or a fantastic set of aviation stories
592883
In Without Precedent, Owen Zupp tells the story of Australia's first Purple Heart recipient. A man who fought his way from tough beginnings to into the skies. A veteran of both World War II and Korea whose bravery during the Korean war was recognized with the unprecedented award of the American Purple Heart. A man who also happened to be Owen's father.

Much more than a warrior's biography, or a fantastic set of aviation stories; although it is both of those, this is the kind of book that fathers hope their own children are inspired to write someday. Owen's deep love and respect for Phillip Zupp shines through every page and paragraph. It's a beautifully respectful story that paints a portrait of a man who faced his battles square on all his life.

One of the best biographies I've read in a long time. A must read for dads, military historians, and aviation buffs alike.
1621481
This is the second book I've recently read about Spitfire pilots in action.  In both the actual flying of this remarkable
Plane figured heavily and I'm glad it did.  It added a  superb dimension to the storytelling.  If you're a pilot or aviation enthusiast, there is no way you won't enjoy this read!
1829568
Crickwood was an air traffic controller when he first became interested in the Blackbird. Since the super-secret Blackbird missions were flown in near-total radio silence, the ATCs and the pilots were among the few who knew a plane's whereabouts. Moreover, Blackbirds had totally unique descent requirements and a good ATC was critical for keeping the traffic pattern clear. No wonder Crickwood became intrigued. His first photos, taken strictly for himself, were eventually published in a magazine which led to one book commission after another. Over the years, he says, his friends in the Blackbird community have given him "unprecedented access" to material for his books.

He quickly takes the reader from Cold War, U2, U.S. President Eisenhower's "Open Skies" initiative, Skunk Works etc. to a discussion of the A-12, aircraft sensors, Area 51 development, and navigation aids. This sort of pace may be a bit much for the reader who knows only a little of the Blackbirds. The advanced reader on the other hand will appreciate the fine discussion of the air induction system and its challenges to the then single pilot who had to cope with an extremely high workload constantly manipulating the inlet spike and bypass door positions in order to optimize fuel/engine use and temps. This level of magnification is indicative of the rest of the book and is what sets Crickwood's apart.

What data there is pertains to performance not aeronautics or engineering. The text is interspersed with quotes, suitably illustrated, and augmented with supporting material such as maps and lists. The photo selection includes a nice set of M-21/D-21 shots and an uncommonly large number of crew photos. The color photos are bundled into three separate sections. All photos identify the plane and the photo source.

Other highlights are an entire chapter dealing with the YF-12 and a detailed technical description of SR-71 components. For the detail hound, the gems are always in the Appendices and here we find: various detachments' mission records; first check flights by plane/pilot; the current whereabouts of A-12, YF-12A and SR-71 airframes; commanders, awards, crews; chronology of significant events; records; aircraft losses; NASA flight details; and--drum roll--a list of SR-71 intercepts by a MIG-31 and reproduction of a log book page of the Russian pilot who was interviewed earlier in the book. A separate section contains technical and cutaway drawings including the entire plane as well as front and rear cockpit diagrams, both fully annotated.

