Once the flying machine was a practical proposition, its military use became evident and governments needed to develop a way of marking their property. Flying a flag was an obvious but ineffective and dangerous solution so painting the representation of the flag was the natural alternative.

The first known markings to identify nationality were used in the 1910 Bombing Competition in Vienna where each competing machine carried its national colors. Formalized in 1912, precise shapes and colors of military markings were initially introduced by France closely followed by Romania.

Organized by country in 2 volumes, "Military Aircraft Insignia of the World" brings together global markings from such countries as Abkhazia, Afghanistan, Chad and Iran through to Kenya and Kuwait. Over 500 insignia combine with contemporary photographs and a brief history of the military air activity of that country to provide a wealth of information for the aviation historian and modeller alike.

Jennifer was feeling extra stressed today. Her job as senior manager of a high profile advertising company was more hectic than usual. At lunchtime as she was browsing through a nearby bookstore she notice a book titled: "Winning The Stress Game." Curiously she picked it up and was leafing through the pages when a quotation stopped her in her tracks. She'd been stopped on Page 39, it was the headline that arrested her, it read: "Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown." That could be me she thought as she read the accompanying text. Then she smiled as she saw the affirmation. "What a great way to take it easy she thought." She glanced through a few more pages then decided to buy the book. She smiled as she realised how it would help her manage the sress inherent in her work.