Merits Attention -- Unique and fascinating study, 20 Jan 2007
This is a scholarly yet entertaining analysis of Britain's most distinguished order. Drawing on extensive research (including material in the Royal Archives), Stanley Martin's study discusses the history of the Order of Merit (OM) since its inception in 1902, the lives of its distinguished recipients and the circumstances of their appointment. Intriguing chapters are also devoted to those who refused the honour and those who were for one reason or another overlooked. Martin also analyses the place of the OM within the mysterious British honours system. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this outstanding study gives the OM some long-overdue recognition and deepens our understanding of Britain's political and cultural elites.

Merits Attention -- Unique and fascinating study, 20 Jan 2007
This is a scholarly yet entertaining analysis of Britain's most distinguished order. Drawing on extensive research (including material in the Royal Archives), Stanley Martin's study discusses the history of the Order of Merit (OM) since its inception in 1902, the lives of its distinguished recipients and the circumstances of their appointment. Intriguing chapters are also devoted to those who refused the honour and those who were for one reason or another overlooked. Martin also analyses the place of the OM within the mysterious British honours system. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this outstanding study gives the OM some long-overdue recognition and deepens our understanding of Britain's political and cultural elites.

An amateur medal collectors opinion, 24 Mar 2004
This is the best general book I have found on medals of this period. Most of the others are specific by country or campaign. Commences with colour photos of approx 160 ribbons (very useful), then onto each country involved naming medals that were already in existence but without going into details, followed by descriptions of new / amended awards during WW2. Nearly 100 b/w photos of medals are shown plus inscriptions including Bulgarian and Russian.
Improvements would be colour photos of more medals and more indication of the number issued, but that is me with my collectors hat on. Still a very worthy book.

Merits Attention -- Unique and fascinating study, 20 Jan 2007
This is a scholarly yet entertaining analysis of Britain's most distinguished order. Drawing on extensive research (including material in the Royal Archives), Stanley Martin's study discusses the history of the Order of Merit (OM) since its inception in 1902, the lives of its distinguished recipients and the circumstances of their appointment. Intriguing chapters are also devoted to those who refused the honour and those who were for one reason or another overlooked. Martin also analyses the place of the OM within the mysterious British honours system. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this outstanding study gives the OM some long-overdue recognition and deepens our understanding of Britain's political and cultural elites.

An amateur medal collectors opinion, 24 Mar 2004
This is the best general book I have found on medals of this period. Most of the others are specific by country or campaign. Commences with colour photos of approx 160 ribbons (very useful), then onto each country involved naming medals that were already in existence but without going into details, followed by descriptions of new / amended awards during WW2. Nearly 100 b/w photos of medals are shown plus inscriptions including Bulgarian and Russian.
Improvements would be colour photos of more medals and more indication of the number issued, but that is me with my collectors hat on. Still a very worthy book.

World Orders of Knighthood and merit, 30 Oct 2008
This massive two volume work will become, in my view, the definitive guide to orders of knighthood. Well researched, beautifully illustrated and well set out. This will become the 'Werlich' of the 21st Century, A great investment for all serious students of orders of chivalryWorld Orders of Knighthood and Merit

Must have for historian, 31 Jan 2008
Huge work in two volumes, lavishly illustrated. Articles about virtually all orders in world with in-depth studies about great orders of chivalry. Recommended.

Merits Attention -- Unique and fascinating study, 20 Jan 2007
This is a scholarly yet entertaining analysis of Britain's most distinguished order. Drawing on extensive research (including material in the Royal Archives), Stanley Martin's study discusses the history of the Order of Merit (OM) since its inception in 1902, the lives of its distinguished recipients and the circumstances of their appointment. Intriguing chapters are also devoted to those who refused the honour and those who were for one reason or another overlooked. Martin also analyses the place of the OM within the mysterious British honours system. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this outstanding study gives the OM some long-overdue recognition and deepens our understanding of Britain's political and cultural elites.

An amateur medal collectors opinion, 24 Mar 2004
This is the best general book I have found on medals of this period. Most of the others are specific by country or campaign. Commences with colour photos of approx 160 ribbons (very useful), then onto each country involved naming medals that were already in existence but without going into details, followed by descriptions of new / amended awards during WW2. Nearly 100 b/w photos of medals are shown plus inscriptions including Bulgarian and Russian.
Improvements would be colour photos of more medals and more indication of the number issued, but that is me with my collectors hat on. Still a very worthy book.

