Abstract

Involves itself with man's cultural, intellectual, social and physical environment.
... Read more

Reviews (19)

Better than a trip to the museum!
I never know what I'm going to find when I open an issue of Smithsonian, but I always find something intriguing that I would never have learned about in any other way. The depth and breadth of the articles never ceases to astonish me. In what other single magazine could you read about the art of Maxfield Parrish, the history of the calendar, the 13 smallest countries in the world, and see photos of exotic species of chickens? The writing is always intelligent, often witty, and inevitably a pleasure.

Great Reading
Smithsonian is a fantastic magazine. The articles are always interesting and well written. Even on a topic that I think I am not interested in, I find if I start reading, I will be completly enthralled by the end of the article. It is the perfect thing to take on the plane or on vacation, and you'll learn about topics from art, architecture, history, to endagered species, wildlife habitats and popular culture, plus everthing in between. The perfect gift.

The most fulfilling magazine to read cover to cover
Even if you can only afford the time to read a sporadic issue here or there, this is by far the most gratifying magazine to read.

This is more like an encyclopedia of current events affecting out world than a magazine. The gamut of topics is amazing and can in one article cover a topic with comprehensive, excellent writing. The consistency of quality makes it a number once choice.

It continues to carry the most intriguing articles I have ever read. If you're thinking about a subscription - pick one up at a newstand and revel in the pages of information. Chances are good you'll be so impressed you won't hesitate to indulge in a subscription to satisfy your appetite for more.

Look forward to every issue
I started receiving Smithsonian magazine a few months ago. It was the best choice I could have made in selecting a magazine. I find myself reading the articles out loud to my husband. I want to read every article because I am afraid I am going to miss something. I am saving them so my young son can enjoy them when he is older.

We are impressed with every issue
Every issue we get, we say the same thing: "WOW! This is the best issue ever!! Just look at this article, and this one...."

We took a visit to the Smithsonian in Washington, hosting some guests from Germany who had the treasures of the mineral exhibit on their "must see first time to the US" list of attractions. We were a bit nonplussed by this--we didn't know that foreigners would be interested in the Smithsonian Museum. We spent an entire day, seeing just a small percentage of the national treasures in this montsrous museum complex. While we were shopping in one of the gift shops, we were offered a membership. We signed up to support the Smithsonian and to get this magazine.

Recently, there was an article on Cambodia's huge temple complex Ankhor Wat (filmed in "Lara Croft"), an article on sled dogs and an article on the Kansas-Nebraska Act, a key law that added to the tinder sparking the Civil War. And best of all, an article on Diane Arbus, the photographer who was famous for her portraits of seemingly ordinary people, somehow caught with an eye to freakishness or evil. Though I've been familiar with Arbus' work for year, this article had so much new information.

If you like magazines about nature, culture and history, this is the one to get. We get excited by every issue. ... Read more

Abstract

Reviews current events as they affect US relations worldwide, focusing on international, political, commercial and cultural relations.
... Read more

Reviews (10)

A worthy read
I've read this journal routinely since picking it up for the first time last summer. The articles typically contain rather substantial information without devolving into esoteric or pedantic treatises, and their subjects run the gamut in international affairs. Topics I've read have included analyses of American foreign policy toward different nations, recountings of human rights abuses, and editorial-type articles "grading" the action of American politicians. I also discovered that it's on the recommended reading list for those wanting to take the Foreign Service exam, which is a pretty high recommendation in itself.

In all, I'd call it a well-rounded, worthy read for anyone wanting more information about world affairs than you get in the typical American newspaper or news journal.

