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This set of books honors my dad and all of his generation who kept us free.I'm unapoligetic as to my fondness for great military memorabilia - and this two volume, high quality publication graces the coffee table of our living room where we entertain. For all the 'glory' there is in war, Bill got the other parts of it ever so right. I grew up with my dad's voice singing the praises of the two timeless WWII Gi's, "Willie and Joe", their equipment, fellow soldiers, leaders and wartime circumstances. It is so sadly apparent - my own children have vague recollections of Bill Mauldin and only glimpses of WWII in their memory based on my own military career.
A masterful tribute.Looking thru the first volume, it was fascinating to see Mauldin 'grow' as he and the war both matured. My dad was a WWII veteran and I myself am an Army retiree. We have many other books for conversation - but this tops the favorites list of my generation of friends and older individuals who we respect and treasure.My biggest fear is that this collection may be lost on future generations as the wounds and exploits of WWII are fading in the non-teaching of history to our children. they will forever stay that way. No fan of the brass - he did a fair job of keeping many of his own views out of the artwork and minimal text.
The valor and sacrifice of my father's generation already has gone into the shadows of our current culture. Sigh. The infantrymen of WWII bore the brunt of the fighting, suffering and dying, and this is an earthly, sympathetic editorial in pictures of the empathy Mauldin had for them. My grandchildren are clueless. The best of his best will endure the sands of time to portray that generation of soldiers for posterity.Bill Mauldin has penned a masterpiece that he spent the rest of his life trying to duplicate - but in my humble opinion, with only momentary successes.
My father, like most WWII veterans has passed to his great reward - and I also am near retirement from my second career - my military career ended after 27 years in 1996. and unless exposed to this set of books or any history in school (fat chance). Not so much the glory of war - but the sacrifice our society maintained to be free.This book remains a memorial to all who served and the families who suffered and waited for their return.
Well, I bought this as a Christmas gift for my son who is studying to become a history professor. He is most interested in World War II and I thought he might enjoy these books. According to the label, the cartoons tell the stories of everyday lives in the enlisted men serving our country, where else could you get that perspective. I can't wait to see the look on his face when he opens this.
I have been following Bill for 50 years, but I guess I bought the wrong edition of his cartoons. I was upset that most of the edition I bought was in a period of early and very poorly drawn material. Live and learn , I guess.
The design of this book is great. The entire collection is bound in army green canvas. Makes a great addition to the coffee table.
over time, to become the famous dogface ambassadors they were. It's great to see the whole picture of Mr.
And this has so many new, not-seen-since-published cartoons by Mr. This is really a great find.I am a long-time fan of Bill Mauldin, and his loveable dogfaces Willie and Joe.
Mauldin's drawing process. Mauldin, that it gives the complete picture of his production and artistic development from beginning to end.
I also enjoyed some of the rough sketches included in the book, which show Mr. Mauldin's career, and to see Willie and Joe spring up out of the ink (and mud).
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