The book's title "U.S. Guided Missiles - The Definitive Reference Guide" says it all!
919446
Once again, noted aerospace historian and author Bill Yenne has filled a much-needed niche and crafted a volume that has something for everyone.  Typical of his previous offerings, the contents are presented with technical details sufficient to satisfy any engineer but with the readability and graphic appeal that an "armchair enthusiast" will find inviting.

The generous 256-page format allowed for a level of thoroughness not often found in books covering this important subject but one that I've come to expect from Mr. Yenne.  Following a brief but very informative introduction that brings the reader up to speed, over 200 pages are devoted to a number-by-number review of all 175 missiles that have been included in the "M" designation series.  For each missile, you'll find a concise overview of development and deployment, a data block with technical specifications, and superb representative photographs.  Compiling a volume of this complexity was clearly no easy task.

And this brings up another important aspect of the book.  Having grown up during the Cold War, my childhood favorite missiles had designations that seemed to reflect a good many diverse numbering systems.  The U.S. Navy's Regulus II carried the designation SSM-N-9 while missiles belonging to the U.S. Air Force appeared to be "inserted" into the existing bomber or even fighter series.  Being designed to intercept formations of enemy aircraft, the Bomarc was initially referred to as the F-99 (Fighter), but soon this was changed to a more appropriate IM-99 (Interceptor Missile).  Several other Air Force missiles were originally categorized as "bombers" but then had their designations similarly changed, hence the B-61 Matador, B-62 Snark, and B-63 Rascal eventually being referred to as TM-61, SM-62, and GAM-63, respectively.  Like many readers, I would have assumed that all of the above mentioned numbers were a part of the sequential system that is the focus of this book, but such is not the case!

Most missiles were apparently entered into the new "universal" system in a relatively chronological order.  Thus, some of those favorites of mine eventually became the MGM-1 Matador, CIM-10 Bomarc, and RGM-15 Regulus II.  Along the way, many other missiles were added and there were a few surprises.  Who could have guessed that a single vehicle would be given the very same number in two entirely different military systems?  When retirement time came for Convair's famous F-102 Delta Dagger and it was selected for conversion to an unmanned target drone, it became the PQM-102!

The author goes to great lengths to sort everything out and further explains the meaning behind all of the seemingly confusing prefix letters so the reader will learn the difference between a missile that's designated "MGM", "CIM", "RGM", etc.  The addendum section of the book includes supplemental information covering important missiles that, for one reason or another, did not receive "M" series numbers.  Included here are the legendary Snark, Rascal, and Navaho, as well as three anti-missile programs that are of historical significance.  Also covered are the 18 members of the parallel "rocket" family, appropriately given "R" designations.

"U.S. Guided Missiles" finishes off with several appendices that shed light on early designation systems and this gives the reader a comprehensive "big picture" view of a truly fascinating story.  This outstanding book is an essential and highly recommended addition to the library of any military aviation buff!
2177676
This book sheds alot of light on ballistics in general and especially for long range shooting over 300 yards.  The author clears up general confusion over bullet BC's.  There are 2 generally accepted BC catagories ... G1 and G7.  the G1 BC is meant for use with the older military type bullets and other similar shaped bullets (with shorter bearing surfaces, flat bases and a pointy to rounded nose).  The G7 BC should be used for modern long range designed bullets with boat tails and slender ogives.  The author make it abundantly clear that using the wrong BC will reduce shooting accuracy quite significantly.  He also goes into a good discussion on other factors that affect bullet trajectory such as atmospheric conditions, spin drift, gyroscopic stability and other effects.  The science is fairly detailed but understandable.  He takes a very complex subject and reduces it to something most shooters can comprehend.  However, the book requires concentration and plan on several hours of reading.  He also includes and extensive reference in the last half of book to ballistic characteristics of most modern bullets from most manufactures.  This is a major reference resources for reloaders and all shooters.  Lastly, the book includes a software disc which has a ballistics program which I believe to one of best programs I've seen.  This program can be loaded onto your laptop and taken to the shooting range or on hunting trips.  It is comprehensive and easy to use.