Relevant, Interesting
I have to admit that when I subscribed to this magazine for the first time about five years ago, I did so out of a sense of duty to educate myself about all of the foreign policy and political things that I wasn't taught in school. It did seem a little dry from the get-go, but now I am a Foreign Affairs junkie, so to speak. Those who contribute articles to this magazine are professors, politicians, heads of state, and other great (and occasionally not-so-great) thinkers of our times. One gets the perspectives of world events from educated individuals from all over the world, not just America, and sometimes the points of view are very different than those of the American media. I also appreciate that Foreign Affairs publishes articles that almost seem to foreshadow news events - (they were covering background on Kosovo before newscasters in this country even knew where Kosovo was.) From reading this magazine one can see that very few problems in the world are "overnight" or occur "out of nowhere" but are usually the result of problems and conflicts that have been happening for some time, if only out of the spotlight of the Western mainstream media. The analysis in these articles is deep - many articles are over twenty pages long. The reader is left feeling more enlightened and not as if the issue has just been "glossed over." I enjoy reading the Letters to the Editor as well. It is great to see an article rebutted by another area expert who provides his or her insight to the problem at hand. Also,the list of contributors to Letters to the Editor reads like a list of Who's Who in Politics. It is amazing to see the people in government, here and abroad, who read this magazine. Probably more of them should.

Authorative Source of Foreign Affairs Information
Foreign Affairs magazine is one of the most authorative, primary source of information regarding geopolitical and economic affairs. Although principally a medium for elites to express their opinion regarding what is happening around the world, this material can allow anyone in the world, even in remote regions, to feel quite connected with those in power.

Written in clear, concise English, it is surprisingly readable considering the subject matter. Don't expect any pictures, however: there are none. However, if you want information on Iraq, North Korean, Iran, and the UN, this is your source of material. Some of the subject matter, of course, is biased: sometimes Clinton croonies contribute material, which I quickly ignore by averting my eyes. But the magazine is not meant to be a source of objective material: there is no reporting, the way you find in The Economist; all of it is first-person essays.

Michael Gordon

It is simply the best!
This magazine is simply the very best there is - and I too have been reading it faithfully for many years now. It is THE magazine for anyone who wants to be any kind of globally aware citizen in these troubled times - and it is always easy to understand and written in plain English as well (which certainly does help....) I will be a happy reader I trust for many more years to come. Christopher Catherwood, author of CHRISTIANS, MUSLIMS AND ISLAMIC RAGE (Zondervan, 2003)

Long Time Subscriber
I have been reading Foreign Affairs for more than 30 years. It is an integral part of a broad-based understanding of international issues, both current and historical. It can also be very prescient at times. (See Clash of Civilizations, 1993)

The articles are not to be rushed through. Read them slowly and savor them, whether you agree with them or not. Give it a try! ... Read more

Abstract

Formerly American History Illustrated.Feature articles and special issues presenting the best available historic and contemporary illustrations and authoritative narratives on all aspects of American history.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wonderfully Written, Fun to read
This magazine is GREAT. It covers the things you may know in history, but also tells the 'whole story'. The stories cover from 1492 to Post WWII. This magazine is the only one I have found that tells the full whole history in a easy to read interesting format. I would reccomend it for all Americans who want to know the true interesting history of America and not the shallow 3 minute news driven or HollyWood slanted history.

I Look Forward to Every Issue
This is an excellent magazine about American History. The magazine provides a wide range of stories on a bi-monthly basis. It doesn't repeat the same stories that most people know but it tries to tell instances that are not as well-known. In some cases it is little known stories about significant events and other times they have stories about little known pieces of American History. I only wish the magazine had a monthly publication. ... Read more

Abstract

Edited for the urban Texas audience andcovers the state's politics, sports, business, culture and changing lifestyles.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

Getting Better
I agree with some of what all the other reviewers have stated. I, too, am a Texas native who has subscribed for nearly 15 years (and read my father's for 10 years before that) and have seen the mag's quality ebb and flo. As copyKat states, the magazine doesn't seem to know who its target audience is (i.e. upscale, politically savvy, middle-or-the-road, city dweller/suburban, etc.) The political and investigatory writing is still top-notch. This state has a lot of problems and the magazine does not try to simply gloss them over. However, some (ok, many) of the 'fluff' pieces leave me wondering why they were included in the first place. Like ducksquat, I also dislike having to stop an article in mid-paragraph to hunt down the continuation on page 97.

