Soviet Partisan's Manual in English

[sovietcollector]

This book was translated by Paul J Schmitt who I understand helped write what is considered the bible of Soviet Medal Collecting. I personally have this book. It is interesting. Here is the publishers description

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PARTISAN’S COMPANION
Deadly Techniques of Soviet Freedom Fighters during World War II

by Translation by Paul J. Schmitt

Learn how regular citizens fought back against Hitler’s army in this exclusive translation of the first guide for Soviet partisans. The original version of this manual was distributed to the public in December 1941 as Nazi tanks rolled toward Moscow. Inside was chapter after chapter of guerrilla warfare and survival tactics designed to turn ordinary civilians into freedom fighters capable of defending the motherland against a superior force.

Of historic note as the first step toward the development of an organized Soviet partisan movement, the original book had an initial printing of 50,000 copies; printed on low-grade paper, they are rare finds today. In this translation, you’ll learn the tactics of partisan warfare as practiced by Soviet citizens during World War II, including how to destroy tanks; set up and use improvised sniper positions; carry out sapper work such as felling trees, damaging telephone and telegraph wires and destroying bridges; fighting with knives and entrenching tools; and surviving under harsh winter conditions.

The Partisan’s Companion’s relevance to the 21st century is undeniable: the partisan, or guerrilla, has remained a deadly threat that cannot be downplayed or marginalized. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, softcover, illus, 248 pp.

Price: $19.95 PART

This book is part of my collection of soviet military theory in english.

[desantnik]

I'm glad you like it. Thanks for the feedback.

[riley1965]

Paul,
Congrats!!! I did not know you had this book out there. Where can I buy a copy? PM sent.

Best,
Doc

[sovietcollector]

What is great about books like Pauls is that those of use that can't read Russian can read it in english. I used to have a collection of books that were primary sources that every thing from Ancient times to Current Events. Then I found my focus shifting to the focus of Russian History. Eventually that focus becam Russian/Soviet Military Theory and History. I have spent more money acquiring books that were translated into English. I have bought the entire series of Books translated by the U.S. Air Force called the Soviet Military Thought Series, Books Translated by the Government that have made it out into the public. I have bought from Ebay, Used Booksellers online. Some of my gems are:

USSR Field Service Regulations 1936 (Tenative)

Field Military-Sports Games for Schoolchildren (Teachers Manual)

[sovietcollector]

Paul one question did you are the publiisher come up with "Deadly Techniques of Soviet Freedom Fighters during World War II" How long had you been working on this.

[desantnik]

When you ask "did you come up with" do you mean the title or the ideal for the book?

The slightly cheesy sub-title, "Deadly techniques etc..." was the publisher's call, because it is more understandably descriptive than the original, Soviet title "The Partisan's Companion". The ideal for translating the book was mine. I found a copy of the book a few years back and approached Paladin Press with the ideal to publish it. They were great to work with and I would do it again if I could find a similar book of mass interest...

[sovietcollector]

Originally Posted by desantnik

When you ask "did you come up with" do you mean the title or the ideal for the book?

The slightly cheesy sub-title, "Deadly techniques etc..." was the publisher's call, because it is more understandably descriptive than the original, Soviet title "The Partisan's Companion". The ideal for translating the book was mine. I found a copy of the book a few years back and approached Paladin Press with the ideal to publish it. They were great to work with and I would do it again if I could find a similar book of mass interest...

My question was about the slighty cheesy sub title. I am glad you translated the book. I had actually been looking for something like it. I always thought I can find books about the Partisans, but why not one of their manuals. Then I got a catalog from Paladian and so your book and was like finally and I ordered it that night.