I got my got my copy yesterday and after looking through the book and reading the Preface I became even more disappointed with what was just another largely repackaged book from Mr. Troiani. The following comes from the preface.
Browsing the shops at historic sites recently, I realized that there were few books on this important topic and even fewer with really clear photographs of period artifacts. Stackpole books agreed and decided to reprint the Revolutionary War chapter from Soldiers in America as a modestly expanded softbound volume. However, once the project got underway and the opportunity to include so many additional interesting items arose, it quickly became apparent that the book would have to be a larger hardbound. Fortunately, There was a deadline-or I'd still be adding more artifacts.
Before commenting further, I have to say the period artifacts and text are first rate, with a lot of rare items being shown. The artifacts are great to see and though they compliment the artwork well, is that why I bought this book? First and foremost I think we buy Troiani books for the art not the artifacts. If it were not for a deadline Troiani would have added more artifacts. What about artwork? Is he a painter first and foremost, or a collector of militaria?
I think what was a bit frustrating is that Troiani easily has a dozen figures studies on his image bank website that could have made the book a little more fresh rather than seeing a lot of the same work... again. I was disappointed in his Battles book, but thought this one would have a lot of those newer works that are on his image bank. Well, the joke was on me I guess. As a matter of fact, those works shown in the Battles book for a first time are shown in this book for a second. There are also pieces that are appearing in print for a third time. I do not think that I'm going out on a limb to say those that own this book do not own at least one other Troiani title. This may sound like a bit of a nit picky rant, but I cannot see a logical reason for not printing what new material is out there. If there is a plan on releasing an even more "expanded" version of this volume with other new, and older works, I'll be passing on the chance to own it. It's probably safe to assume that Mr. Troiani has a large fan base. I do think it's a little unfair to expect them to keep shelling out money on books that consist largely of previously published material. This will be my last for some time.~Gary
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