I travel throughout the state and appreciate the restaurant reviews and cultural 'to-do' lists. I also enjoy the mix of current and historical events. I also very much like Kinky Friedman's Last Roundup (I think I'm in a minority, tho). The annual Bum Steer Awards are usually worth the subscription price alone.

My biggest gripe is with the 20- to 30-page 'special advertising section' every single month. What used to be a once- or twice-a-year occurance is now in every issue. I know we (the subscribers) don't keep magazines afloat- the advertisers do - but still...The magazine at times looks (and smells) like my wife's Vogue.

Overall, Texas Monthly is a good magazine. The state is so big (physically, culturally and politically) that I am sure it is hard to find a good balance of articles every month. Other than the politics-only rags like the 'Texas Observer' and the usually horrible 'city' magazines ('D' or 'Inside Houston') TM is all we have; they usually put out a good magazine. Changes in ownership and editorial staffs over the recent past have slightly changed the magazine's direction every couple of years, but I like the current editing team. And, Texas Monthly keeps winning awards.

Consider my, dusksquat's, copykat's, Karen's, and Sheila's reviews before buying a subscription. Then subscribe anyway.

Magazine as opinionated as Texans...
As a Texan, I find it refreshing to read this fine magazine. It keeps me up-to-date with the happenings in my state whether political, sports-related, recreation or any number of things. There are just as many opinionated editorials as there are factual-based articles and no punches are held back in trying to keep Texas looking like a flawless state.

I have lived around the country and it certainly helped me to keep my feet rooted in my native state. Since then, I've returned, though temporarily. It now serves me well to give me ideas of things to do, see and experience.

My main qualm with the magazine is that there seems to be as many if not more ads than stories and images. In addition, I'm not quite satisfied that many stories are continued towards the back of the magazine. This merely means that if I don't hold my place, I'll have to strive to find it again.

It has been said that everything is big in Texas and the size of the magazine is certainly filled with enough reading material to keep you busy all month long. I have yet to read a rehash of stories such as a 1,000 different takes on the Alamo. If a story is "rehashed," it is from a totally different perspective so that the magazine never stays stale. Besides that, a fun read for all who have any interest at all about what this former independent country is all about!

Interesting Local Reading
I have somewhat mixed feelings about this magazine, as I can not tell to what type of audience this is truly meant for. The articles are hard hitting, and well written. I can not dispute that. Sometimes I simply don't find them all that interesting. I enjoy the restaurant reviews, its helpful knowing of a few good suggestions when traveling, or even locally. I find the advertising in the magazine to be a bid auspicious as it seems to cater only to those high members of society that are in serious need of spa treatments and an occasional face lift. Maybe its tough finding advertising, but I find that it takes away from articles about our local government and issues.
I do feel this is totally worth the subscription price, and you are bound to find 12 dollars of reading in a years time :) This might even be a good gift idea from someone that is no longer in the area.

I have to disagree!
I've only subscribed for 2 years, but I must disagree with Sheila of Austin! I love this magazine and look forward to every issue! Granted, there are some articles that I skip over, but I believe that is true with every magazine out there. I hope people aren't discouraged with her review - just a difference of opinion, I guess...

Going down hill.
I have subscribed to this magazine off and on for the last 15 years. This magazine is known for the meticulously researched articles on Texas history and local figures. However, it seems that the better quality pieces have become fewer and more far between over recent years. I don't know if the magazine went through a change in ownership or what happened. They still have the occasional jewel but you have to wade through a ton of fluff. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles, information, and reviews about military history.
... Read more

Reviews (5)

My favorite subscription
My parents subscribed me to this magazine when I was 12. When I write this review I am now 19, and I am proud to say I am still a subscriber.

With each issue, Military History provides different articles on different time periods and events. It's not really based on any one war or time frame (which is refreshing considering that some historical sources are biased towards one area, such as the History Channel and WWII). I can't guarantee every article you read will be good (they are written by different contributers, after all) but those poor examples are only a minority compared to the others. They are on the whole very well detailed with maps and photos concerning each subject, and includes sources/references at the end.

The minor articles (Personality, Editor's Note, etc) are interesting too. Granted, I usually read them last, but as short anecdotes they are truly a joy to read - and some times will teach you facts you would have never guessed!

