Bookshelf
Jeep by Jim Allen
Recognized Jeep® historian and photographer Jim Allen has raised the bar to dizzying heights with his comprehensive book succinctly titled Jeep. Covering 100 years, this hardcover volume starts in 1900 (actually 1824) with a look at the forerunners of the Jeep, then progresses chronologically through the history of the marque to the year 2000. Allen’s meticulous and exhaustive research includes information previously unpublished.
Hardly a page goes by without photos, including archival and contemporary images of some of the most obscure vehicles aficionados could hope for. When’s the last time you saw a 1951 Jeep tractor or a 1956 civil defense rescue conversion truck? With such bountiful photography, one could be tempted to call Jeep a picture book except for the wealth of information contained within its covers. Perhaps coffee table resource book is more accurate.
While Jeep salutes the history of the vehicle with detailed respect, the book also offers enthusiasts three additional chapters that perfectly complement the rest. First up is the origin and use of the word “jeep,” a detail that plagues writers and editors to this day. Allen not only explains the difference between the upper and lower case J, but Jeep aircraft, the Minneapolis-Moline UTX Jeep, Eugene the Jeep and even Jeep carriers. He also acknowledges “The Jeep Lifestyle,” discussing restoration, events, WWII reenactors and hardcore mods. Also useful is a section on what Allen calls the Jeep alphabet, as well as recommended reading and vehicle specifications. Sidebars clarify such esoteric subjects as the M number, the differences between the Ford GPW and the Willys MD quarter-tons, and that undying legend, “The Jeep-in-a-Crate.”
Eloquently written with the broad spectrum of enthusiasts in mind, Jeep venerates this American idol in beautiful style as the hard-working, versatile and perennial favorite for which it is appropriately renowned.
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Jeep by Steve Statham
From “Introduction: The Jeepin’ Life” through “Future Jeeps,” respected automotive author and photographer Steve Statham aptly demonstrates his understanding of and appreciation for America’s favorite sport utility vehicle. Whether you’re new to the hobby or a veteran, you’ll quickly find that Jeep may become your favorite book, either for reference, an enjoyable read or both. Statham makes sense of the somewhat confusing birth of the Jeep as the United States prepared for WWII, paying particular attention to the vehicle’s development and the jockeying among the companies seeking that lucrative government contract.
With the war over at last, Jeep follows the evolution from military to civilian vehicle—from the flat-fenders and Jeep trucks to the Jeepsters and beloved family of CJs. Underscoring this nostalgic look back are period advertisements and vintage photography, reminding us just how much loyalty the Jeep nameplate has inspired over the generations. Collectors will find tips and caveats along the way to aid them in purchases and restorations.
The introduction of the Wrangler brought creature comforts new to the Jeep, even if it traded some off-road ability in exchange for increased stability. But perhaps the most obvious departure was the square headlights, smartly restored as the Wrangler evolved from YJ to TJ. Statham notes this and the many other changes to the vehicle, including technical enhancements, interior upgrades, adherence to safety regulations, improved performance and “street manners,” as well as the conformities that stayed put. Jeep follows the Wrangler’s development and provides valuable information on how to make the right pick.
At last, the XJs and ZJs are presented as the refined yet fully functional SUVs they are. Sometimes overlooked as a yuppie SUV, the ZJ line is adept at holding its own on most any trail and reasonable water crossings. And, it’s the perfect off-road vehicle for families who bring along the dog and lots of gear for weekend outings. Finally, in “Future Jeeps,” Statham takes a look at some of the Jeep concept cars, including the Varsity, the Commander, the Dakar and the Jeepster.
Illustrated with beautiful, full-color photography that puts the Jeep in its rightful, rugged place, Jeep will deepen your knowledge and inspire admiration for a time-tested vehicle that continues to be the SUV of choice among those in the know.