THE STAND is out!

[Russell Smith]

WOW! I just received my copy of Stephen Skinner's long anticipated book THE STAND.

First let me say that I knew Stephen put a lot of work into this project, but I had no idea that the book was going to be so thick! Congratulations to Stephen on such a wonderful achievement! I know its the culmination of a LOT of work. Looking at the size of this volume, its really unbelievable to think that there are some things that he left out of this book. I know he must be really proud (and relieved)!

Second, let me extend a personal "thank you" once again to Stephen for bringing me in on this project. He entrusted me with the task of taking 15+ years worth of his life's work, summing it all up in one image, and and doing so in a manner that is worthy enough to be the "image" of the book. I am honored to have been a part of it!

Stephen, congratulations to you my friend!

Russ

[FlyXwire]

I can't wait to get the book, and all the other media I ordered along with it too!

Thanks to Stephen, and Russell, and all the others involved in what I'm sure will be quite a great reading and viewing experience.

Hoping by Christmas!

[stephen]

Thanks for the kind words, guys!

The last of the pre-orders for THE STAND are going out tomorrow by Priority Mail USPS, so yes, hopefully you'll have it by Christmas if they deliver on time. The book just came in (like just days ago) and we're scrambling hard to get them signed, prepped, boxed and shipped for Christmas. Two of my helpers here in the office just finished boxing up another round of books for morning delivery and they just wrapped up about 10:30 pm on a Sunday night. I'm still at it. Eek.

THE STAND, the trailer for The Search for THE STAND, and all prints are done and going in the mail as we speak. All other products are expected to ship separately in January.

For those interested, comments are pouring in now, including these...

"A wonderful achievement!"
"Just received the book yesterday - I was quite impressed."
"This is really a masterpiece."

And on and on. Had a few gripes from folks who wanted their book earlier (the delay was with Schiffer, not me!) but every comment from every book buyer has been overwhelmingly positive. (Whew!)

PR office just booked two more speaking engagements for '09. Will be on the road all year. Also springing a grand party and media tour in Phoenix, details TBA. Another date pending in Tuscon, another in New Jersey.

As soon as the final cut is done on the DVD documentary, we have two networks interested in airing a special TV version of The Search for THE STAND.

The next promotional video could be out as soon as tomorrow. The TV/Video Producer will make that call in the morning. They're trying to pique interest at just the right time, etc., etc.

I'm kinda amazed at all this. I knew there were plenty of Luke fans around, but this is ridiculous.

[maten]

I received my copy yesterday (Dec. 22- in time for Christmas!) by Priority Mail. I've read about half of it so far and I'm very impressed with it. Not only is it obviously the culmination of a great deal of well-documented first-hand research, the book is very nicely laid-out and Stephen's text is very clear and readable. The organization makes good sense and the historical inter-connections are clearly presented. The book is packed with photographs, many apparently never before published, and the book could well be the last word on Luke unless Stephen uncovers new material!

Russell's cover looks great- it's a close-up of the painting and shows off his skill very nicely. The likeness is perfect!

[RAF56_Ball]

Russell ,
Got the print, as I knew we all would. the wait was well worth it. Your printer did right by the material you gave him. Mine is being framed as we type - well, at least it is there; maybe after the first, heheh. As always Russ, EXQUISITE, and your most graphic re: the trauma. I can only imagine how hard that was for you, being so different from other pieces as a close up. But I felt you did it full justice without being gory. Well done, sir. I can only repeat a multitude of superlatives.

and Steven,
The promo disc, the book with photo print (VERY nice touch, Steven), and the letter also arrived. Almost done reading the book, but know I have only started learning. First class work all around.

One thing I was especially moved by, that deserves mention here. Your acknowledgements of the people and organizations brought honor to this forum and the uniquely dedicated and brilliant members that contribute so freely to all of us. I knew most of the names just through games, merely suspecting they were more knowledgeable than I thought. Your praise of them proves it. They deserve that praise and more. I can at best claim to be a history "buff". These guys have set a standard for true historians.

You too, Steven. Your analysis of the data you collected is well reasoned, and highly probable (approaching a probability of 1.00, frankly).
I was impressed with the way you handled, and most completely accurately, the variations in the testimonies, especially of Lt. Mangel. Memory is indeed a tenuous tool over time. Your conclusion was well weighed.

So to both, again thanks. You have given us a great body of work.

