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Tank: The Definitive Visual History of Armored Vehicles
A visual guide to the history of tanks, "Tank" tells the full history of tanks through stunning photography and informative text.
From the early Mark Is of World War I to the T-34 of World War II to the cutting-edge M1 Abrams of today, "Tank" showcases the most famous (or infamous) armored fighting vehicles in history. Packed full of tanks, armored vehicles, personnel carriers, and anti-tank weaponry, "Tank" combines comprehensive photographic spreads with in-depth histories of key manufacturers and specially commissioned visual tours of the most iconic examples of their kind. The featured vehicles are placed in their wider context, along with with tactical and technological improvements, and the impact of the tank on the evolution of battlefield and military strategy.
"Tank" charts the evolution of the tank over the past century, covering over 450 tanks and military vehicles from all over the world. Look through the history of tanks and explore the form and function of a weapon that changed history. Learn the different vehicles' weight, size, country of origin, and time of use through in-depth profiles.
An essential visual history, "Tank" provides a complete and exciting overview to the iconic vehicles that changed history.
From the early Mark Is of World War I to the T-34 of World War II to the cutting-edge M1 Abrams of today, "Tank" showcases the most famous (or infamous) armored fighting vehicles in history. Packed full of tanks, armored vehicles, personnel carriers, and anti-tank weaponry, "Tank" combines comprehensive photographic spreads with in-depth histories of key manufacturers and specially commissioned visual tours of the most iconic examples of their kind. The featured vehicles are placed in their wider context, along with with tactical and technological improvements, and the impact of the tank on the evolution of battlefield and military strategy.
"Tank" charts the evolution of the tank over the past century, covering over 450 tanks and military vehicles from all over the world. Look through the history of tanks and explore the form and function of a weapon that changed history. Learn the different vehicles' weight, size, country of origin, and time of use through in-depth profiles.
An essential visual history, "Tank" provides a complete and exciting overview to the iconic vehicles that changed history.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2017
34 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 6, 2017
Arguably, the Best Tank Book Available …
TANK: THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL HISTORY OF ARMORED VEHICLES is yet another exquisite addition to the growing library of DK/Smithsonian books. If you have any interest in the subject matter (tanks), this is most definitely THE book to get.
DK has mastered the art of creating encyclopedic books that “pop” with visual “eye candy”. Regardless of the subject matter, I find it hard to open up any DK book and not want to scan through it in entirety … even those books aimed at children. The combination of DK’s presentation and the wealth of artifacts provided by the Smithsonian is something I find hard to ignore. I’ve been looking for a solid all-encompassing book on tanks for years. I knew my search ended as soon as I saw the DK and Smithsonian logos on the pre-published book cover; I immediately pre-ordered. The book arrived today and was everything I hoped and expected it would be.
As a 40-year student of World War II who also enjoys playing World of Tanks, I am confident this book will satisfy anyone with a craving for reading/understanding armored warfare. Not a single page of the books 250+ pages are wasted. Presented in a chronological manner that pretty much starts with the early 1900s to present day … the thorough nature of the book doesn’t forget to spotlight Da Vinci’s armored vehicle drawing. Following the traditional method DK uses to present material, the chapters are grouped by significant periods in the history of tanks. Each and every page is laden with original (not archived) color photos that beautifully illustrate most every facet of tanks/armored vehicles all the way up to today. While the book is wonderfully rich in photographs, the accompanying text and factoids add to the books informative value. Throughout the book are numerous two-page spotlight sections that pay special attention to key innovations, innovators, vehicles and events in tank history. What I particularly liked was that iconic vehicles are highlighted and each is given a multipage spread that includes a highly detailed photographic examination of that vehicle’s interior and exterior (including the Sherman, T34 and Tiger tank). Even experimental tanks are covered and presented in vivid color (my only “complaint” would be that the infamous “Maus” didn’t get more attention). There really isn’t ANY downside to this book … it informs and entertains.
TANK is a “must have” if you are interested in modern military history or tanks. The Smithsonian contribution is what really packs the book’s punch … the collection of photographs give you the experience of visiting a museum. I have several DK/Smithsonian “Definitive Visual History” books in my personal library and view them as indispensable resources. Each and every volume offers an exhaustive study of the subject matter with stunning visual support; TANK is yet another fine addition to this wonderful series of books.