Overall and I very pleased that I purchase is book, and would recommend it to anyone.
1261916
There are lots of books that purport to be a full and complete reference about something, but Jim delivers the goods about DVD in this edition. An invaluable reference book for anyone seeking in-depth knowledge about this very technical subject, it does not seek to be a Schwann Guide for DVD titles, nor a review of DVD players. Instead, this book covers the whys and wherefores of DVD -  how the format began, its roots, its basics, chapter after chapter of notes on its capabilities, its possibilities, and most importantly, its future!
Taken in conjunction with the included DVD disc (which demonstrates practically EVERY feature possible with DVD), and the DVD FAQ website ... (which further demonstrates the Web-DVD capabilities of the disc, and provides a forum for continuing updates on DVD Technology in between editions)), these materials constitute a VERY thorough, and more importantly, VERY ACCURATE review of a very technical optical disc format.
If you are a DVD professional, or want to be one, this book should be on your bookshelf.
3850016
A concise explanation of terms that gives a wealth of insight into the airgun world. Airgun enthusiasts will recognize the endorsement of Tim McMurray, a respected authority and talented airgunsmith. It is a dictionary, not a picture book, so don't buy this to gift with a Red Ryder to your 10 year old, but if you want an exhaustive reference for the airgun-nut in your life, get this book!
561054
This book is an outstanding compilation of facts about the Cold War Titan II missile system.  In addition to a step by step analysis of how the program was established, the silos and command centers built, and the launch operations for the missile, there is a set of oversize, fold out plans for the underground command center, missile silo and Titan II in the back of the book.  A slice of 1960's technology during one of the most tense periods of the Cold War. The book is an outstanding reference and guide to this historically important missile system.

I bought this while visiting the Titan II Missile Museum just south of Tucson, AZ.  Mr. Penson is associated with the museum and many of the photos were taken at the museum, which includes an underground intact silo with a Titan II in the silo, as well as the connected underground command center.  I highly recommend visiting the museum as well as reading this excellent book.
3384988
Jim Mesko, who has written a number of military history books for Squadron/Signal, gives the Korean air war the once-over in this comprehensive, eminently readable summary of that long ago conflict.

Given the limitations of a 64-page S/S "Special," Mesko does a good job of summarizing the air action. While the subject has been covered before by other books, Mesko's comments on the U.S. ace race and combat ops by Russian and Eastern Bloc pilots adds a little spice to a familiar story.

Mesko's text is nicely complemented by dozens of black and white and color photos along with eight pages of color profiles by Don Greer. Many of the photos are new and Greer's artwork, as always, is wonderfully done.

All in all, a nicely priced, well-written and illustrated introduction to the subject.

****

An aside: Some day I hope Squadron/Signal does a "Best of Don Greer" book. His profiles and cover artwork are absolutely top-notch.
3046318
At first glance, one may think that this mammouth sized book is for power user's only.  Afterall, it goes into exhaustive detail on literally every aspect of the modern PC.  The book explains everything from basic  maintenance, to partitioning a hard drive, to upgrading your processor etc.  This new edition also gives extra SCSI coverage.  But don't let the size  and the technical jargon scare you away.  This book is actually for  everyone, from the novice computer user to the most advanced.  Surprisingly, Mueller is able to take what is very complex and explain it  with a clarity that any layman can understand.  Added is a full array of  diagramns and dialogue boxes with helpful hints and tips.
Most people  will never use all of the information that this book provides.  Nonetheless, whatever you are looking for, I guarantee you will find here.  Plus you will find it easily.  Mueller arranges the book so that it is easy  to bypass any unrelevant information and swiftly locate your particular  need.
It could be said that this book is to the personal computer what  Gray's Anatomy is to the human body.  It is a must for every PC owner!
1980372
Having been a student of American security and politics for the past 20+ years, I have read many books on the road forward. "Guaranteeing America's Security in the Twenty-First Century" is, by far, the most comprehensive and complete creation of how to ensure American interests while maintaining a Free Democracy.  It has contributions from many of the most in-depth and intelligent  members of our Armed Services - all of whom have the experience and knowledge of many years of service to our country.  I HIGHLY recommend this book to all and believe it should be a required read for anyone studying American policy.  The only word that comes to mind to describe this book is MASTERPIECE.  Good reading and God Bless America!
2305157
Excellent coverage of the early years of the Martin Matador guided missiles, and the later Mace derivatives. I was there, and can vouch for the accuracy of most events mentioned. George did a wonderful job of depicting those events, and gathering historical information to back his published material.

Thanks George for a terrific book!