'Chip'

[ONEALM]

My copy arrived about two weeks ago and I've read it through.

All I can say is that if it's not the definitive work on Luke, I don't what will be. I think you'd need to interview the man himself to get any more detail on his life and military career.

It's been alluded to on the thread already, but the book is a grand tome. The book is well and thoroughly researched, the reconstruction of events given the evidence are logically and rationally presented and the story is very thoughtful in presentation.

When I received it, I was going to simply cut to the chase and read the last chapter to see what really happened on 29 September 1918 when Luke was shot down, but I read the introduction first and was impressed with the way it was written and Stephen's flair for leading us on to the story. I thought if the main text was as engaging as the intro, it would be a good read - not just a laundry list of facts, but something that kept my attention as the story unfolds. He does this consistently throughout the book from incident to incident and chapter to chapter. You follow the trail of breadcrumbs because they appear to be leading us somewhere interesting and ultimately, that's exactly what happens.

The book will not disappoint anyone who thinks they know Luke what happened that September evening and it will completely inform those who are new to the subject.

Luke fan or not, it's a model presentation of research done both on site and in the archives and it leverages the expertise of many people who are intimately acquainted with the many facets of the story. Instead of trying to research the minutiae of the supporting sub-stories (M-Flak guns, balloon unit tactics and organization, the German occupation of Murvaux....)Stephen's done a good job of using his resources (many who are members here) to help broaden the story and understand it's nuances without having to recreate the wheel.

Above all else though, it's a work that shows Stephens deep respect for Luke and is a fitting tribute to the man and his accomplishments.

Now, to prove I am NOT on the payroll.... I have just a couple of small gripes.

I was not impressed with the photo reproduction. It's workmanlike, but not a feature that'll knock your socks off. There are a few great shots Stephen has dug out that I was impressed by though and the photos are supportive of the text. I think most are the same size on the page and a few of the gems would have more impact in a larger format.

Secondly, it would have benefitted from an index. I read a great passage and went back to find it....and... well, no index so it's a bit of a grind to re-locate it. I know these are a pain in the a$$ to put together, but in a work of this size and scope, it's almost a requirement.

But that's it - the cover artwork by Russ Smith, the color interior work by Alan Toelle, the writing style, content, chapter division, endnotes, appendices - you name it. It's a great piece of work.

If you do not have it - buy it - you will not be disappointed.

I'm waiting on the DVD "The Search for the Stand" - but suspect given Stephens background in media, it'll be every bit as good as the book.

Super job Stephen - you should be proud.
Mike

[stephen]

Thank you for your kind words, Mike.

The two issues you mention are precisely what I told Schiffer over and over. I told my editor repeatedly that the photos needed to be larger, etc., but other than a few minor corrections, they refused to alter the layout.

Then Schiffer asked me if I had an index... which is backwards... I should have been asking them if they would add an index because I didn't have the final version of the book in their computer format. IOW, if I had done an index in my original .DOC document, it would have listed Eddie Rickenbacker as being mentioned on (for instance) pages 44, 148 and 231. However, after it was transposed into their layout editing system, those same references would have been found on (for instance) pages 65, 187 and 244. So the publisher either has to do the index or they have to provide the author with a computer file of their final layout... Schiffer would do neither.

Schiffer puts out a fantastic physical product, which, ultimately, was why I chose them as publisher. Hardbound, full color cover, acid free stock, etc., etc. But they were difficult to work with at times and I have no problem in laying both of these issues directly at their feet.

Thank you for your kind words on the book. Overall, I'm still very happy with the work and every review so far, without exception, has been overwhelmingly positive. So thanks, and thanks to all those who helped make it happen.

[Barrett]

Still haven't received a copy but I did recommend The Stand to the newly organized Medal of Honor Historical Society. The outfit investigates gaps in the MoH record and documents recipients' grave sites. A web page is underway.

[StephenLawson]

My copy is in the mail and will be reviewed here. in due course.

[Barrett]

Just got mine so I haven't written a thing other than emails in two days (though of course I've been occupied with my Childe Bride most of today!)

"Hot washup":

Excellent production quality, as per Schiffer's norm. MANY MANY fine pix of which about 96% are new to me.

Kudos to Russ Smith for the terrific cover.

Allan Toelle's artwork remains routinely superb.

Nice to see pix of our own Volker!

So, Stephen: what're you doin' for an encore?