This is a great magazine for the armchair general or military history buff alike. It's also very affordable and comes out every month. That's a definite plus - you'll finish each issue quicker than they come!

Great magazine for the history enthusiast
I have only recieved a few issues of Military History, but I have been extrodinarily pleased. There is a very diverse selection of articles, so I am always learning something new. Topics range from specific individuals to whole forces, from book reviews to technichal equipment information. I have found that the writers generally assume that the reader has some advance knowledge of the subject, so this may not the best magazine for someone new to military history. Still, this magazine is well worth the money for anyone who truly has an interest in military history.

Wonderful publication for military history buffs
I regularly look forward to my copy of Military History. It is a quality publication that is crammed with interesting articles about warfare in the past. I have found very few errors in the magazine and it is very professionally presented. The photos and diagrams are very well done and the magazine always has a interesting mix of articles from different time periods. Highly recommended to those interested in the subject.

Military History
I've received every issue of this magazine since its inception in 1984. I still have every issue (they even survived a basement flood) and periodically look at past issues.

I look forward to every issue and read it from cover to cover. Never have I anjoyed a magazine like Military History. The articles are well researched, with enough detail to provide insight and analysis, yet the editing keeps up a readable pace. The subject matter is the entire world, from any age. Every issue is laced with excellent artwork that somehow adds more to the content.

Historians as well as general interest people will find something valuable in this magazine. Its well roundedness will keep the reader coming back for more. If I could renew for another 25 years, I wouldn't hesitate a minute.

Excellent magazine!
I have received Military History since mid-1996 and have not been disappointed. Each issue selects military history stories/tibits/essays/interviews from various periods of history (usually 4 to 5) and places them as the main part of the magazine followed by occasional further reading sections. In addition to the 4 to 5 main stories, Military History also includes one story/essay/tibit under each of the following headings: Intrigue, Personality (a selected personality in military history), Reviews (readers review books, movies, and computer games - usually only three reviews or less per magazine), Perspectives (provides incite into little known battles throughout history), Weapony (descriptions and details cover weapons ranging from little known to well known, from early BC to late AD), and finally Best Little Stories (unique and interesting stories covering a wide range of military history topics.) Military History also provides occasional interviews with persons who served in one or more of any of the modern day wars (Spanish Civil War to present.)

Besides great stories, Military History also provides a web site in relation to About.com where readers can continue discusions from the magazine, answer daily quizes, see what happened this day in history, or see a daily picture. The Military History web site also provides readers with access to selected stories from other Primedia (publisher of MH) publications.

Overall, Military History is an excellent magazine well worth the price Amazon charges for a one year subscription. Although you only get 6 issues, they are filled with well written and well researched essays (at least 80 pages worth.) Also, if one does not agree or would like to provide additional information to a particular story, Military History also publishes reader letters. Therefore, if you like reading a variety of military history books or would just like to know more about various events in military history, Military History (the magazine) is definitely worth your time and money. I am a subscriber for life! (Or, at least as long as it is published.)

P.S. Once you become a subscriber Military History allows you to buy gift subscriptions for your friends at a greatly reduced price with your own renewal. I have found the gift subscriptions make great "anonymous" Christmas or late birthday gifts. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

You Should Dig This


I've subscribed to this since I first read it. The first issue I saw was number two I think. Like many other issues since, that one was devoted for the most part to a single topic -- in that case the Etruscans -- and was rivetting. I hardly noticed I was on the beach sucking up UV and ice water. This is easily my favorite magazine, and certainly is my all-time favorite magazine about archaeology and history. It blew _Discovering Archaeology_ off the map, despite better distribution for its competitor.

