Tanks

by Ian V. Hogg

A survey of the evolution of modern armored tanks, now equipped with computerized electronics, night vision, air filtration, and laser fire control systems, and their tasks and tactics today.

48 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Ian V. Hogg enlisted in the Royal Artillery of the British Army in April 1945. During World War II he served in Europe and in eastern Asia. After the war he remained in the military. In the early 1950s, he served in the Korean War. Altogether he served in the military for 27 years. Upon retiring in 1972, he held the appointment of Master Gunner at the Royal Military College of Science, where he taught on the subjects of firearms, artillery, and their ammunition and use. Hogg also had an interest in the subject of fortification and was one of the founding members of the Fortress Study Group in 1975.

His first books were published in the late 1960s while he was still an instructor. After retiring from the military, he pursued the career of military author and historian. He was editor of Jane's Infantry Weapons from 1972 to 1994. He worked with a skilled artist, John Batchelor, to ensure that his books were well illustrated with cutaway diagrams. He contributed articles to a variety of journals, and his books have been translated into a dozen languages .
Hogg has been described by publishing people who worked with him as "an unassuming man, with a gift to pass on [his] knowledge at any level, and often with a dry humour". He was also respected for his professionalism as an author. He was described as "a consummate professional who (unlike most of his peers) usually submitted manuscripts on time, within agreed parameters, and accompanied by all the illustrations."

Hogg was a frequent guest on the History Channel's Tales of the Gun, as well as other military-related television programs.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Evan Milner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sort of book that used to turn up in school libraries on account of its picturebook format. Nevertheless, this is actually a decent, albeit brief, overview of the development of Armoured warfare written by artillery legend Ian Hogg, a fellow who really knows his stuff. Obviously dated, but still a fun introduction to many of the classic tank models of the twentieth century.

[Dr. George H. Elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hogg is an expert of the 1st order when it comes to armor, and it shows in this text. More could have been done in terms of details, such as amor plate quality issues, etc., but given this was an overview, perhaps the truncated nature is appropriate. I would certainly have liked more depth, and Hogg is VERY able to provide detail!