World Orders of Knighthood and merit, 30 Oct 2008
This massive two volume work will become, in my view, the definitive guide to orders of knighthood. Well researched, beautifully illustrated and well set out. This will become the 'Werlich' of the 21st Century, A great investment for all serious students of orders of chivalryWorld Orders of Knighthood and Merit

Must have for historian, 31 Jan 2008
Huge work in two volumes, lavishly illustrated. Articles about virtually all orders in world with in-depth studies about great orders of chivalry. Recommended.

An excellent compilation., 11 Jun 2006
This book is remarkable for the fact that something similar has not been produced long before now. With details of how every single VC was won during WW2 and by whom, this book will answer a lot of questions for those who were wondering about this award or that.

When I was 15 years old I stayed overnight with a family near Glasgow. That evening "Granddad" showed me his medals. I was not impressed because I had no idea what I was looking at - even though one of them was a VC! Much to my eternal shame, I had no idea what that meant. Quite recently, a very well known TV presenter who specialises in motorcars, recounted how he discovered his father-in-law had won the VC during WW2 - but only learned of the heroic deed at the man's funeral.

Well put together and very well written, this book contains, in chronological order, the story behind each brave deed which earned the VC during the years 1939-1945. Even though I spent 27 years in the British Army - serving with a wide variety of different Regiments and Corps, I remain utterly amazed at what ordinary people are able to do when the chips are down and duty calls.

NM

Merits Attention -- Unique and fascinating study, 20 Jan 2007
This is a scholarly yet entertaining analysis of Britain's most distinguished order. Drawing on extensive research (including material in the Royal Archives), Stanley Martin's study discusses the history of the Order of Merit (OM) since its inception in 1902, the lives of its distinguished recipients and the circumstances of their appointment. Intriguing chapters are also devoted to those who refused the honour and those who were for one reason or another overlooked. Martin also analyses the place of the OM within the mysterious British honours system. Lavishly illustrated throughout, this outstanding study gives the OM some long-overdue recognition and deepens our understanding of Britain's political and cultural elites.

An amateur medal collectors opinion, 24 Mar 2004
This is the best general book I have found on medals of this period. Most of the others are specific by country or campaign. Commences with colour photos of approx 160 ribbons (very useful), then onto each country involved naming medals that were already in existence but without going into details, followed by descriptions of new / amended awards during WW2. Nearly 100 b/w photos of medals are shown plus inscriptions including Bulgarian and Russian.
Improvements would be colour photos of more medals and more indication of the number issued, but that is me with my collectors hat on. Still a very worthy book.

World Orders of Knighthood and merit, 30 Oct 2008
This massive two volume work will become, in my view, the definitive guide to orders of knighthood. Well researched, beautifully illustrated and well set out. This will become the 'Werlich' of the 21st Century, A great investment for all serious students of orders of chivalryWorld Orders of Knighthood and Merit

Must have for historian, 31 Jan 2008
Huge work in two volumes, lavishly illustrated. Articles about virtually all orders in world with in-depth studies about great orders of chivalry. Recommended.

An excellent compilation., 11 Jun 2006
This book is remarkable for the fact that something similar has not been produced long before now. With details of how every single VC was won during WW2 and by whom, this book will answer a lot of questions for those who were wondering about this award or that.

When I was 15 years old I stayed overnight with a family near Glasgow. That evening "Granddad" showed me his medals. I was not impressed because I had no idea what I was looking at - even though one of them was a VC! Much to my eternal shame, I had no idea what that meant. Quite recently, a very well known TV presenter who specialises in motorcars, recounted how he discovered his father-in-law had won the VC during WW2 - but only learned of the heroic deed at the man's funeral.

Well put together and very well written, this book contains, in chronological order, the story behind each brave deed which earned the VC during the years 1939-1945. Even though I spent 27 years in the British Army - serving with a wide variety of different Regiments and Corps, I remain utterly amazed at what ordinary people are able to do when the chips are down and duty calls.

NM



Magnificent Book, 12 Aug 2000
Ten years ago I found, after years of searching Mr. Galloway's first attempt at the Knights of St. Patrick. Needless to say I was incredibly surprised to find that this new book was just that. NEW in all aspects. This is not simply a reprint of the original but a completely NEW book. If is magnificent. The writing is superb and the photos are fantastic. If you are interested in this Great Order this is THE book. And although I may be the only American to buy this book --- this should be in every British library on Heraldry and Knighthoods. BUY THIS BOOK. You will not regret it. Best Wishes to the Author.