R. E. Baldwin

Museum catalog for a show at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville. Completely fascinating & astonishing book on an obscure topic: textiles and non-textiles used by the military to help soldiers avoid capture, and avoid re-capture if they manage to escape. This includes an incredible range of maps printed on silk or cotton, "blood chits" (generally, cloth with the soldier's name & country of origin on it, & stating that whoever helps the soldier will receive compensation later), kits containing hidden knives, compasses, emergency medications, etc... There's a photograph of a military uniform which converts quickly into an evening suit by the removal of badges, military insignia, etc. An amazing book on a topic that is completely new to me and, I imagine, to a great number of other people.… (más)