Prints in the Sand

"Prints in the Sand: The U.S. Coast Guard Beach Patrol During World War II" by Eleanor C. Bishop is a pictorial history book that focuses on the U.S. Coast Guard Beach Patrol during World War II. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

• Historical Context: The book provides a historical context of the U.S. Coast Guard's role in World War II, particularly focusing on the beach patrol units.
• Military History: It delves into the military operations and strategies employed by the Coast Guard during this period.
• Personal Stories: The book includes personal stories and photographs from veterans, offering a human perspective on the events.
• Pictorial History: The book is rich in photographs, which are sourced from government archives, other books, and veterans' collections.

Plot Summary

The book does not have a traditional narrative plot but rather a collection of historical information and personal accounts. It covers the establishment, operations, and contributions of the U.S. Coast Guard Beach Patrol during World War II. The book highlights the bravery and sacrifices of the beach patrolmen who played a crucial role in detecting and preventing enemy landings along the U.S. coastline.

Critical Reception

• Informative Content: The writing is described as decent, and the content is informative. The book is praised for its use of photographs and personal stories from veterans.
• Limited Research: The book is noted to be a pictorial history rather than a comprehensive historical study. The bibliography and acknowledgments indicate that the research primarily involved collecting photographs and personal accounts rather than extensive archival work.
• Value as a Resource: Despite its limitations, the book is considered valuable because very little has been written on this specific subject. It is recommended for those interested in World War II and Coast Guard history.
• Availability: The book is out of print and held by very few libraries, making it difficult to access. However, it was worth the original cover price of $9.95, although it can now be found online for 3-5 times that amount.

Additional Information

• Editions: The book has been published in at least two editions, with the second edition being available in softcover format.
• Condition: Copies of the book can be found in various conditions, including good condition with some shelf wear.

Overall, "Prints in the Sand" is a unique resource for those interested in World War II and U.S. Coast Guard history, offering a blend of historical information and personal stories through its pictorial format.