Falklands War: Then and Now Hardcover – 30 Mar. 2009

As a former military officer of 27 years service I have had the rare opportunity to walk battlefields around the world. During this period I spent some 10 months in the Falklands in 1995 and 2000 walking the ground and leading tours. I have also had the privilege of being trained by some of the veterans of Goose Green, Longdon and Harriet and served under Maj Gen Kizley. These veterans offered me insights into their war and certainly the lessons they learned the hard way were rammed into we newly commissioned officers on PCBC!This book then is a slight departure from the usual offerings from ATB, in that most of the photos are in colour and all fatalities are mentioned, often with accompanying photos. The attention to detail is good overall, albeit many of the veteran's accounts are already in the published domain. That said, they are brought together here with photos in the usual AFB style, which vividly brings the conflict to life. If you are looking for a single book that brings the full conflict together, then this incredible volume is probably for you.The slightly negative detraction from this review being 5 star is the somewhat 'grave robbing' feel that some comments relating to war artefacts give. It is generally considered bad form to remove artefacts from battlefields, and in some countries it is against the law. In somewhere as remote as the Falklands it is possible to find anything from weapon parts to medical supplies. All are part of the fabric of the stories in which men gave their lives and where opportunity exists, as it does in the South Atlantic, all should be left in place and in peace.

I like AFTB books, I have several and have used them all and got a great deal from them. Which is what makes this one all the more disappointing. Each day is dealt with individually, including the build-up – so far so good. I like the idea of personal reminiscences, it adds a human touch and gives you a good idea what it was like “on the ground” and in the thick of it. But that’s where it starts to go wrong.There isn’t a proper narrative as such, just following people through their experiences. Then we get on to the illustrations. What makes ATB publications stand out and arguably, what makes them so expensive, is the fantastic illustrations and the maps. The maps here are good, it has to be said there’s nothing new here, but the photographs are well below standard, many are dark and of not much use; I know it adds to the personal narrative etc., but it detracts enormously for the quality that we’ve come to expect from this publisher.Someone has already mentioned about the lust for souvenirs that pervades the book, there are no end of pictures of medals and military papers shown of the brave people that took part and some who were sadly killed. We should remember them, but this does come across as something very unseemly and a grabbing expedition to recover as much a you can for the ATB archives.I shan’t be keeping my copy, if anyone wants it message me, and I’ll certainly think twice about buying ATB books particularly from the editor of this work.

Whilst I fully understand why some of the comments by other reviewers of a negative nature about this book concerning the authors interest in collecting items for his collection I feel that is a minor issue compared to the excellence of this mammoth volume which is a credit to the author. I feel it is a fitting book in memory of those on both sides who fell in battle during this short bloody war. I have many books on this subject and feel this is by far the best and the attention to detail is to be commended together with the many photo images most of which I have not seen before. If the Falklands war is of interest do not hesitate to buy it and if and you should be able to obtain for well under the RRP which makes it great value for money.

I was at first put off by the high price of this book, but having fought in the Falklands War, I bought it anyway. On arrival, I was pleasantly surprised, as it is a mamouth tome! And, I believe, worth every penny. Such a book will always be controversial, and I cannot comment on some of the less supportive reviews, but for my part, I found the book fascinating. I lost good friends down there, they are all remebered here, and that helps me come to terms with it all, even after the passage of time. I would recommend it, but am sympathetic to those who are disturbed by it.

I had returned a visit to the Falklands last November and walked many of the battle field sites. In view of this I was very keen to get a copy of this book. It follows the series' usual format and is tremendously comprehensive. I visited after most of the clearing up had occurred, but there were still remnants from 1982, so it was good to see some older photos. It certainly put the whole matter in context and it was, for me, a very timely publication. I would add that all the Islanders I spoke to were still very grateful to the efforts of the troops in liberating them from the oppressive regime that had bene imposed. The vererans are still welcomed back with open arms when they visit. All in all, a very fitting tribute-well done Mr Ramsey

Loved the writing style and could not put book down. Gives a detailed account of a war that is slowly being forgotten.

Well researched - great photos. Super book.

Superb all round item.