Ham Radio is Alive and Well, as reviewed in QST Magazine by Rick Lindquist, WW1ME, "is the expanded edition of what you might see under "ham radio" in Wikipedia. As the subtitle suggests, Drasch's compendium offers the largely traditionalist view of a ham radio Rip van Winkle of sorts, who, after being first licensed at age 12, broke away from the hobby for several decades when school, family, and career took precedence, and then, roused by a ham radio friend, dove back in about a decade ago ―as he concedes, not quite where he left off all those years ago. So, Drasch is at once a veteran radio amateur and a relative newcomer, although his intervening career involved electronics. After establishing that hams "are still doing that," Drasch's narrative incorporates a bit of "then-and-now" comparison and contrast that veteran radio amateurs will be able to relate to. His overarching emphasis is on conventional HF operation, from DXing and contesting to popular operation modes. One useful resource for newcomers is the one that explains "Ham Radio Speak," defining some of that confounding jargon we OTs (old timers) have been using among ourselves for decades when chatting about the latest DXpedition over coffee or, perhaps a couple of 807s (beers). He includes as well a list of abbreviations that one would use on CW or perhaps on some digital modes, and a few Q signals. Black-and-white photographs are sprinkled liberally though out the book's chapters, to illustrate a point or just to complement the content. Something in Ham Radio is Alive and Well will appeal even to veteran hams, although I'd see the primary readership as newcomers, especially, those whose Amateur Radio arc was interrupted mid-course, but then, like Drasch, got back into Amateur Radio rather late in the game.
About the Author: Gary Drasch acquired his radio amateur Novice license in 1960 at age 12 and his General class license at 13. After graduating from high school, he attended the Milwaukee Area Technical College, and received a diploma in Electronics, Radio, and Television. He continued his education by earning a two-year certificate in Radio Communications. After graduation, he obtained an FCC commercial First Class Radiotelephone Operator License. It was considered the pinnacle of licenses as it was required to operate and maintain TV/radio broadcast transmitters at the time. His electronics career began as the owner and operator of a TV, audio, and communications, sales and service business. He closed the business after eighteen years and spent a short stint in the radio pager business before joining the John Fluke Manufacturing Company in 1985 as a Sales Engineer. He retired 24 years later at the age of 62 and immediately returned to ham radio. He became totally reabsorbed into the hobby and attained his Extra class radio amateur license. DXing, contesting, antenna experimentation, and home-brewing accessories is his passion. Thus far, he has worked 304 countries (entities) and 1335 band slots. He earned the DX Century Club award using mixed, CW, phone, and digital modes. He captured the Worked All Continents award and the Work Antarctica Callsigns Award. He has Worked All States in all three modes and received the Triple Play award. Memberships include the American Radio Relay League, The Society of Midwest Contesters, and The Greater Milwaukee DX Association. He is also a member and Past President of the Ozaukee Radio Club. Gary and his wife Chris have been married for 45 years and live in Port Washington, Wisconsin. They have two adult children, Jennifer and Andrew.