zu Mondfeld Historic Ship Models - which edition to get?

[Balclutha75]

After reading numerous posts on ship model books I've decided to get zu Mondeld's as the first book in my model library. I believe it will serve my purposes as an overview reference. I've read the opinions of it's shortcomings. But it is not expensive and readily available.

 

My question is which edition to get? I'm finding three, 1985, 1989 published by Stirling, and 2005 published by Union Square. Looks like there is a hardcover in the 1985 run. I may have missed something but that's what I've seen.

 

Is the layer 2005 edition the one to get, because corrections have been made, or is it inferior due to type of paper, etc, used during publishing?

Maybe the 1989 one is the classic sweet spot?

Thanks.

[GrandpaPhil]

I would imagine any of them would be good to get.  I am on my third copy of the 1989 edition.  I use them so much that they end up falling apart on me.

[Balclutha75]

Thanks, GrandpaPhil. The 1989 seems to be common and there are some decent looking copies out there. I'll go with it.

 

In my MSW research on the book, I'm pretty sure I saw you mention that you were on your 3rd copy!

[Dr PR]

I have the 1989 edition and it is coming apart. I don't know if the later editions would be more durable.

[wefalck]

Zu Mondfeld or not is a question of what you are looking for, information to a specific period or a general introduction? In his later years he tried to stylise himself as the guru of shipmodelling, but a single person can hardly cover all the periods in sufficient depth. So, one has to take what is written in the books with a pinch of salt and corroborate the information against period books for instance.

[Balclutha75]

DR. PR, thanks for the reply. I have some Brodart glue from my days as a mountaineering book collector. It's a PVA that stays clear and flexible when dry, perhaps I could proactively beef up the spine and/or keep it repaired? Guess I'll take my chances!

 

wefalck, thanks. I'm just looking for a general introduction. I'm a kit builder who might want to make very minor changes to my build. For example on my current build (Master Korabel St. Gabriel), I'm not crazy about the kit rope and belaying pins. I don't have the skill or tools to make my own, but I "think" zu Mondfeld will get me close enough for replacement purchases. Plus, I don't have a general reference for leisurely browsing sitting around right now.