A focus on Bible related archaeology seems to be a problem for some narrow-minded folks when they see BAR. _Archaeology Odyssey_ is published by BAR, but isn't "Biblical". ... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

FamilyTreeMagazine is jammed full of information
I really love this magazine because, first of all, I love Genealogy! And this magazine is a great source of information whether you are just starting out on your family search or if you've been hitting the archives for years.
And it is WEB oriented which is just what I'm looking for as I do a lot of research online. Family Tree Magazine always has new or important search tips. I learned to check characteristics of old photos for clues in narrowing a search for birth years when you don't have an exact date. Then I looked in the census for years around that time period to find the person I was looking for. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles about the U.S. military in World War II.
... Read more

Reviews (13)

A great history of the war
This magazine is is definitly a good reading addition to anyone who is interested in World War 2. Its loaded with information about well known battles and also with events that are very unheard of, which many include maps to help readers understand the situation. There are also many interviews with actuall soldiers from all differnt sides of the war which makes it all the more interesting.

Great magazine!
If you liked war movies such as Saving Private Ryan, this magazine is the perfect companion. It gives the detailed views of many different aspects of World War II, from the people that fought it in, to the weapons used, to the various tactics used by the different armies.

A note of warning: This magazine should not be read by people that don't already know anything about World War II. You cannot just pick it up and be able to comprehend the different articles. A general knowledge of World War II is required before reading this magazine.

I really like how World War II magazine covers the little know stories or facts from the war. Many people are taught about the major events in the war, such as Pearl Harbor or D-Day, but how many people know about Japanese attack on the Aleutian Islands, or the Malmedy Massacre, in which hundreds of American P.O.W.'s were gunned down in cold blood? World War II magazine accurately and efficiently conveys the true horrors of war, while at the same time teaches history in a beautiful format.

informative and entertaining
World War II magazine has great feature articles as well as columns that appear in each issue. I especially like the "One Man's War" column that describes the military career of a single soldier during the war years.

Good stories
This is a great magazine for those who wish to learn more about W.W. II. It has many personal stories and interviews. Every issue is packed. I subscribed to it...

What did "our boys' go through?
This magazine does a fantastic job of personalizing the war down to individual levels. Talk about feeling like you're stting on your grandfather's lap hearing an old war story. Great for anyone even remotely interested in "The War". ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Never received the magazine
I ordered this magazine as a gift to my brother. Six months later he advised me that he never received a single copy even though he did get the gift subscription notification. After calling the publisher's subscription dept. I was told the magazine was shipped but returned as undeliverable. It turns out the street number was incorrect. I only wish they had notified me three months earlier, instead of waiting for me to call them. They also promised to call me in 24 hours to follow up, that never happened. This is a very good magazine, but my beef is with the subscription handlers. If something went wrong with the delivery I would expect them to initiate contact, especially in the case of a gift subscription. I ended up cancelling the subscription and just buying it off the shelf at a major bookstore and giving it to my brother, and he loves it.

Where does one go?
As a fan/reenactor and hobbyist of the Civil War, where does one go for further insight or keep up on current events? I would say to start reading this magazine. It covers many subjects and offers new insight while bringing forth reader response. The articles are very intriguing and offer a lot of information. This magazine is indeed probably the best out there on the subject.

Civil War Times Illustrated
Excellent magazine for those interested in the Civil War. Large range of subject matter in each issue. Highly recommended.

An Excellent Resource for Reenactors and History Buffs!
Civil War Times Illustrated is a great resource for stories about the history of the times -- from both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. It's also terrific for learning about museums, reenactment events, tours, collectibles, and other relevant issues. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Paid for subscription, Never received 1 copy ?
To whom it may cocern, 3/15/04
I sent in a check #4816 for $29.95 and received check back Stamped with `For Deposit Only' DATED 9/2/03
TRUE WEST PUBLISHING
004671587660

With : Pay To The Order Of
BANK OF AMERICA
122101706
On the top of the BACK OF THE CHECK FOR the SUBSCRITION. But have not received a SINGLE ISSUE as of TODAY!?
About this time frame I became very sick and after months
they told me that I had Severe case of CHEMICAL SOLVENT POISON-
ING & have to sell my HOUSE to move North somewhere. What I want is for someone too Please look into this MATTER & Help Me get it Straightened out so I will receive what I have PAID FOR. THANK YOU VERY MUCH,can get me @ rmmccahon @ prodigy.net or Robert McCahon-(361)985-9535. P.O.Box 271427, Corpus Christi, TX. 78427
Robert McCahon
CC/RMMCCAHON@PRODIGY.NET
BGS

True West Breathes New Life into the Old West
I just finished reading both the January and February/March 2003 issues of True West magazine. What a treat! This periodical covers the American West in a style which is simultaneously engaging and enlightening. If you are a history buff, lover of western lore or just want a satisfying read, pick up this magazine.

