Werner Baumbach ship destroyer

[Larry deZeng]

Originally Posted by Stig Jarlevik

He, he Larry

And those of us who have your four books, can we pursuade you to write a fifth about the recce units??

Cheers
Stig

It's all written, Stig. I completed the research and finished the manuscript about 4 years ago. I am still trying to decide whether to make a book out of it or put it up on the internet. I don't think any publisher would touch it because only about 2% to 4% of the Luftwaffe fans have any interest in the reconnaissance units, and the cost of self-publishing and marketing say 1,000 copies could run to $25,000 to $30,000. But most importantly, there would be no photos or other illustrations and I am now too old to go through the considerable, stressful and time-consuming work of proofreading, editing and publishing more books. The procurement of say 250 photos could well cost twice that amount and take several years to accomplish. Frankly, publishing a book all by oneself is a gigantic pain right in the butt unless you are affluent, relatively young and have the time to devote to it. But, yes, it would be great to have a series of books that cover the basics and essentials for all Luftwaffe units, both fliegende- und Boden-, big and small.

L.

[Stig Jarlevik]

What a pity Larry

I can understand your 'wrestling' days are over. The publications I have made myself was also back in my youth and admittedly I had more stamina back then.

I cannot understand this 'mania' with fighters, fighters and again fighters.
Surely it is the whole picture that is important.

Of course if you can't publish it, the internet is second best, even if I myself belong to the generation who gets a pleasure just holding a good book in one's hand. No internet in the world can compare with that....

Good luck with your decision Larry.

Cheers
Stig

[Larry deZeng]

Thanks for your thoughts, Stig, and I wholeheartedly agree with your comments about the obsession ad nauseam over fighters at the expense of everything else. I never have been able to understand this fixated focus on what was just 1% to 2% of the entire Luftwaffe. Double ditto on the books, too. One of my favorite stops during my many research visits to Washington between 1979 and 1992 was the Library of Congress where I was able to finagle stack privileges. I was like a 7-year-old let loose in a candy factory - acres and acres of shelves holding 40,000,000 books. I guess the fighter fanatics can justifiably turn around and point their finger at me and say, "to each his own obsession!"

L.

[Richard Mills]

Originally Posted by Larry deZeng

It's all written, Stig. I completed the research and finished the manuscript about 4 years ago. I am still trying to decide whether to make a book out of it or put it up on the internet. I don't think any publisher would touch it because only about 2% to 4% of the Luftwaffe fans have any interest in the reconnaissance units

Larry

Well I am in that 2% to 4% and I would definatly buy a book of yours on the Aufklärungsgeschwader.

A similar book on the ZG units would also be welcome too! I live in hope!

Regards Richard.