World War II: Saving the Reality: A Collector's Vault

by Kenneth Rendell, Dorris K. Goodwin (Foreword)

World War Saving the Reality uniquely captures the experience of this monumental conflict. Along with compelling narrative and never-before-published photographs, you'll hold replicas of nearly one hundred wartime letters from the front, autographed portraits of commanding generals, urgent communiqués, Nazi propaganda, historic newspapers, Top Secret instructions, patriotic posters, and more. These pieces of history, from the archives of the famous Museum of World War II, are tucked and folded into envelopes and pockets within the massive, boxed collector's book. Pulitzer Prize winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin calls it remarkable and praises its emotional journey back in time. Phil Reed OBE, a director of the Imperial War Museum in London, says, Kenneth Rendell s Museum of World War II simply has no equal. The museum can at last be widely enjoyed through this volume. By Kenneth W. Rendell. Foreword by Doris Kearns Goodwin. 144 pages, with more than 80 replicas; coffee-table size; full color; hardcover in library slipcase.

Genres: World War II, War

144 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extremely well put-together (literally) collection. Almost every turn of the page has an insert with pull-out material that are copies of important WWII documents/propaganda/etc. This book feels like I'm walking through a museum, but now I actually have the time to closely examine all those small items you see inside glass cases that you tend to walk past too swiftly.

Author Kenneth Rendell is renowned for his authentic collections and expertise in recognizing real artifacts. His 50 year effort collecting WWII memorabilia led to "The International Museum of WWII" created west of Boston. It appears they wanted to expand, but had insufficient funds, so in 2019, the collection was sold. There are some pieces at another museum in Rhode Island, but I reached a dead-end as I did some simple research trying to find out if this collection is to be put once again on display. It sounded like the original goal was for this to go to Washington DC, but with property prices spiking, their original problems finding space are now even harder.

This book walks through all the aspects of WWII. USA, Germany, Russian, China, Japan, Eastern/Western fronts, European/Pacific Theaters, weapons, uniforms, letters, propaganda. I found it very interesting.

The quality of the actual book is phenomenal. It comes in a hard-case slip-cover. Pages are sturdy with well attached pockets inside holding additional material. It feels like it was individually made! I stumbled onto my copy at a used book store.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book with lots and lots of replicas of war-time documents, telegrams, posters, maps, and other items. A true feast for the eyes.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed going through all the "artifacts" from World War II. Even though it's a special interest of mine and I've read countless books about it ( particularly the Homefront and the Resistance) there was. A lot of "new" material in this book for me.

[Susan Liston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book. Its a history of WW2 told through photos of THINGS. As a great fan of THINGS, this was fascinating to me. Plus, it contains ACTUAL things...repros of photos,letters, postcards, maps, posters, flyers, etc. in little folders every few pages. Very cool.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed looking at the artifacts in this book. It really is a great walk through a dark time in human history.