True West is celebrating 50 years of publication (no small feat) by dedicating a large portion of each issue this year to a "50 Most" list relevant to the old West. Additionally, the January issue has a timeline beginning in 1800 which covers a
20-year span charting the exploration and settlement of the West. The February/March issue picks up this thread and subsequent issues will carry it right up to 1953, the year of the magazine's inception.

The January issue gives an impressive look at the "The 50 Most Important Historical Photos of the Old West". There are several absorbing articles relating to one of the most important events in America's history: Lewis and Clark's exploratory trek west with the Corps of Discovery. And much more.

The February/March issue focuses on "The 50 Guns That Won the West". A big serving of other good articles cover topics including the Alamo and the fur-trapping adventures of the legendary "Mountain Men".

Well over a dozen regular departments -- "Classic Gunfights", "How the West Is Worn" and "Collecting the West" are a few -- along with cleverly executed illustrations and interesting sidebars fill out the rest of the magazine's glossy, high-color pages.

It is getting much harder these days to find a publication worth reading from cover to cover. I recommend you get a subscription to True West. You won't be disappointed.

FUN THINGS TO READ AND BUY!
My husband has been getting this magazine for about a year. I picked up an issue a few months ago and was quite surprised! I really enjoyed the article in the January issue on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. There are so many fun things to read and buy! I might have to get my own subscription!!

Great surprise
Just finished my second issue and what a terrific magazine. If anyone has any interest whatsoever in anything 'Western', this has got to be a must read. Some great photography and art. Even the ads are fun. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles appealing to readers interested in the American Civil War.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

Magazine is interesting, the subscription was bogus.
I found the magazine to have interesting stories and history. The part I didn't care for was the way in which my subscription was sent. I received all of my years worth of issues in about three months. They sent me several back issues which was a little annoying.

More history than you can shake a bayonet at
If you are a civil war buff this mag is for you.

Many details on many little known facts all easy to read and a pleasure for the eyes. It manages not only to avoid repeating the same stories over and over, but it brings you fresh perspectives that the avgerage history doesn't hit.

A great reference tool for the student who wants to know more than the avg text will tell him.

It's Civil War-rific!!
If you're the type of Civil War buff who's read all the dry histories there are, paged through all the CW-related novels, and seen Ken Burns's documentary so many times you've memorized every episode, then America's Civil War is the magazine subscription for you. Get more in-depth reviews of strategies used by famous generals and what did or did not work for them. Learn behind the scenes information about major characters in the conflict that don't always surface in textbooks. See articles on the equipment the men used, the roles the women played, and the propaganda of the day. If you know the difference between a Sharps repeater and a flintlock, you'll love America's Civil War magazine. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Anatol Lieven review
Lieven's article, "In the Mirror of Europe: The Perils of American Nationalism";is succinct, cogent, and in my opinion frighteningly accurate. My experience as a professor convinces me that we are in the midst of a nationalistic arrogance, whipped by endlessly reptetiive mantras including 9/11, war on terrorism and god, which the majority of my students now accept as truth. I have one suggestion, I think Mr. Lieven is overly optimistic when he comments that the neoconservative empire-builders are not yet the majority in positions of power. I feel their reach inlcudes the legislative and executive branch, much of the leadership of coporate America, an increasing number of Jewish and Christian denominations, much of the media-particularly AM talk radio, higher education, the military, and with another four years of the current administration, federal courts at all levels. I will bring up this article in many of my discussion groups. I think the article was well-written and important, my congratulations to the author.

