Lockheed developed the F-104 Starfighter in the late 1950s. The plane was designed to be an all-weather interceptor. Speed, climb, and altitude all were priorities, and the plane did turn out to be extraordinarily fast, but there were costs associated with that top speed: low-speed handling and landing characteristics were compromised. The plane had a relatively short service life with the US Air Force but remained on duty with several large NATO allies for decades. Particularly when deployed abroad, the Starfighter acquired a reputation for being difficult to fly and compiled an alarming accident rate. Today there are many examples of this pretty aircraft on display in museums, and they have proved unusually prolific as base "gate guards." This is a comprehensive photographic survey of the Starfighter, with dedicated chapters on prototype versions and the A, B, C/D, G, N, Canadian CF-104, Japanese F-104J, and F-104S models.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-02-2024

The M42 Duster was a tracked antiaircraft vehicle developed by Cadillac for the US Army in the early 1950s. The vehicle adapted the Bofors 40 mm AA gun to a modified M41/T41 tank chassis. Although never particularly prolific in the intended air defense role, the Duster did find a niche during the Vietnam War. The M42 was relatively small and agile, and the high rate of fire and loud report from its guns were quite intimidating. These traits, along with simple availability, resulted in the type being pressed into ground combat against infantry and light vehicles, for which it received moderate acclaim. This volume includes over 300 photos of this quirky vehicle. Every nook and cranny of the interior and exterior is shown, along with many fascinating combat photos.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-01-2024

The M48 Patton entered production in 1952 and remains in service with several major militaries today, a great testament to the design and how it has evolved. The "Patton" is a fast tank with strong armor and a deadly 90 mm gun, and it is an all-rounder, generally accepted as America's first modern "main battle tank" or MBT. The tank was phased out of frontline service by the US military after the Vietnam War, resulting in large numbers of M48s being sold as surplus to foreign militaries, some of which still deploy the vehicle today. This is a pictorial guide to the type, featuring a balance of combat and detail photos. The book begins with the T48 prototype and then features chapters on the A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 versions, respectively, along with a chapter on flamethrower variants.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-01-2024

The M60 was deployed by the US military from 1960 until it was phased out and replaced with the M1 Abrams during/after Operation Desert Storm. More than 10,000 examples were produced, and many examples remain in service with foreign militaries to the present day. This is the most comprehensive photo reference on the type, featuring 340 black-and-white and color images. The photos illustrate both the design features and the combat history of the tank. Specific chapters are designated for the M60, A1, A2, and A3 models, along with various auxiliary vehicles based on the M60 hull.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 144

Dimensions: 228 x 228 mm

Publication Date: 28-01-2024

The 11th SS Freiwilligen (Volunteer) Panzergrenadier Division “Nordland” was formed in 1943. Despite what the name indicated, this was not an all-volunteer or fully Nordic unit. The ranks were filled with men from across Europe, many of them conscripts. A cadre of Norwegians in the Regiment 23 “Norge” and Danes in the Regiment 24 “Danmark” formed the backbone of the new division. Nordland was deployed in antipartisan operations in Croatia in the fall of 1943. In 1944 the division saw hard fighting and heavy casualties against the Red Army at Leningrad, Narva, Tannenberg, and Kurland. In 1945, Nordland, a division comprising mostly non-Germans, was among the final formations to continue the fight in Berlin. This new illustrated history of the division includes more than 500 photos from the most-extensive private collections in Europe, along with extensive maps and tables. Appendixes provide a clear explanation of the division's order of battle, a full lists of award recipients, and a glossary of ranks and insignia.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 208

Dimensions: 228 x 304 mm

Publication Date: 28-01-2024

The playful, tongue-twisting rhymes and colorful illustrations of this board book celebrate love through the whimsical nicknames caregivers give to children. Are you my cutie patootie? Are you my chubsy wubsy woo? Are you my wiggly giggly thing-a-ma-jiggly? Pour loving words into the listening ears of little ones, who will enjoy the tones and rhythms of the language and see themselves and their families in the vibrant depictions of people of diverse ethnicities and abilities. Perfect for creating a magical bonding moment between the caregiver and the cared-for!

