“Leathernecks: An Illustrated History of the United States Marine Corps combines a lively, well-researched narrative with a generous selection of illustrations, many in color, and numerous maps to provide a topically and chronologically balanced history of the U.S. Marine Corps from its inception to the present day. The combination of a wealth of art, a substantial text, and a balanced perspective make the work unique in the literature of the Corps. Many of its illustrations have never before been published or have appeared only in black and white. The history of the American Marine Corps is one of the greatest military success stories of all time. Leathernecks details how and why a force that throughout the first century of its existence seldom exceeded the strength of an infantry regiment eventually attained a strength greater than that of many armies and developed what is arguably the world's most potent military mystique. Because the history of any institution is the product of the actions of the individuals who comprise it, we have included cameos of some of the individuals who made exceptional contributions to the Corps' rich heritage. Exceptionally well researched, written, organized and presented, Leathernecks is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, community, college, and university library American Military History collections and supplemental studies reading lists.” —Midwest Book Review

“Bartlett and Sweetman, respected authorities on naval and Marine Corps history, collaborate on a significantly updated version of The U.S. Marine Corps: An Illustrated History. Owners of that volume need not shy away from this one. The illustrations in particular have been overhauled, incorporating many new photos and prints from unfamiliar sources. The text adds a final chapter perceptively analyzing the corps's spectrum of contributions to the war on terror, from peacekeeping operations in Africa to pitched battles in Iraq and Afghanistan. The authors' treatment of the two battles for Fallujah merit particular attention. Newcomers will find even more useful the initial chapter, a survey of marine forces since antiquity, and the body of the text, which surveys the U.S. Marines' protean history. The book, and the Corps it celebrates, are best defined by a photo: this candid shot, taken during the battle for Okinawa, shows two men of the 29th Marines sleeping, an Okinawan orphan cuddled safely between them in their fighting hole.” —Publishers Weekly

“Two accomplished historians, one of them a career Marine, join forces in this outstanding one-volume history of the U.S. Marine Corps. The marines have distinguished themselves in every American war except, possibly, the Civil War, and are currently proving their mastery of infantry combat in Iraq. But the book also covers periods, such as the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the Marines were closer to being extinguished than distinguished, and their flubs and failures as well as their epic heroism in some of the toughest battles in American history. The post-Vietnam coverage includes uncertain weapons systems (e.g., the Osprey tilt-rotor), the integration of women and minorities (a work still in progress), and the marines' frustrating use as a diversionary force in the Gulf War. The whole book is, lavishly illustrated with a variety of photographs, posters, and paintings that enhance its already high value for both scholars and browsers.” —Booklist

“Superb narrative history profusely illustrated with a veritable gallery of Marine Corps combat art all thoroughly integrated by two proven masters of the profession.” —Col. Joseph H. Alexander, USMC (Ret.), co-author, Through the Wheat: The U.S. Marines in World War I

“Bartlett and Sweetman have produced a consummate blend of written and visual history that will please Marines and thrill their families and friends. It will no doubt become a gift of choice and is worth every penny. Leathernecks is a winner.” —Col. Allan R. Millet, USMCR (Ret.), author of In Many a Strife: General Gerald C. Thomas and the U.S. Marine Corps, 1917–1956

“Bartlett and Sweetman have set the standard for any future illustrated histories of the U.S. Marine Corps. Concise, straightforward and absolutely fascinating, they have combined their extraordinary and award-winning talents as historians with a flare for art, photography and illustration. A must have reference for all serious students of military history, from cover to cover, Leathernecks deftly captures the spirit of what is means to bear the title, United States Marine.” —Dr. Charles P. Neimeyer, editor of On the Corps: USMC Wisdom from the Pages of Leatherneck, Marine Corps Gazette, and Proceedings

“Thorough and dotted with vignettes of interest, this book reveals that a pair of veteran historians have delivered an excellent survey of the Corps and its unique culture. Several illustrations that remained unknown to most of us enhance their coverage of a venerable subject.” —Lt. Col. Kenneth W. Estes, USMC (Ret.), PhD., historian and editor of The Marine Officer s Guide, 7th Edition

“The work is extensively illustrated and full of the personal stories that make the Marine Corps story so fascinating. It serves as a coffee table book which nevertheless is accurate, detailed, and concise. The work stands out as a good general history of the fames American service arm.” —Military Heritage

“The book is a joy for the eyes because it combines beautiful images and excellent narration of the history of the Marines, from its beginnings in the War of Independence through the nineteenth century in which it struggled to find a ‘raison d'etre’ until obtaining the charisma and fame it still enjoys today, with the wars of the early 1900s, the Great War, the great sacrifice of the Second World War and then the modern conflicts. This is another book on the Marine Corps that cannot be missing in your collection.” —On the Old Barbed Wire