Great Monthly News Magazine!
This magazine must be one of the best kept secrets, because it's been out for ninety years and I'm the first to write a review! In my effort to become more knowledgeable about the world, I've been trying out lots of magazines. Perhaps it is a sign of my slow maturation that I am now reading magazines that do not have pictures, such as Foreign Affairs and now, Current History. Current History is a monthly that is published nine months a year, September through May. Each issue contains about eight articles which are well-written, engaging, informative, and insightful; the articles are thoughtful and I can't detect any bias or agenda. In the back of each issue there is a monthly world review and a map highlighting current events. Some people might be misled by the magazine's title, thinking it covers past history rather than current events. But it is actually covering the events happening today that are making history - the difference between historic and historical. Try one issue - if you can find it in your local magazine store - and you will be hooked! ... Read more

Abstract

Thematic issues on an aspect of world history for young people, fiction, poetry and activities; Africa's Carthage, epic heroes, lost cities, major naval battles, Queens of Egypt, Vikings, vanished civilizations.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

MUST HAVE FOR ANYONE EVER IN THE NAVY
I have subscribed to this magazine for almost 8 years. I found it by accident on a shelf in a bookstore. I wait by my mailbox about the same date each month waiting for the next issue.

It combines current events in the US and all other Navies, with articles of a naval nature. It goes into lengthy histories of individual ships, and classes of ships. It provides a complete guide of what is happening to all navies all over the globe. It goes into technical details as far as development of classes of ships, and technologies embarked on board. Many articles are written by the actual sailors who served on board those ships.

It also tell of development and abandonment of certain naval technologies throughout the years (ever wonder what happened to the Navy's old hydrofoils, they had a recent article). They go into details that only someone who worked, lived, ate, cried and laughed on board would ever know. It also goes into historical events and analysis of the significance of those events. They provide a balanced approach and avoid anything of a political nature.

It may be boring to those not ever deployed on a REAL SHIP or embarked on a REAL CRUISE (and not on those whimpy ocean liners). However, if you know of anyone ever in the Navy (not the air side-they have their own magazine called "Air Classics"), who went to sea or served on a ship, then a subscription to this magazine is a MUST.

I have kept every copy of mine over the years and find myself re-reading them over and over. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Wow! What a read!
I am "historically impaired". I enjoy hearing "stories" from our past but I can never remember who did what, when. Therefore I don't usually make time for history. Enter "American Heritage" magazine. It is not a tired old rag about the Revolutionary War or who was the best Civil War general. No, it is a magazine full of lively articles on UNUSUAL facts from our history. Get this magazine and get the scoop on the flu that killed a million, the fascinating story of a secret mountain masacre or the plan to play God by cleansing the "feeble minded". Who knew!! Subscribe and be riveted!

Best Magazine on the Rack
When I was little, my dad always said good things about this magazine. My attitude was always "I'm not gonna buy a magazine to bore myself some more" - I mean, c'mon, it's a history magazine. I was absolutely wrong. I picked up this magazine one day and I was hooked. I would say that American Heritage has found its way to make history interesting. One way that it does this is to somehow weave issues of current interest (as subtle as they may be) into its articles. On the second thought, I should have listened to my dad from the beginning - he's an anesthesiologist - he knows what put people to sleep and what does not. This magazine keeps me awake - sometimes I would put my paper/project aside just so that I could finish my copy in one sitting. It's unfortunate that this magazine only comes out every two months. American Heritage makes history grrreattt! ... even for a non-history buff in his early 20's like myself. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles and book reviews for those interested in the history of aviation.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

One Of The Best Mags I've Read
One of the few magazines I will read cover to cover. Even those articles about civilian aircraft (I am a military aircraft enthusiast/author) I read with great interest. Many articles are about events/machines/people that I've never heard of but are fascinating to learn about. My only criticism is that it is not a monthly publication. It would be a great day indeed if the publishers decided to make it so. Either way, it is worth the money for a subscription.

