M9 Book "American Gladius"

[pwcosol]

I just finished reading the recently released book on the MPBS M9 "American Gladius". The book basically centers around the M9 bayonet as contracted for by the U.S. Army, and variations in the evolution (or rather "devolution") of the design. There is also brief coverage of the USMC's M9 experience, & subsequent adoption of the OKC 3s. However, a substantial portion of the book deals with the U.S. military acquisition system, nomenclature, and evaluation process. In addition the author has attempted to define those production variants (as made for the US Army & USMC) with a system of nomenclature to help identify specific bayonets.

Other books, dealing with bayonets (such as those of Kiesling, Jansen, or Johnson) and their identifying numbers, have become points of reference for many collectors when attempting to refer to a very specific bayonet variation. Whether the reference system established in "American Gladius" will join them, time will tell. This book is not a "collectors guide" to all M9 bayonets, and the author makes this very clear in his presentation. It is the first in-depth publication on the MPBS M9, and although limited in it's perspective, covers subject matter I would not expect to find in subsequent works. Perhaps the most disappointing feature was the lack of photographs or poor sketches of many bayonets discussed...all of which I am sure might have been made available from several sources or private collectors had the author sought them out. Nontheless, I applaud Capt. Pattarozzi for making this effort, and hope "American Gladius" will not be the last book on the MPBS M9...

[porterkids]

I've had a copy for several weeks but have not yet had the time to read the entire work. I have read select sections and will comment at some point in the future.
I had some correspondence with the author about a year ago and looked forward to the book being published. I, too, am dissappointed in the lack of detailed photographs of the bayonets. Any of a number of collectors would have been happy to provide examples for use in the book.
As stated above, this is not the definitve work on the M9 bayonet, nor was that the intent.

[porterkids]

For those interested, the book can be purchased directly from the publisher. When I ordered mine the publisher was offering free shipping. I called in the order on a Wednesday and the book arrived on Friday.

http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschi...=9780764332395

[Carlo]

Hello and thanks for sharing the information about this new book.
I didn't know (or heard) that there was a new book on the M9.
I have one copy on order now!

[pwcosol]

Bill, I am looking forward to your thoughts on the system of nomenclature Capt. Pattarozzi established in "American Gladius" to help identify specific M9 variations. I found the section dealing with LanCay M9s somewhat confusing. However, with the plethora of variants, both military & civilian, produced by LanCay, this is quite understandable!

[Old-Smithy]

I just got my copy thanks to EBAY, it has been skimmed and looks to be interesting, I was suprised at the number of pictures in it after the comments above, as it seems he has pictures of all that relate to his numbering system, but only M9's and not all th etrials pieces if that is what is meant - may make it a lot easier for collectors of the type if only as a basis - but reading may show where stuff is missing, I have already found some typo errors i.e. figs 157 and 158 dont agree with text so will be interested to go into more detail, however there are 3 other bayonet books in front at the moment, and at least 2 more to come

[Old-Smithy]

Well I just finished reading the book (maybe 5 hours cover to appendices) and was somewhat disapointed

First comment was its need for considerably better proof reading! there are several figures with incorrect labling, a new bayonet location known as the ricosso and a contiunued reference to bayonet scales, that I have only ever seen in one other text. I do not think I am not being picky here, there are 3 figures showing three different bayonets one after another with identical text, and others saying left and right when items are above each other, or comments on the figure below - with no figure reference - that are actually above the text point. I write technical papers for a living and make similar mistakes so I am not with the sin, it just detracts from the book and sometimes makes you ownder about other "facts". And before you comment I know my CD has many typo's as well I know how hard it is to write something like this, but also know that there are people out there that woudl have been more than willing to help, Some years ago I was fortunate to help proof read a book before publication and the one that came out was considerably better for the input of the people involved int heis process, it corrected mistakes, added missing information wtc.

The information on the Quaterbore forum more than covers anything in the book, and in more detail and with considerably more pictures. The information is interesting and varied, but does a book on the M9 bayonet need a chapter plus on the P38 can opener, or several pages on the modifications to the M16 rifle carried out by the Marines, and as for the soap box opening chapters.......

Shame really as his ideas on a nomenclature for M9 types will be usefull if adopted, will just need additions for miltary contracts not specifically US - mention is made of Australian, Dutch etc. but that is all. The bookis very obviously US aimed, I am afraid that i would have to explain to the writer that in the rest of the world "The Marines", dosn't always mean the US ones, try telling a UK marine that he comes below the the US ones - but please rewrite your will to give me your blades first . There is no place in a text like this for such comments.

If like me you collect bayonet books as part of your hobby then get a copy, if you want to learn about the M9 save your money (wait for Bill to put his book out ) and read the Quaterbore site, and this forum there is a lot more in it. Also these pages cover a lot of variations (non military granted) not in the book, but definitly part of many M9 collectors area.

[M9A1]

I purchases this book in February 2009. This book is ...............book .http://www.quarterbore.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=649&stc=1&d=1242916000