This is a review that will cover both volumes of Waffen-SS Camoflage Uniforms. Volume 1 includes helmet covers and smocks while volume 2 includes the wide range of uniforms specific to units and functions.

I came to these books almost by accident. I was assisting a historian in dating and placing old war photographs in their proper context and as someone who focused more on the social and cultural history than the military history the details involved in identifying uniforms and such had never occurred to me. I knew enough to be able to generally place a person in a division or function. These volumes were eye-opening for me. I also have to admit I am not particularly interested in ever revisiting this area of WWII minutiae but I certainly appreciate the role it plays in aiding research and archiving.

The volumes include full color pictures with uniforms on mannequins as well as period photographs offering more context for understanding their usage. The text explains everything from the manufacture to the distribution and use of these uniforms. It is fascinating as both historical preservation and historical research.

If your area of interest includes WWII military uniforms this set is a must add for your reference library. If you're simply a completist on war books, this is also a necessary addition.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss. ( )