Took me back to those exciting years I served on Matador launch crews at the cape, and later in Germany, with a side trip to Libya for test launches of Matador missiles over the Sahara test range, and later years as a Mace Inertial guidance system instructor at Lowry AFB, Colorado.
4301968
This book is now required reading for my Precision Rifle Courses.  Its fabulous for beginning competitors to deploying and tasked Long Range shooters. Finally a comprehensive resource that ends each chapter on sources for further reading and knowledge expansion. Mr Maze does a superb job of balancing information and levity without sounding too prescriptive as some established experts can appear.  The Glossary at the back has been most helpful so now all my clients, students, and competitors will be on the same vernacular plane / level.  There is something for all levels of shooters in this helpful book. And for you expert marksmen, buy a copy of this book so that you can lend it out to other rookies. Time to Pay it Forward and return the good energy to the sport that got you where you are today.
Mr Maze has knocked the ball out of the park.  Let this book,be one of your stepping stones in your journey...
1149819
This book is fantastic.  It articulates the issues in a discussional format and make sense of the many confusing topics of terrorism planning and response.
I like the fact that the authors have taken the time to include a very robust reference appendix section. It has proven to be unquestionably my go to book on this subject matter.
In addition to the front matter which is invaluable, I now have to only grab one book to reference the myriad of references, case in point is the streamlined access to federal response plan, MSDS sheets, radiological references etc.
If you are an operator, supervisor, manager, planner or instructor this text is for you!
1178162
One of the best and brightest, through Mr. McPhee's able penmanship, Mr. Taylor gives a guided tour of the (then) current state-of-the-art. Chock full of facts, figures and references, all verifiable. With the current glut of so-called 'expert' writers in this field, this book is one of the better uses of a tree on this subject ;O). I guarantee that any person interested in the nuclear weapons stockpile-to-target sequence will find the book an EXCELLENT buy.
2247484
Having recently acquired a Stinger from my local surplus store, i was disappointed to find the manual was missing. After some trial and error, and an unfortunate incident with the local police rescue helicopter, I was about ready to give up on ever getting it operational.

Luckily I discovered this manual on Amazon! The instructions are clear and concise and I feel fully confident that I can now defend myself from any potential MIG fighter or HIND helicopter threats here in Melbourne, Australia.

Note: I have only rated this 4 out of 5 stars, as it only covers earlier generation MiG and Su fighters, and has not been updated to include later models, or Chinese aircraft. Also, it would benefit from a chapter on targeting NSA surveillance drones.
3324694
When the original edition was published, it was the only history of home video games. That is no longer the case, but you will not find any other book that is more comprehensive! And not satisfied with simply adding chapters, Leonard Herman has rewritten the entire book for the fourth edition. Plus the photos!  Good grief, all the photos!  And then it turned out 724 pages to cover video games from beginning through 2015 wasn't enough to smoothly squeeze in many minor details, so there's 31 pages of end notes!  But wait -- as they say on TV -- there's more!  The book also features a comprehensive index and, best of all, the chapters have color-coded (okay, shades of gray) edges along the middle of the pages giving you the chapter and year for easy reference.

If you are at all a student of video game history, this book is a must have for your shelf.  After you've read it, It should remain as your primary reference.  Yes, by all means also get more focused books like David Sheff's Game Over, but to understand the complete history and get the overall view that will give you context for the rest, start here.
2333273
Up until now Tony Greenland's book "Panzer Modeling" was the one book I pulled out when I start a new AFV. Mig's Book F.A.Q. will now sit on my workbench for a long time. This book is to be used as a reference anytime you are looking for a step-by-step way to paint anything from an Ammo Crate to an entire Tank! It's definitely worth the $ Dollars spent. My book was advertised as a hardcover from an Amazon retailer but came to me as a soft cover. This book will probably never see my bookshelf and is made to sit next to you as you work.

Great Job Mig!
3450221
Mike's guide book is excellent.  It is organized, well written, and incredibly informative with many tips and tricks to avoid hours of trolling the internet to find solutions.  It fills a critical void that instruction manuals just cannot provide.  Using this book as a reference will make astronomy a much more pleasurable experience for all Celestron NexStar telescope users.
29751
I love this book. I learned so much about the ye152m-the big mig21! It is one of my favorite aircraft of all time. Lots of performance data, black and white and color photos-drawings too! Anyone wanting data on obscure russian heavy interceptors should get this book!