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**Braznik** · 12-26-2014, 10:41 AM

I highly recommend Ralph's books. Fascinating reading and a valuable learning tool. Like the Soviet stuff in it also. I do not think we will ever see the diverse groups elsewhere which are represented in his books.

**Gordon Craig** · 01-06-2015, 07:09 PM

Gentlemen,

Denis Friebe's book arrived at my house today. Time to start going through it. I'll let you know my thoughts on it after I have sent them to Denis.

Regards,

Gordon

**Dallasfan** · 01-23-2015, 04:37 PM

Originally posted by Mike G. View Post

There is another new book that is out.

Shortly, there will be a New York Times review.

In the interim, I'll just jump to the chase ...

The book is "Beyond The Wall". The author is Justin Jampol. He is a contributor here, and also is proprietor of the Wende (Turning Point) Museum in California.

I think this is going to prove to be one of those books that has no equal. Justin has the most historic museum pursuant the former DDR anywhere in the world (In my humble opinion); and the book should prove to be a virtual treasure trove relevant any and all aspects of the day to day lives of the people that lived in what was formerly East Germany.

For anyone interested, here is a link:

 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/07/bo...wall.html?_r=2

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Today I received my copy of the new book ''Beyond the Wall'' it's fantastic !
It's a big and heavy book ( 5,5 kilos / 33 x 23 cm ) and it's got 900 pages .
Michael is right , this book is a must have for all DDR collectors .
There are uniforms , flags and tops , carpets , Ehrengeschenke , daily life products , toys , radio's , signs , you name it , this book has it all .
It comes in a very nice box and with the book there comes a reprint of a family photo album .
The book has also something special : multimedia content , you can watch and listen to it with a special app you can download for free .

Regards , Johan

**Gordon Craig** · 01-23-2015, 04:46 PM

Johan,

Thanks for the review. Looks like a good one to buy.

Regards,

Gordon

**Dallasfan** · 01-23-2015, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by Gordon Craig View Post

Johan,

Thanks for the review. Looks like a good one to buy.

Regards,

Gordon

Hi Gordon

Yes , it's worth every cent .
The quality of the book is also very high , you have to read it on a table or something , because it's so heavy

Regards , Johan

**Ralph P** · 01-24-2015, 05:50 AM

Johan - that is great to see you received a copy of the book. I will for sure let you know when my copy finally arrives.

**jjampol** · 01-25-2015, 04:51 PM

Thank you for posting this. WAF has been an essential resource for the museum over the years. And the book has been no different. Many of you contributed to 'Beyond the Wall' and are rightly thanked in the credits (Ralph, Johan, Michael, Kevin, Nicolas, Ralph, David, etc). You guys are the best. It couldn't have happened without you. Best, Justin

**Ralph P** · 02-07-2015, 03:38 PM

Hello all - I wanted everyone to know that I received my copy of "Beyond the Wall" which arrived earlier this week. I finished going through the book and I have to say that I found it very interesting to go through and believe this book should be a ready reference for all collectors who want to know more about everyday history of East Germany. This huge reference book provides a snap shot of items and other things that East Germans used along with what every day life was like beyond what was going on during the Cold War. This book provides another view on what East Germany was like during the Cold War that is not always put into perspective for us to remember.

Just make sure this book is on the bottom shelf...

**uscob** · 02-27-2015, 04:27 AM

Originally posted by Gordon Craig View Post

Gentlemen,

Denis Friebe's book arrived at my house today. Time to start going through it. I'll let you know my thoughts on it after I have sent them to Denis.

Regards,

Gordon

Got some yesterday, congratulations to this work with lot's of originals pictured here and not only drawings or paintings like found in other works.
For me it's a "must have" if you're interested in early Uniforms of the SBZ and DDR.

**Mike G.** · 02-27-2015, 09:58 AM

Well, I'm kicking myself in the rear, and definitely owe Justin an apology. I am no doubt the first to have received his book that is a member of this forum. But then I go and forget to write a followup to my initial post on this thread. Duh !!!

I hate to use an old cliche' but this book is nothing short of "Awesome". It is of material quality that is reminiscent of book making from the past. It is the kind of book that is meant to last forever, and to be passed on from generation to generation. And the contents are such, that, that is exactly what one will be inclined to do. I don't believe there is another such book on the market, and I doubt there ever will be. The book after all, is comprised of the very long, and hard work Justin placed over many years, into the making of his museum. I highly recommend setting time aside one day to visit it, but if you feel you will never be able to make that pilgrimage, then this book will most probably suffice. It covers every aspect possible and imaginable of the former country of East Germany - all of it.

It is a brilliantly put together piece of furniture - not just a book. I find myself constantly going back to it, over and over and over again, and each time I find something new. I never seem to tire of picking it up, and browsing through it. It never gets old.

Thank you Justin, for creating this masterpiece. Well done sir.

**torstenbel** · 02-27-2015, 11:01 AM

the Beyond The Wall book looks very impressive. I will be buying it now to show my children what it was like where I grew up. Cheers, Torsten.

PS: Missed out meeting up with Justinian when I was in LA last month as I did not have the time, but will try and arrange something next time that I am there.

**torstenbel** · 02-27-2015, 11:19 AM

I just bought it here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beyond-the...item5b0b98da5e

Will let you know if and when these people actually deliver it. Cheers, Torsten.

**Gordon Craig** · 02-27-2015, 03:33 PM

Torsten,

The price is very good from the location you linked to but postage outside the UK is prohibitive. Others interested in purchasing this book might want to http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Wall-Ar.../dp/3836548852

Lots of people have said it is a heavy book but no one has actually mentioned the weight. According to Amazon.com the book weighs 11.3 pounds. There is a surcharge per pound from Amazon.com for heavy articles.

Regards,

Gordon

**torstenbel** · 03-08-2015, 08:29 AM

Just got back home again from a week away and the book was here waiting for me. very, very impressive and highly recommended. I have no idea how they could produce a book set like this and then only sell it for relatively little money ... go and get it for yourself if you don't already have it. Cheers, Torsten.

Originally posted by torstenbel View Post

I just bought it here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Beyond-the...item5b0b98da5e

Will let you know if and when these people actually deliver it. Cheers, Torsten.

**Gordon Craig** · 03-08-2015, 11:48 AM

Torsten,

Thanks for the prompt. I just bought mine from amazon.com.

Regards,

Gordon

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