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Topic: Ken Prescott's book |
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David Waples
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Posted on: Feb 25, 2012 - 6:15pm
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Michael,
You can get the DVD version from Merriam Press. That's where I got mine.
Dave
David Waples |
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David Waples
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Posted on: Feb 25, 2012 - 6:15pm
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Michael,
You can get the DVD version from Merriam Press. That's where I got mine.
Dave
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Ray Merriam
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Posted on: Feb 26, 2012 - 11:40pm
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Just came across this forum and the mention of Ken Prescott's book. I am Ray Merriam, the owner of Merriam Press, and the publisher of Ken's book. I figured I'd provide some additional details about the book to clear up the questions that others were asking as well as update you on Ken and his wife.
I wondered why all of sudden the last few months Ken's book was suddenly selling and it would appear this forum is the reason. Thanks, guys!
First, the book was revised slightly in format and appearance in January 2012, but no changes to the content - it still contains all the text and photos in the first edition. This was done because I recently switched to using CreateSpace, Amazon's print on demand division, to print the paperback editions of the books I publish. The printer I was using is quite expensive. The new edition is now only $14.95 retail; I offer free shipping on U.S. orders of books and DVDs.
The book is printed in B&W with full-color covers. There is a hardcover edition with color dust jacket, but it retails at $34.95. CreateSpace doesn't do hardcovers, so I have to continue using the other printer for the hardcover editions, and that's the lowest I could get the retail price on that edition and still be able to pay all the costs and still make a couple bucks.
I could do a full-color paperback edition, but it would be about twice the price of the B&W edition. The PDF supplied on a DVD disk by mail does display all the color photos Ken supplied in color. Other advantages of the PDF file are you can search the entire text and enlarge the pages to make the text easier to read, as well as enlarge the photos to view details.
Ken is in an assisted living facility near his home where his wife, Emma-Stina, still lives. She visits him regularly and after a recent move to a different facility, is being taken better care of and Emma-Stina tells me he is more alert and responsive. His mind is not as sharp as it used to be; I won't give particulars, but you can deduce what he is dealing with now. I started working on his book in 2009 while he was still in good shape mentally, but while we were working on it, his wife had to take over and help me finish it.
I'm sure he would love to hear from anyone in PT Boats, but you shouldn't expect an answer from him. His wife has email and she will read and try to respond, but she is busy with dealing with Ken and a lot of things that she has had to do that Ken used to do. If you don't have her email, you can email me and I will forward them to her, as I am in touch with her regularly.
Now, a little background on me: I started the business in 1968, originally to publish a WW2 magazine, which I did through the late 1970s. Gradually I switched to publishing booklets in the 1980s and in the mid-90s started publishing full-length books, primarily on WW2 topics. In late 2005 I started using a print on demand printer to do the books. Prior to that, I printed (direct from computer file to laser printer) and bound the books myself. Today the books are standard trade paperback and hardcover editions.
I have branched out into other periods, such as Vietnam, Korea, WWI, Civil War, First Gulf War and even some non-military topics and fiction. But I still concentrate on military history, especially WW2, as that is my passion.
Back in the late 1960s, when I was getting my first magazine effort started, I discovered PT Boats and Boats Newberry. As a result of that contact and receiving the newspaper for years, I consider PT Boats, Inc., one of the best veterans organizations there is and have promoted it whenever I could.
Ray Merriam
Owner, Merriam Press
Bennington VT |
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Will Day
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 Posted on: Feb 27, 2012 - 8:00am
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Ray: Many thanks for your informative post. Thanks for your efforts and best of luck with your future endeavors. Our thoughts go out to Ken and his wife.
Will |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Feb 27, 2012 - 8:14am
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Ray
Thanks so much for your diligent efforts in helping to preserve our WWII PT BOATS, BASES, and TENDERS. I am in hopes that you will please pass along my message of "JOB WELL DONE" for Ken Prescott. I do hope that the Lord helps him in his time of need..............
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TED WALTHER
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Posted on: Feb 28, 2012 - 9:16am
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Ray;
You did an excellent job, on Ken's book. I am the one who "found" ken's PT 48 so I was writing amnd Calling Ken and Emma-Stina since 1994. When I used to talk with Ken on the phone, he was so happy to have you publishing his book, he was always concerned with doing it the right way and also his way. I helped him and Emma-Stina with some of the information and photos. Thank you again for being a good friend to my friend and Skipper.
Take care,
TED WAL:THER
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Ray Merriam
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Posted on: Feb 28, 2012 - 3:44pm
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Thanks to Will, Frank and Ted for your comments. I did inform Emma-Stina of the discussion about Ken's book on this forum and gave her the links to it, which she visited and then sent me the reply, which is presented below.
Ray
Hi Ray,
How exciting!!!!!! Regarding the comments: Ted Walthers was a young sailor at the time Ken was in the Navy. I do not remember just when they met. I am sure that he has stayed in the Navy and risen in the ranks to what, I am not sure. My memory is bad, since I have been so preoccupied with Ken for several years now. Ted kept up with Ken through the years, very devotedly. During Ken’s stay at home, while having succumbed to Alzheimer’s, Ted wrote him often. His interest in the Navy and boats have stayed with him through the years. He seems to learn more and more. He sent Ken gifts of music, etc., while he was still at home to cheer him up. He did a lot of research on PT48, and followed the owners, and how it was used in different ways, until its last purchase by a man, who was going to make a museum of his Navy collection. Nothing seems to have come of it, after the boat was shipped to its new destination. Ken was approached and invited to attend the ceremonies at the time of the purchase, but, of course, was not able to attend. That was after the book was published, I am sure, or otherwise I would have mentioned it to you.
I am so glad there is some movement [in the book]. You said once, that there would be interest in the pictures. Please be so kind and answer or comment on anything. I just do not have the time now, to put myself back into this. I am so overwhelmed with my tasks as they are. That’s why I do not write more often. I have to withdraw from our responsibilities of representing an artist, Burgoyne Diller, whose heirs we have looked after, when it comes to his art, since the 70’s. I have someone who will take it over, but it will involve easing out of contracts, etc., etc. It will eat up a lot of time. Then there is everything else, including Ken, who is content in his new home.
Oh, please add a hard cover to my order. I will pay by check, as I do not handle monetary matters on the computer. I will donate it to the library here. I hope Ken will be able to sign the books. I am not sure, but if he still is, it will not be for long.
Thank you for the good news. It made my day.
I hope you are taking good care of yourself!
Emma-Stina
Ray Merriam
Owner, Merriam Press
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Will Day
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Posted on: Feb 28, 2012 - 6:06pm
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God bless, Emma-Stina
Will |
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TED WALTHER |
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Posted on: Mar 1, 2012 - 8:27am
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I second that Will
Take care,
TED
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