This book, as the subtitle indicates, is a photo study compiled by Thomas L. Jentz. It is therefore an extensive collection of photos of this mythical German tank.
The book is published by Schiffer and is a hardcover volume with 208 pages measuring 21.5 by 28 cm in portrait format. It is printed on good quality glossy paper, which allows the photos to be properly appreciated. The pictures are large, at least half-page and many full-page and even some double-page. The overall quality of the photos is good with some that are not so clear but are included for their interest.
Many of the photos are familiar to anyone who has already studied some of the Tiger, but here they are well printed and well sized. The book has been compiled by Thomas L. Jentz and can be used as a supplement to his well-known works Germany's Tiger Tanks from DW to Tiger I and VK 45.02 to Tiger II, which cover in detail all the technical and production aspects, and also Tiger Tactics of their use. For this reason, there is only a brief four-page summary of the development, characteristics and employment of the Tigers.
The book covers both Tiger I and Tiger II. All photos are accompanied by captions. The book is divided into several sections according to tank type and theatre of operations:
- Tigers in Tunisia and SicilyAfrica
- Tiger I on the Eastern Front
- Tiger I in Italy
- Tiger I on the Western Front
- Tiger II on the Western Front
- Tiger II on the Eastern Front
The length of these chapters varies with the longest being Tiger I in the East and the shortest being Tiger II in the East.
The photos are very varied, there are close-ups and general views, side, front and rear, camouflaged in grey, tricolour yellow and winter, in maintenance, in combat or on route, in train or stationary....
In many cases, the caption provides unit information. It is common throughout the book to find series of photos, with several images taken at the same place and of the same tanks. This is interesting in order to be able to see different details as the framing is often different.
Conclusion
An interesting collection of photos of the Tiger, selected by an expert like Thomas L. Jentz and printed in good size. These photos with their wide variety of vehicles and situations give a good idea of their use, camouflage and wear and tear. Recommended for modellers and history buffs alike.