One of the few books focusing particularly on awards for gallantry. Previously published (in 1993) as "Gallantry Medals and Awards of the World". A smallish hardback, its 272 pages, plus 16 pages of colour plates, illustrate gallantry awards of countries ranging from Argentina to Yugoslavia, and in point of time from 1671 to the reforms of the British system under Prime Minister John Major. Many of the medals are illustrated, in black and white, and described in explanatory text which often also includes example citations, very helpful for understanding the types of actions for which medals are awarded. The colour plates at the end include examples of medals and a very useful colour chart featuring over 200 different ribbons. Published in 2001, it scores over its 1993 predecessor for up to date coverage and for breadth, coverage of Argentina and Turkey being included for the first time, and the coverage of Russia being enhanced to cover both pre- and post-Soviet awards. For collectors who are not interested in these countries, or for whom up to date-ness is not a concern, the older book may actually be as helpful if not more so as the format is slightly bigger, with illustrations.which are markedly bigger. A good buy. ( )