Fortunes Of War Website Announcement: 6-19-19

I am pleased to announce that Elm Grove Publishing of San Antonio, Texas has agreed to publish my latest book, Battle Carried: Imperial Japanese Tiger Art Good Luck Flags . This book is the second in a series that examines the subject of World War Two era Imperial Japanese good luck signed flags. While the premier volume introduced the reader to not only hinomaru yosegaki (good luck flags), and senninbari (one-thousand stitch amulets), this publication covers the specific history, meaning, and cultural context of tiger imagery as it was used to decorate good luck flags. Through an extensive use of color pictures; woodblock prints; and rare vintage photographs, the book provides illustrations along with their English translations of some of the rarest, and most highly sought specimens of tiger art flags. From the aspect of human interest, numerous examples have been identified to their soldier, sailor, or airmen owners. As an iconic concept, practically no other animal served to inspire, motivate, or galvanize the World War Two era Japanese populace behind the Asian ideal of what it meant to be a warrior, than the tiger. More details to follow; stay tuned!

MichaelB