Jack Livesey – författare

Updated and extended for the new 2025 edition. Now an impressive 576 pages, this book is an authoritative history and directory of tanks and their immediate derivatives, such as ARVs (armoured recovery vehicles), tank destroyers, command versions, bridgelayers, mine-clearers and other Funnies, and AFVs such as armoured cars, armoured personnel carriers and self-propelled artillery, covering a vast range of wheeled, tracked and semi-tracked vehicles. This unique volume, with over 1200 wartime and museum photographs, brings together the most significant tanks and AFVs in military history. The tank was developed as a means of transporting firepower around the battlefield, while armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) give tactical support to the tank. This book is an authoritative history and directory of tanks and their immediate derivatives, such as armoured recovery vehicles, tank destroyers, command versions, bridgelayers, mine-clearers and other "Funnies". It also explores a wide range of AFVs, such as armoured cars, armoured personnel carriers and self-propelled artillery, covering wheeled, tracked and semi-tracked vehicles. From their first appearance to their present-day roles, the development of each vehicle is discussed in depth. All of the major conflicts around the world are examined, such as the Somme, Blitzkrieg, El Alamein, Kursk, D-Day, Korea, Vietnam, Arab-Israeli conflicts, and the Iran-Iraq and Gulf wars. The book also features substantial A to Z directories of over 400 vehicles, from the world's first tank - the No. 1 Lincoln Machine "Little Willie" - to the contemporary M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank and Varta APC, as well as madcap ideas such as those developed by the British for the Home Guard. This unique volume, illustrated with over 1200 wartime and museum photographs, brings together all the most significant tanks and AFVs that have played important roles in military history.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) are a critical element of any armoured formation, giving tactical support to the tank. This newly updated book is an authoritative history and directory of armoured cars, armoured personnel carriers and self-propelled artillery, covering a wide range of wheeled, tracked and half-tracked vehicles. The book begins with a lively history of AFVs from the beginning of the 20th century through to the present generation of lighter, faster and more agile vehicles. From the days before radio communication through to the World Wars, the Cold War and the birth of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the author highlights the varied roles AFVs have played, as well as how these adaptable vehicles have evolved and developed over time.Next there are two substantial directories forming an illustrated guide to over 180 AFVs. The first of these covers the period from 1900–45 when the major types were evolving. The many photographs show the diversity of these vehicles, such as the Rolls-Royce Armoured Car, the Sexton 25PDR Self-Propelled gun and the Buffalo LVT Amphibious Assault Vehicle. The second directory focuses on the remarkable advances in AFV development post-World War II, from the BMP-1 Infantry Fighting Vehicle and the Scud Missile System TEL to the Boxer Multi-role AFV and the Varta Armoured Personnel Carrier. Detailed specification boxes are featured for every AFV described. These contain up-to-date information, including country of origin, weight, dimensions, armament, armour thickness, powerplant, speed and range. This wonderfully illustrated book provides enthusiasts and historians with key information about these diverse and multi-tasking vehicles.A newly updated global directory of over 180 armoured fighting vehicles, from the early 20th century to the present day. Examines the wide variety of roles played by AFVs throughout their 120-year history, including the first armoured cars of the 1900s, the coming of age of self-propelled artillery and amphibious infantry assault vehicles in World War II, plus the most recent peacekeeping armoured personnel carriers and multi-role vehicles. Features a range of historic wheeled and tracked vehicles such as the Lanchester Armoured Car, the Jeep Multi-role Vehicle and the M3 Half-track Infantry Carrier, plus modern vehicles like the Humvee Multi-role Vehicle, the FV430 Mk 3 Bulldog and the Foxhound Light Protected Patrol Vehicle.Specification boxes provide information about each AFV’s official name, country of origin, weight, dimensions, armament, armour thickness, powerplant, speed and range.

After D-Day, the Allies sought to encircle and destroy the German Seventh Army and Fifth Panzer Army (part of which effort included an unsuccessful air campaign that remains controversial to this day), leaving tens of thousands dead. The campaign leading to the formation of the Falaise Pocket is rife with myths, and in this book Jack Livesey has gone back to primary sources to throw new light on what actually happened. Addressing every aspect of the battle, from both the ground and air conflict to the roles played by the different nations, he offers a definitive account of a controversial campaign. He brings his extensive technical expertise to bear when discussing the capabilities and shortcomings of the weapons involved (some of them revolutionary, such as napalm) and examines the real effectiveness (or lack of it) of the rocket-firing Typhoons of the RAF's Tactical Air Force. Were the Germans really finally routed, as many have said? Livesey says no.