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SAS: The Illustrated History by Barry Davies B.E.M. -reviewed by Chris Wahla

For many people around the world, the word "special" in "special warfare" also refers to "special" of the U.K.'s Special Air Service, considered by many the first and still finest of any military special operations unit in the world.

An eighteen-year veteran of the SAS, Barry Davies was not only a sergeant in the Regiment, but an excellent photographer and writer. He has used these skills to produce the "ultimate" photo album of the Regiment. The book concentrates on the modern era of the Falklands, the Gulf War and the unit's role in the battle against international terrorism, and not only consists of photos taken by Davies, but also by other members. Many of the photographs have never been published before. This rare look into the clandestine world of the SAS also looks back at the campaigns of World War II and covers every major theatre of war in which the SAS has been involved.

But not only are conflicts covered, but some of the photographs include training, combat survival, selection and training, counter-revolutionary warfare (including Princes Gate), the beginnings of the unit and some surprise pictures that show a different side of one of the world's elite fighting force. It's a book that you will find yourself going back to often, to refresh your knowledge of Regiment, and to admire the work of Barry Davies.