.
The book is presented in 2 seperate parts. The main volume being essentially a 195 page photo album, and the second, smaller volume describes the photos (which are all numbered). The main volume is beautifully bound on very thick satin paper. It is very sturdy and will stand the test of time. The second (text) volume is printed on similar paper and is bound with staples - like a magazine. The presentation and graphic layout of the books is very simple and very professional.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The photos in the book have been taken primarily with a film camera, then scanned to appear in print. You would not guess this, as the majority of the printed photos are beautifully clear and sharp. The black background to each page serves to highlight the photos and isolate each one nicely.
CONTENT
The sheer variety of vehicles presented in the book is it's real strength. To quote Mr. Kassis..."This book aims, in the best objective scientific attempt, to bring the needed vital information, as well as to identify most of the parties of the Lebanese War and the types of weapons they used." I believe the author's aims were well met. The book does not contain any real vehicle "walkarounds" - that is not it's intention. It does however, contain a lifetime of inspiration and diorama possibilities. The photos are all in a "documentary" style, and will be invaluable for color, weathering, stowage and crew reference. Most pictures have been taken in the field.
The Lebanese Army
20 pages that cover both the Lebanese and the Arab Lebanese Armies. Highlight photos of the M325, Staghound, Saladin, M113's of various configuration, M48's, and T-54/55's.
The Christian Militias
32 pages that cover the Guardians of the Cedar / NLP / Al Maranda / Al Kataeb and the Lebanese forces. Highlight photos of various technicals, M113's, M42's, AML-90's, M325's, M3's of various configuration, and ex-Israeli M50's and Tirans.
The Druze and Muslim Militias
11 pages that cover the Socialist Progressist Party / Amal Movement / Al Mourabitoun and the Arab Socialist Union. Highlight photos of BTR-60's, BMP-1, T-55's, ex-SLA M3's, M48's, ZSU-23, a T34 and various technicals.
The Palestinians
6 pages covering the PLO and the palestinian militias. Highlighting various technicals and ground weapons.
The Hezbollah
2 pages covering this organisation, showing a few mortars and ground weapons.
The SLA
34 pages covering the SLA. Highlight photos of M151's, M325's, various M3 configurations, M113's, M50's and Tirans.
The Occupation Armies
59 pages covering the Israeli Army and the Syrian Army. Highlight photos of Israeli Storm 240's, Abir's, Humvees of various configuration, tanker and trailers, M113's, Nagmashot, Nagmashon, Nakpadon, Tirans, Magach's, Shot-Kal's and Merkava's of various Mark. The Israeli section alone is worth the price of this book. The Syrians are covered with various Russian-made trucks, BTR-152's, BTR-60's, BMP-1's, T-54's and T-55's, ZSU-23 and the SAM-6.
The Peace Forces
23 pages covering the Arab Deterring Force / The Multinational Forces / UNIFIL. Highlight photos of many UN 4x4's, recovery vehicles and excavators, RG-31's, M113's and SISU XA-180's.
CONCLUSION
So, there it is. A magnificent volume with a huge variety of vehicles showcased. A must for any modeller of Middle Eastern subjects, or anyone interested in military vehicles of the region.
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