TANK: THE DEFINITIVE VISUAL HISTORY OF ARMORED VEHICLES is yet another exquisite addition to the growing library of DK/Smithsonian books. If you have any interest in the subject matter (tanks), this is most definitely THE book to get.
DK has mastered the art of creating encyclopedic books that “pop” with visual “eye candy”. Regardless of the subject matter, I find it hard to open up any DK book and not want to scan through it in entirety … even those books aimed at children. The combination of DK’s presentation and the wealth of artifacts provided by the Smithsonian is something I find hard to ignore. I’ve been looking for a solid all-encompassing book on tanks for years. I knew my search ended as soon as I saw the DK and Smithsonian logos on the pre-published book cover; I immediately pre-ordered. The book arrived today and was everything I hoped and expected it would be.
As a 40-year student of World War II who also enjoys playing World of Tanks, I am confident this book will satisfy anyone with a craving for reading/understanding armored warfare. Not a single page of the books 250+ pages are wasted. Presented in a chronological manner that pretty much starts with the early 1900s to present day … the thorough nature of the book doesn’t forget to spotlight Da Vinci’s armored vehicle drawing. Following the traditional method DK uses to present material, the chapters are grouped by significant periods in the history of tanks. Each and every page is laden with original (not archived) color photos that beautifully illustrate most every facet of tanks/armored vehicles all the way up to today. While the book is wonderfully rich in photographs, the accompanying text and factoids add to the books informative value. Throughout the book are numerous two-page spotlight sections that pay special attention to key innovations, innovators, vehicles and events in tank history. What I particularly liked was that iconic vehicles are highlighted and each is given a multipage spread that includes a highly detailed photographic examination of that vehicle’s interior and exterior (including the Sherman, T34 and Tiger tank). Even experimental tanks are covered and presented in vivid color (my only “complaint” would be that the infamous “Maus” didn’t get more attention). There really isn’t ANY downside to this book … it informs and entertains.
TANK is a “must have” if you are interested in modern military history or tanks. The Smithsonian contribution is what really packs the book’s punch … the collection of photographs give you the experience of visiting a museum. I have several DK/Smithsonian “Definitive Visual History” books in my personal library and view them as indispensable resources. Each and every volume offers an exhaustive study of the subject matter with stunning visual support; TANK is yet another fine addition to this wonderful series of books.
January 27, 2023
Tanklar ve zırhlı araçlarla ilgili muhteşem bir kaynak.
1. Dünya Savaşından başlayarak farklı ülkelerin çeşitli dönemlerdeki tanklarını ve diğer zırhlı araçlarını karşılaştırıyor. Teknik bilgiler ve kısa tarihsel bilgilerin yanında tankların dış ve iç detaylarına ait çok sayıda detaylı fotoğraf bulunuyor.
1. Dünya Savaşından başlayarak farklı ülkelerin çeşitli dönemlerdeki tanklarını ve diğer zırhlı araçlarını karşılaştırıyor. Teknik bilgiler ve kısa tarihsel bilgilerin yanında tankların dış ve iç detaylarına ait çok sayıda detaylı fotoğraf bulunuyor.
June 3, 2017
I thought this was a fantastic book although I can see some potential frustrations. This book has a small amount of information on a lot of tanks rather than going into s lot of depth. The simple fact that there have been so many tanks over the years means that I can see some people's favourites would be missing.
Having said that, the photos are excellent and as an overall guide into the world of tank it is brilliant. As a modeller the pages with 20 odd photos of small details on the most popular tanks is incredibly helpful.
Having said that, the photos are excellent and as an overall guide into the world of tank it is brilliant. As a modeller the pages with 20 odd photos of small details on the most popular tanks is incredibly helpful.
February 17, 2022
Subtitled The Definitive Visual History of Armoured Vehicles, and authored (with the assistance of a large team) by the Bovington Tank Museum's curator, David Willey, I bought this at a heavily discounted price from The Tank Museum's online shop.*
I'm not usually keen on this sort of 'survey' type book, a type that Dorling Kindersely are well known for. But this is an exception, and not just on account of it covering a favourite topic. Superbly illustrated, and supported by a clear and concise text, the book, as the title suggests, does indeed cover the whole history of this deadly but exciting subject.