Bind: hardback

Pages: 24

Dimensions: 152 x 152 mm

Publication Date: 28-01-2024

Based on the true story of the Book Bus in Cincinnati, this picture book follows a vintage VW pickup truck that embarks on a new adventure to share the joy of reading. Tilly the truck loves two things—helping out on the farm and listening to the stories read to her by the little girl who lives in the farmhouse. As time passes, things change on the farm, and life gets very quiet for Tilly. Missing the feeling of being useful and the sounds of stories being read, Tilly has an idea to share books with the community by becoming the Book Bus. Children gleefully gathered around the little truck when they saw all of the books she had to give. One by one, Tilly handed each of them a special story of their very own. But when Tilly's passion for sharing books is jeopardized, will the community come forward to help her out?

Bind: hardback

Pages: 32

Dimensions: 279 x 203 mm

Publication Date: 28-02-2024

The first book on how to create handwoven passementerie (ornamental fringe, tassels, braid, piping, and more) using widely available materials In this hands-on introduction to one of the rarest of textile crafts, artist and designer Ashdown combines her mastery of the centuries-old skills with a vibrant, contemporary aesthetic. Learn centuries-old methods and how to apply them to make contemporary ornamental trimmings. • 11 guided projects for home and wardrobe, from Chanel-style jacket fringe to braided edging for a window blind. • For beginner and intermediate weavers; requires only a simple frame loom, like those commonly sold by craft retailers • Additional audiences include fashion/clothing-focus crafters, textile artists, embroiderers, and knitters

Bind: hardback

Pages: 160

Dimensions: 215 x 254 mm

Publication Date: 28-01-2024

The first guide taking punch needle crafters to intermediate and advanced levels with expertly explained techniques, exciting projects, and inspiring examples by 26 Oxford Certified Instructors. For punch needle lovers who want to reach the next level of skill and enjoyment with their craft, Amy Oxford, the inventor of the craft's standard tool (the Oxford Punch Needle) and founder of the Oxford Rug Hooking School, provides instructions and artistic inspiration. In these pages, a combination of teaching, examples, and projects give makers a perfect mix for building their skills and for punching up their excitement. • Teaches next-level skills with designs to punch as you learn, such as —using novelty yarns with the Seashell Project, —sculpting with the Sweater Letter, —shading with Shaded Leaves, —punching with fabric strips with the Flower Project, and —two-color beading stitch with the Perfectly Paisley Project. • Amy welcomes 26 guest instructors throughout who offer examples of their works that highlight the techniques, from shading with handpainted yarn to succeeding with narrative designs. • For each technique and project, shows and explains variations (created by different punchers and in different colorways). • Gorgeous image galleries of works in a wide range of styles show combinations of the book's techniques and include the artists' comments, tips, and insights. • An unusual source of inspiration: photos of the capstone projects that were designed and punched by today's top punch needle artists, as the final step to qualify for their Oxford Teacher Certifications.

Bind: hardback

Pages: 240

Dimensions: 215 x 250 mm

Publication Date: 28-02-2024

With these beginner-friendly projects, turn one-line drawings—designs that capture the essence of an object—into embroidered art. Many stitchers and embroidery fans love the aesthetic of minimalism, and one-line designs appeal due to their perfect clarity and style. In the early 20th century, one-line drawings were made fashionable by no less a figure than Pablo Picasso. Here crafters learn why one-line stitched designs are so powerful and how they work. The projects range from easy to advanced, plus readers learn to make one-line designs from any interesting object they see. • Emphasizes clarity and minimalism. • Two types of projects: for decorating the home, and for wearing • Teaches how some one-line drawings can be combined with others, used in series, or extended • Includes machine-stitching options • Projects focus on people, animals, and plants. • Enables you to make one-line patterns from drawings you find anywhere, including your own. • A few of the projects: For the Home: —Velvet Eucalyptus Cushion —Panda on Cork —Hummingbird Dish Towels —Naive Art Vase —Faces Coverlet Wearables: —Blossom Velvet Shoes —Modern Art Jeans —Selfie Sweater —Elephant Straw Bag —Beauty in Bloom Tank Top

Bind: hardback

Pages: 104

Dimensions: 222 x 273 mm

Publication Date: 28-02-2024