War games : inside the world of twentieth-century war reenactors / Jenny Thompson.

"War Games takes an in-depth look at the odd, and some times, offensive world of twentieth-century war reenactors. Telling the stories of the men and women who are passionate about meticulously reproducing the details of World War II Eastern Front combat in the Maryland woods, D-Day in Virginia, and World War I trench warfare in Pennsylvania, author Jenny Thompson analyzes how this particular group of Americans celebrates, remembers, and recreates the violence of war. Through first-person narrative, interviews with reenactors, and many of her own photographs, Thompson plunges readers directly into this strange world.

As she reflects on what this all-consuming hobby does to men and women, their relationships, and their lives, she considers what the hobby reveals about war's far-reaching effects on Americans."--Jacket.

Washington : Smithsonian Books, [2004]

xxv, 341 pages : black and white illustrations ; 24 cm

Introduction : those guys need therapy : the hobby of war reenacting -- 1. Hazardous activity for my own recreation, enjoyment, and pleasure : the Battle of the Bulge, January 1994 -- 2. This must be something they do in California : a history of war reenacting -- 3. Something a little strange : belonging to the hobby -- 4. I lead two completely separate lives : membership in the hobby -- 5. Dog and pony shows : public events -- 6. We must police ourselves constantly : behind the public mantra -- 7. It's not on the page anymore : the private face of reenacting -- 8. Look! I'm a stamp! : the ownership of history -- 9. I'm dead! I just want to party! : behavior problems -- 10. Farbs you find everywhere : the problem of appearance.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 297-331) and index.