If I'm honest, it's the WWII stuff I'm most interested in, followed by the stuff leading up to that era. The post WWII stuff is of less interest to me. That said, I find the whole lot fascinating. It's really more about shades of interest, and only having so much time.
The way the book is structured, the development of tanks and AFVs, inc WWI, and up to WWII, takes up the first quarter. WWII accounts for the next quarter. The second half is post-WWII to the present, plus some additional stuff about the evolution of tanks and related technology and crew gear, etc.
Various sub-sectional formats - introductions, timelines, double-page spreads devoted to numerous vehicles, superb double-page spreads showing detailed imagery of the interior and exterior of one particular vehicle, and occasional profiles of important figures in the evolution of tanks, etc. - add to the clarity and depth with which this excellent volume covers its complex and fascinating subject.
If you want to know in great detail about any one particular tank or AFV, this isn't the book for you, even though it is chock-full of an immense amount of visual information. But it very definitely succeeds in being what it sets out to be. And at the greatly reduced price it's currently available at, it's a beautiful fascinating and highly informative steal.
I'm not usually keen on this sort of 'survey' type book, a type that Dorling Kindersely are well known for. But this is an exception, and not just on account of it covering a favourite topic. Superbly illustrated, and supported by a clear and concise text, the book, as the title suggests, does indeed cover the whole history of this deadly but exciting subject.
If I'm honest, it's the WWII stuff I'm most interested in, followed by the stuff leading up to that era. The post WWII stuff is of less interest to me. That said, I find the whole lot fascinating. It's really more about shades of interest, and only having so much time.
The way the book is structured, the development of tanks and AFVs, inc WWI, and up to WWII, takes up the first quarter. WWII accounts for the next quarter. The second half is post-WWII to the present, plus some additional stuff about the evolution of tanks and related technology and crew gear, etc.
Various sub-sectional formats - introductions, timelines, double-page spreads devoted to numerous vehicles, superb double-page spreads showing detailed imagery of the interior and exterior of one particular vehicle, and occasional profiles of important figures in the evolution of tanks, etc. - add to the clarity and depth with which this excellent volume covers its complex and fascinating subject.
If you want to know in great detail about any one particular tank or AFV, this isn't the book for you, even though it is chock-full of an immense amount of visual information. But it very definitely succeeds in being what it sets out to be. And at the greatly reduced price it's currently available at, it's a beautiful fascinating and highly informative steal.
July 20, 2017
This book is intended for tank lovers. It covers from earliest tanks before World War One to modern tanks. By reading it we gain a brief impression on how tanks evolve. Most earliest experiments of tank do not have the tank shape we think of today. World War One washed out unsuccessful designs, and tanks start to become tank. World War Two becomes brings another boost to tank's development. Some of the most famous tanks, such as Tiger, T34 and Sherman appeared during this period. After World War Two, tanks gradually have the same shape as today, and it didn't change a lot since then. Except for tanks, this book also introduces Tank Destroyers, Armored Cars and Troop Carriers in different periods.
This book tries to mention hundreds of tanks within 250 pages. It's easy to imagine that most tanks are only given a side view and a small specification chart. Only a few are described in detail with photos from all sides and its most important interior parts. Therefore, readers may find it disappointing that their favorite tanks only cover a very small part of a page, without any further description. But for those who are merely picture viewers, this book is OK.
This book tries to mention hundreds of tanks within 250 pages. It's easy to imagine that most tanks are only given a side view and a small specification chart. Only a few are described in detail with photos from all sides and its most important interior parts. Therefore, readers may find it disappointing that their favorite tanks only cover a very small part of a page, without any further description. But for those who are merely picture viewers, this book is OK.
March 17, 2025
I love DK books, with their beautiful pictures. The book highlights many different tanks and related armored vehicles. The Book is organized somewhat chronologically, grouped into sections such as WW1, WW2, Cold War, etc., and then by types of tank (e.g. Light tanks, heavy tanks, tank destroyers, armored troop transports, etc.). The book is interspersed with multi-page spreads with more in-depth coverage of a particular tank of notability, with more detailed information and zoomed-in pictures of parts of the tank.
