This book is in a class all by itself in more ways than one. The author, a good friend of ours, has been untiring over the past 15 years or so in collecting and identifying STASI artifacts. The payoff for all of us is thisgroundbreaking book on STASI medals, award certificates other documents, ID booklets and more. The book is profusely illustrated, mostly in color, with descriptions (including precise measurements) destined to make it a godsend to future collectors. There is nothing like the book on either side of the Atlantic. We salute Ralph for his dedication, and for giving East German collecting such a welcome mega-leap.

Bob Gowen, Gowen Militaria