Although I am not myself a collector of STASI material, I greatly enjoyed this book. I can only imagine that anyone who collects STASI artifacts will find it invaluable. Mr. Pickard demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the memorabilia, and the book is well-designed and has excellent production value. Given the tremendous growth of interest in cultural history during recent years, I hope and expect that historians will appreciate the extent to which a book like this, with its emphasis on decorations and memorabilia, sheds light on the political culture of the German Democratic Republic.

David Nickles, Ph.D.