MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- It's common knowledge among most Marines today that Gunnery Sgt. Dan Daly was the recipient of two Medals of Honor or that the hellish island of Iwo Jima was the stage for one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. But what about the events and people who came before and after these great acts of valor and epic conflicts?"Semper Fi: The Definitive Illustrated Guide to U.S. Marines," meticulously chronicles the Marine Corps from its birth as the Continental Marines in 1775, to the present-day forces deployed throughout the globe in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The 480-page coffee-table book, authored by retired Colonels H. Avery Chenoweth and Brooke Nihart, depicts every aspect of the Marine Corps in vivid detail, from uniforms and weapons to numerous campaigns, both big and small. "Semper Fi" contains hundreds of facts, photographs and illustrations, which help readers actually see where the Marines started and what they have become. Aside from the chronological history of the Marines, the book also contains small featurettes on specific weapons, tactics and people, which aided the Corps in its illustrious 230-year history. By flipping through the pages, readers will learn facts such as how Marine snipers played a pivotal role in the trenches of World War I and were credited with taking 50 German snipers during the Argonne Forest offensive in France and that 125 Marine Corps pilots achieved the status of ace for their aerial combat prowess in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. The content is interesting and easy to follow, but it is the layout and design of the book that really grabs readers attention. Each section highlights a major conflict or war, along with smaller battles and skirmishes that took place within it. Battle streamers representing each respective campaign are scattered throughout "Semper Fi," and really lend a unique look to its pages. Various medals, badges and pieces of gear are also shown during the periods they were issued. The book was very easy to follow, and readers will have a real sense of what it was like during each era of the Corps. Those unfamiliar with the Marine Corps will find this history book hard to put down, and those who think they know everything about their beloved leathernecks will be surprised to learn of some of the interesting trivia written in this selection. The book is highly recommended and is available at the Marine Corps Association Bookstore aboard the Depot and major bookstores nationwide.