"In the twentieth century, the talisman took a new and unconventional form ... nose art. This time the vehicles of war [aircraft] were being adorned, not the warriors themselves. Nose art employed a myriad of styles and themes, because the inspiration for each came from within the individual warrior and sprang from diverse motivations. To some, nose art served as a battle cry or threat to harass the enemy. To others, it was reminiscent of their home town, the ladies left behind, and the 'good ol' USA' ... These young men were the warriors of the day, and like their ancestors, their art served as a talisman or shield ... Talisman is a collection of nose art seen mostly during World War II and Korea"--Jacket.