DPM - Disruptive Pattern Material: An Encyclopaedia of Camouflage: Nature, Military and Culture [Hardcover]

As someone interested in "militaria"i ordered this massive volume(s) sight unseen on a hunch.Quiet a risk considering the cost.But it was a winning bet.Although not the "be all end all"on the subject(that would take many more volumes)this hefty work comes close.DPM stands for disruptive pattern material,the British definition of camouflage.Who would want such a work?More people than you might think.From those with an interest in military subjects to fashion,art,music,biology....you name it.This is not a dry military history.Not by a long shot.This volume should be named"everything you ever wanted to know about camouflage but were afraid to ask for fear of being labeled a warmonger".My criticisms about the text right away.As an "art book"the author Hardy Blechman goes to almost ridiculous lengths to state his anti war(make that anti military)views.He must have feared(perhaps rightly it must be said)that any serious examination of the subject matter would bring about the wrath of the "artsy set".Nonsence.This is an amazingly entertaining work.Put it on your table(a sturdy one)and amaze your art house chums and even your local NRA members.This book will amaze most everyone.Anything you ever wanted to know about the use of camouflage in todays global culture.And yes,it takes a book this big.The art and science of camouflage in nature,art,history,fashion,music(yes music)toys,furnishings,you name it.If you are a military clothing enthusiast(or a "geardo"as we are sometimes called)do not expect a military style monograph.This is an "art book"by artists.If you can put the books leftish tilt in perspective(even when it might seem self rightious)even you will be entertained by this 2 volume set.Thats right.As if the main text wasnt big enough(did i mention it was big?)you also get a smaller companion volume thats is a catalog of almost every nations national battle dress.If you are an artist type(slickster,fashionista,alternative culture vulture)you will be amazed,i promise.Throw a party at your loft/studio and invite your black clad"mod"friends and maybe the marine vet and deer hunter on the block for a showing of this book.Sit back and let the discussions unfold and entertainment ensue.This is a big(oh lord its big)and heavy(just try to curl up with it)and yes,expensive book.But you will not be dissapointed.

Before anything else, Mr. Blechman should certainly be commended for his ambition and the final product. He has done a wonderful job of showing how camouflage has permeated both the military and civilian (including fashion, toy, and music industry to name a few) communities since its wide-spread inception in the early 1900's. His book includes thousands of qualify photographs ad he is clearly knowledgeable on the subject. The issue, however, is that the book on first appearance is a bit misleading and is not at all for military collectors.

Why I say this is because of the total page count, only the first two hundred or so are focused on military camouflage in all its forms from clothing to helmets to vehicles. The rest is devoted to fashion or imaginary camouflage and the use of (generally very common) camouflage in the fashion and music industry. While it's interesting to see Notorious BIG in a set of commercial urban camouflage when you're thumbing through Rolling Stone, I really have no need to see it in a book on camouflage. The book only makes a cursory investigation into the various types of camouflage and in most aspects can be called anything but comprehensive. Additionally, Mr. Blechman clearly has a political agenda that is anti-war in nature and seems to be more interested in the socio-political use of camouflage as a form of resistance to war, and so on. For someone who is interested in different camouflage patterns, etc. in military use, this is not what they'll want to see.

That said, as I mentioned above, the book is well produced and provides a comprehensive look at how camouflage in its many forms has permeated our society in many facets of life. As a collectors resources, however, it is next to useless given the price except for quick confirmation of other sources. For those looking for a good book on camouflage, look up J.F. Borsarello's series on European, Russian, and Asian/Middle East camouflage. For those of us looking for a book on African camouflage, keep waiting.

This 2-volume set is the most detailed & comprehensive reference on the subject I have ever seen or can imagine.