Strong balance of civil & military aviation, but infrequent
I ordered this magainze, and although it covers one of my favorite subjects I did find that I was not as pleased as I had hoped. This magazine does not come monthly, and so you find yourself wondering if your issue is lost or if your subscription is messed up. Also, it has an awful lot of material that is used to cover civil aviation, but since I am not as interested in civil as I am military aviation, I was not able to appreciate as much of the magazine as I had hoped. overall, it is fairly balanced, and given that the civil world is much less writen about, that is to the magazine's credit, but I wish I had ordered something else instead.

great stuff!
I take several different magazines, of different types.This is the one that I invariably read cover to cover, every single issue. OK, so you have to be _interested_ in the specialized subject matter, first. But if you do have any interest at all in Aviation History, this magazine presents a seldom-failing insight into lost, little-known, and obscure aspects of the entire century of aviation. The writing is literate and interesting, and they come up with some marvellous, mostly unpublished, pictures. I would recommend at least a trial subscription - my bet is that you'll like it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The kindgom and the glory...
Along with 'British Heritage', the magazine 'Realm' is one of the periodicals I use to keep current both on the current state of Britain's traditional culture as well as the current streams of thought on the history of Britain. Each issue includes articles on the past and the present; it is useful for both residents (to learn more about the isles called home) as well as for tourists, to learn more about what is worthwhile seeing. This magazine will give ideas that go beyond the typical travel suggestion magazine, with a greater discussion of history, as well as the current personalities involved in preserving that history.

A recent edition includes articles on prehistoric Britain (concentrating this month on stone-constructs like Stonehenge, as well as others); gardens in Stowe, among the best in England; an artists' colony in Suffolk which brings together both painters and composers; and a feature article on the Settle-Carlisle Railway. These articles show the range of topics that the magazine regularly covers -- recent issues have included highlights of particular castles and historical sites (Bosworth Field), features on counties, and biographical articles on historical characters (this month's issue includes an article on Owain Glyndwr, the 15th century Welshman who fought for independence).

Regular features include Letters to the Editor, which in this as in most British publications has a character rather different from American letters-to-the-editor columns; Diary, which highlights openings, special events, and upcoming features; Landmarks in History, concentrating on a particular small piece of history usually with overlooked significance; and Curiosities, which can end up being mostly anything, from a way to cook a peacock to a way to chisel a gargoyle.

Perhaps the most interesting article for me in the most recent issue of Realm is an article on Underground London (a perusal of other reviews I have done will show a significant number of reviews on books on London); not just on the London Underground, mind you, but rather the series of lakes, rivers, streams, and disused and incomplete tunnels that run under the city, largely unknown to the great masses of people who live above.

'Today, there is a veritable subterranean city beneath the streets of London. Yet the underground story starts many years before the reign of Queen Victoria. Here is one example. For many years both common publicans and nobles with a taste for wine have stored their bottles in cellars. Few were more noble than Cardinal Wolsey, whose 16th century wine cellar is hidden under today's Ministry of Defence. Curiously, it is more akin in appearance to the crypts of London's medieval churches and monasteries than to the beer cellars in use today.'

The article proceeds to discuss all of the various underground findings, from the buried Roman walls in the foundations of modern skyscrapers to the underground lakes that are incorporated into the sewer system.

This is a fabulous magazine, a delight for any Anglophile and a treat for those with interest in travelling to Britain. It combines fabulous photography with great writing and interesting topics.

Cheers!

Britain's Past and Present... in Brilliant Colour
Other reviewers have mentioned how Realm brings Britain's past and present to life, and the tremendous wealth of useful travel information in each issue. As a longtime subscriber, I concur.

In addition, the quality of photography within is incredible. You can almost smell the fragrant freshness of English Gardens, the subtle scent of salt spray in a remote fishing village, or the exotic spiciness of Notting Hill's street market.

Should your travel be restricted to a favorite easy chair, Realm brings the U.K. to you. Enjoy.

If you're planning a trip to Britain, get a subscription
I've read this magazine for several years and found it to be an important source of information on every aspect of planning a British vacation. In each issue you'll get information on things to see, places to stay, transportation, everything you'll need. I think that it might be better than most travel guides (they're usually a little out of date), IN BRITAIN Magazine is the only magazine that comes close to it in providing a traveler with useful information on planning a trip. ... Read more