I enjoyed seeing the history and development of the tanks over the years, but which led to one minor quibble on my part: based on the book's organization, it was difficult to follow how different nation's tanks evolved over time. In a paragraph about a vehicle, it would say that it's development was based on a previous vehicle, so then I would go back and try to find it. Sometimes an earlier page number was provided, but sometimes not. But not a big deal.
I enjoyed seeing the history and development of the tanks over the years, but which led to one minor quibble on my part: based on the book's organization, it was difficult to follow how different nation's tanks evolved over time. In a paragraph about a vehicle, it would say that it's development was based on a previous vehicle, so then I would go back and try to find it. Sometimes an earlier page number was provided, but sometimes not. But not a big deal.
December 2, 2020
This is a great coffee table book for anyone with an interest in tanks. I’m a huge fan of The Tank Museum, and I visited Tankfest a few years ago. This book is packed full of great photographs and illustrations, and just enough written history and information to keep you engaged in following the history and development of tanks. This isn’t meant to be a heavy read, or serious reference book. Instead it’s a great general history book about tanks.
April 15, 2021
A amazing book with hundreds of tanks, but sadly because of the sheer amount of tanks in this book many tanks are only give a side shot and 1 to 5 line of text to company them
But with the tanks they do go into detail with they are amazing filled many interesting facts, also at the back of the book it is filled with uniforms and shell types and more
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in tanks in general or as a coffee book
But with the tanks they do go into detail with they are amazing filled many interesting facts, also at the back of the book it is filled with uniforms and shell types and more
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in tanks in general or as a coffee book
June 17, 2024
A fun and informative book about all things tanks. Starting from WW1 to the modern age, every tank, APC, IFV, and anti tank weaponry is shown. I do wish some more tanks were giving a bit more attention but the ones that do are offered complete interior and exterior information along with a complete description and history.
January 11, 2021
Good overview of Tank History
Enjoyed this overview especially as mostly photos with detailed descriptions of actual tanks & equipment. Deducted one star as text did not scale/vector when enlarging to read so a bit blurry.
Enjoyed this overview especially as mostly photos with detailed descriptions of actual tanks & equipment. Deducted one star as text did not scale/vector when enlarging to read so a bit blurry.
March 22, 2022
awesome book.
It would be interesting, if book covered, the of a tank crew from1916, to present day. How did the sleep, eat, go to the bathroom, tookOn the side of the road? a bath? Etc. etc. The tank over and did their business
It would be interesting, if book covered, the of a tank crew from1916, to present day. How did the sleep, eat, go to the bathroom, tookOn the side of the road? a bath? Etc. etc. The tank over and did their business
August 25, 2017
This book gives way too much detail.
January 7, 2019
Wow, this was my first book on tanks and it makes all the others i have read bland and thin.
January 10, 2020
This is a very good book with many of the tanks developed over the last 100 years or so. Well worth the read.
August 11, 2020
A breathtaking book for someone fascinated by armored vehicles and history of weapons. Beautiful pictures and short description of tanks and their stories.
September 6, 2020
Good intro to the Tank Museum and the vehicles in their collection. A must see guide.
March 1, 2021
A great visual history of the tank in warfare.
August 22, 2021
More like a brochure than a book
October 2, 2021
I love tanks....and this for me was a great easy to read book on them.
October 23, 2021
A must for armor enthusiasts. Bravo!
January 15, 2022
Up to date summary of armor development. Beautiful pictures.
May 7, 2025
Boom
Loved this great pics tons of info worth the price although on kindle you do have to soon in to read the writing. Otherwise great book.
Loved this great pics tons of info worth the price although on kindle you do have to soon in to read the writing. Otherwise great book.
May 24, 2025
Comprehensive work on armoured vehicles found in the Tank Museum in Bovington and then some.
Also an amazing b-day gift
Also an amazing b-day gift
August 29, 2025
Very detailed and informative.
July 16, 2024
Non proprio completo, ma molto interessante.
March 9, 2023
I was amazed by the history of tanks how they started to how far they come.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews