" Italy at War " Militaria Book

[Ardire]

Ciao Gents,
With the 'Germany at War" book set coming to an end; we have been planning the next course to take. We have a number of options and material to look at, but we have finally decided on an update of the earlier "Italy at War" militaria book released 4 years ago. We plan on using the older book as a core and building from there. More description, more uniforms, weaponry and other items of the 1930s' and WWII period used during this particular time in Italian military history. Jeff Leser and Luca Balducci, both students and collectors' of the Italian WWII period will help in organizing and providing information concerning this interesting period of history and from the visual perspective of the Italian soldier. I am quite excited to have these Gentlemen on board and know we will provide a collector information resource for those interested in WWII and the Italian soldato.

We have an open call to all collectors' of Italian militaria for anything interesting they would like pictured within this book. Feel free to contact me at arditi(at)suddenlink.net if you have something you wish to share, talk about or picture within this book. We have a year until next May (2014) to finish. Thanks to all that have helped and/or furnished items for earlier books of the "Arditi Books" line. Hopefully, we can continue our energy in providing interesting information and visuals concerning militaria of the 20th century. The earlier books of "Italy at War", "Japan at War" (2 book set), "Italy's Battle Rifle" and "Germany at War" (2 book set) were possible because of passionate collectors wishing to learn more, help others and further the hobby. They all contributed by providing items, information, writeups and conversation into late nights for the love of it all. Thank you Gentlemen. I will provide information and make requests on this thread as the book develops/progresses. Thank you "Wehrmacht Awards" for these fabulous boards to enable like minded folks to come together to create and promote our gun collecting/militaria hobby. If this is an inappropriate post, please let me know.
In Friendly Scholarship, Russ (Arditi)

[Airforce1]

I have both the Italian books he has and they are well worth the money.

[Ardire]

Ciao Gentlemen,
On the heels of Ralph's wonderful book, there is another that will be released very soon concerning fascist italy. We are finalizing the last of the data and will go to a quicker edit in a weeks time. I am looking at going to print in 3-4 weeks. Looks like it will top 700 pages. The last incarnation of the book, in 2010, was 415 pages. 300 extra pages! Uniforms, weapons, personal items, equipment, ephemera, personal letters, mannequins in full gear, stories of fighting courage and a great lead in chapter by Gunnar Abramson on Italy's pre-history up through WWII is within. I'm sure I am missing something. Many more folks were involved with this book than with my first try. Luca Balducci, Jeff Leser and Giorgio Tarelli are co-authors on this book and brought areas of expertise to the book for readers to enjoy and learn from. Steve Woodrum, Walter Hardman, Ralph Riccio and others brought in their skills to add to the book as well.

I think I will try a hard-back version through 48 Hour books. I have never tried them before, but the wonderful printer we had through Don Voigt is "kaput" and to get them printed here, in town, is too expensive and will not be hard back. Now to the part, I don't like discussing...cost. I am going to offer an initial pre-order cost of $105.00 with $15.00 shipping in a heavy envelope and box. That's a total of $120.00 for 700 pages. I think this is fair, more than fair, as each book will cost me, $105.00 dollars...that's right no profit for me. I am offering this deal until I go to print, as I am not rich and I want to generate printing expenses before I have them done. The price will rise after I go to print. Probably to $140.00-150.00 a book thereafter. For those that have purchased books that myself and others have made, know the heavy pics, detail and information within each book. The last version (of Italy at war) ceased printing at 128 books. This was due to my moving on to other book projects . I will be happy if I sell 100 copies as Luca and I did with the "Germany at War" and "Japan at war" sets. Not many books will be printed Gents, so if you have an interest In Italy's fascist period and her uniforms and equipment, etc. this will be a good book to have. I will only print 15-20 books at a time. (Yes, I know they would be cheaper with a larger print run...I have bills and three children and a wife to feed with my normal work). So, if you want one, get one, as it is not in stone that 100 copies will ever be printed. I believe this book is quite good, if you will forgive my enthusiasm please.

After this book is printed, Steve and I start on another book project this summer. So, $105.00 with $15.00 shipping for a pre-order price of $120.00. The price goes up after I go to print in 3-4 weeks. Enthusiasts of the Italian fascist military history will enjoy it I believe. Email me for additional cost to Europe and to order in the US from me.
Best regards, Russ

[ARDITO]

Does anyone have any idea what happened to Russ?
Not responding to email, and even on facebook.
Has anyone heard from him?
Ciao, Luca

[Semovente]

Does anyone have any idea what happened to Russ?
Not responding to email, and even on facebook.
Has anyone heard from him?
Ciao, Luca

Luca..Russ emailed me two days ago to update me on my copy of his book he's mailing to me...cheers Semovente.

[ARDITO]

Hi Semovente, can you send me a MP with the email you use to contact him?
I wrote before Christmas, during the holidays, and after, but he does not answer.
Since I am one of the authors of the book I'd like to receive a copy.
Thanks, ciao, Luca

[Paolo Marzetti]

I wrote him too on January, but no answer.PaoloM

[Semovente]

Hi Semovente, can you send me a MP with the email you use to contact him?
I wrote before Christmas, during the holidays, and after, but he does not answer.
Since I am one of the authors of the book I'd like to receive a copy.
Thanks, ciao, Luca

Hello Luca...yes no problem...he's a very nice guy...but as you say hard to pin him down!!?....Semovente.

[ARDITO]

Thanks Semovente, Ciao,
Luca.

[Ardire]

Ciao Gentlemen! Luca, your work was most important to the book as was Giorgios' and Paolos'. I am forever in your debt on all the books we have worked together on. I have not sent any of the books to Europe yet and that is my fault. I just sent Semovente his copy this week. There are 6 copies that are to be sent overseas. All are co-author and help (complimentary) copies. Mike, Paolo, Steve, Michelle, yours and Giorgios. I am ALWAYS unprofessionally late in sending copies to some folks. My deepest apologies old friend.

Luca, it appears the emails you sent are going to my junk folder. Perhaps it is the newer computer I have. An email coming in to you and Giorgio soon.

The book is of quality due to yours and Giorgios (and others) selfless and knowlegeable work. I will be sure you and the others receive your earned copies.
A warriors embrace to you, Russ

[Paolo Marzetti]

Great Russ!! I had no doubts! I was only worried not receiving answer together with
other friends.PaoloM

[ARDITO]

I'm sorry that your computer fits my mails in the spam, I hope you solve the problem, for the moment I'm writing with my other mailbox that seems functions.
No problem, do not worry about the delay with which you have answered us, we were just a little anxious, for your silence.
I am happy to hear from you, and to working with you in the future.
Ciao Luca

[Semovente]

Salute...Just got my copy of "Italy at War"...and its a Fantastic massive reference...at 708 pages its as thick as a house brick!!!..packed with many photo's from Russ, Luca, jeff, & Giorgio's own personel collections.... they are impressive alone !!..not least all the very infomative text etc through out...all in all a must for anyone with an interest in the subject be they collectors or historians...i take my Hat off to you Sirs on your efforts and what i think will be a Bible for Italian collectors for years to come.....regards Semovente.

[nmlawrence]

Russ, i have sent numerous emails to you, regarding my complimentary copy of this book, with no reply for months now. After helping you with various photos and so on, i an say i am disappointed by your lack of communication, especially after being promised the book in December, then February. Please respond to my emails. The three copies that were destined for myself, Mike S and Michele P have not been recieved.

Neil Lawrence

[Ardire]

Hi Neil,
You are entirely correct. All paid copies have been sent out and some of the complimentary copies as well. Your's, Mike's, Michelle's and Mr. Marzetti's have not been sent yet. Mr. Marzetti's will be sent to a friend of mine in Italy to give to him. Your copy is signed and still wrapped, sitting in the back of my work car. I have moments that I remember and then something gets in the way. I hoped the book has survived the Texas heat. I have not packed Mike nor Michelles copy yet. I have no excuse Neil...I am habitually late in finishing books and getting them to contributors, with all my books. I do have a couple of very dear friends here, that did not receive their complimentary copies for many months as well. No excuse. I do want to point out that not all contributors where promised copies and in fact some that contributed great amounts of information did not receive a copy. They bought one. That is neither, "here nor there" as I did promise you Gents one. I will try to remember to get your copy out next week. I can understand your agitation. I believe you said you changed address in one email to me. Please kick me another email and I will write it down. Kick me an email everyday next week, please, to light a fire under me.
Unprofessionally Late and Chastised, Russ