Full review at <speedreaders.info>. Copyright 2010, Sabu Advani
3012861
Quick disclaimer: While reading Wings, I sensed that its release was timed to generally coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' flight (for many, the real origin of aviation as we know it).  There are about a dozen or so typos and/or other generally minor mistakes which, to me, indicate a less than thorough proof-reading or editing job--perhaps in a rush to get the book to the printers.  While the errors are not show-stoppers in and of themselves, they do take the polish off a bit of an otherwise fine book.  I hope a second edition will catch them.  Even with these, however, I feel I can state that this is the book I've always wanted but didn't realize it, put out by one of my favorite publishing houses to boot (W.W. Norton; I'm an O'Brian fan as well).
Aviation buffs have always had their favorite aircraft, be they air superiority fighters or superior air freighters, but this book deals with them all, in a style readable for the generalist as well as the enthusiast.  The editorial reviews will give you a flavor of what Mr Crouch covers in this history, which is more of a biography of flight in many ways.  The book does not generally dwell on any one particular aircraft or type (the author took a balanced approach toward both the military and commercial aspects of flight, as well as how they typically complement each other).  Landmark aircraft or events in aviation history do get decent face time--and though purists may quibble over whether "their" aircraft got sufficient treatment here, I believe Mr Crouch has done more than a creditable job in bringing this century of aviation into focus for most folks.  Perhaps Wings' most enjoyable and interesting aspects are covered in the chapters and/or sections which detail the lesser known facets of early aviation--both the pioneers and their birds--as well as the business side of aviation, an equally if not more important part of the story in many cases.
There are numerous aviation books which examine narrow niches, from specific aircraft to sub-epochs in aviation history to notable individuals, and these are fine choices for those who crave such levels of detail.  I have my share of each of these, and make no bones about it.
But I sense that Wings, interspersed with some great photos and written by the curator of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, is just right in terms of having sufficient heft and credibility for those who want a serious treatment of a century defined by flight, without putting off those who merely find the subject interesting or who want to give a well-thought-out gift for the aviation buff in their lives.  This book will not disappoint either way.
2154388
a great set of books, franks and co. are thorough with the facts but still keep it interesting. a must have for ww1 aviation fans.
2417542
A well written, interesting and educational book. From it I learned the immense positive impact of Juan Trippe and Pan Am on the development of commercial aviation in the USA and the world. Some of the anecdotes on the early flights are truly amazing stories of courage, skill and ingenuity. For example hacking an escape runway for a downed bomber out of dense jungle many miles from any civilization, repairing a flying boat in midair, escaping from Pearl Harbor by flying around the world unprepared.
And  how a true entrepreneur can build a up huge business from scratch by ingenuity, risk taking and great negotiating skills.
A great read.
1616598
"Conflict" is comprised of ten short stories all of which deal with conflicts occurring in various times, from the near to distant future of mankind.  Poul Anderson is at his best when writing about this subject, and most of these stories are truly excellent.  In fact, the only reason I deprived this one of a fifth star is that one or two of the stories were not Anderson's best.  But make no mistake: most of these stories are worthy of five stars.
There are many different scenarios in this collection, and several of them are outstanding both for the quality of Anderson's writing, which is almost always superlatively good, to the sheer imagination that went into the stories.  "The Pugilist" is an utterly brilliant work dealing with a future in which the United States has been subdued and brought into the Soviet bloc.  The story postulates an utterly believable scenario and Anderson vividly shows how such a thing might have been.  Its question: can the country re-acquire its former love of liberty and freedom?  Or has dictatorship and oppression taken root too firmly?  Anderson asks the right questions.  The ending packs a formidable punch.  In "Among Thieves" Anderson takes us to the far future, when mankind has spread amongst numerous stellar systems, but has not outgrown the institution of war.  Here, once again, his speculations as to the possible reasons for, and nature of, future conflict make for a superb story.
Anderson really cared about both the causes of, and forms of, human conflict, and the depth of his concern is what makes this collection a superb one that most readers will thoroughly enjoy.
3776301
This is a book for real flying enthusiasts. Pook has that ability to describe his remarkable flying experiences in a dramatic way that puts you in the cockpit with him. Air Vice-Marshall Ron Elder calls Pook in his Foreword "one of life's natural rebels." Clearly a natural and very able pilot, he had made it quite clear that, although a Royal Air Force College graduate with a real chance of reaching the senior ranks, his only desire was to fly. As a result he was able to fly continuously for more than a quarter of a century with no interruption of a ground tour, an extraordinary achievement, particularly for a Cranwell graduate who was expected to fly his share of desks.

There are two 8-page sections of excellently captioned b/w photos of the aeroplanes flown by Pook and locations he served in. Well written and technically very interesting, I cannot recommend this book too highly. Detailed Index.

Full review at <speedreaders.info>. Copyright 2010, Michael Jolley
4374443
A fantastic collection of photos and history for any enthusiast who has attended or plans to attend EAA's Airventure.  A great guide for planning what to do and see while there.
3003888
So many "coffee-table" aviation books are written by clueless historians who know nothing of a pilot's actual experience in the air: the smell of oil and gas, the heft and feel of the controls, the view through the canopy. Nijboer and Patterson capture these sensations perfectly in this collection of crisp color portaits of cold war cockpits. Every cockpit is shot in dramatic but clear lighting, and accompanied by a detailed map of every knob, dial, and guage. If that's all the book delivered, it would be enough. But there's much more.

  The authors commissioned a pilot's retrospective for each aircraft -- priceless first-hand accounts by the men who were flew these machines day in and day out. To find this kind of attentive description for just one airplane would be a treasure; Nijboer and Patterson have found dozens of them.

  The cockpit vignettes are interwoven with the author's own historical notes and background photos. The result is a broad and deep view into cold-war aircraft and the men who flew them.

  I like to read a new aircraft every night before sleeping, in the hope that I'll fly that aircraft in my dreams. And I have. And I will. There are lots of airplanes here.
846430
This is a fantastic collection of short stories expertly written by authors from very different backrounds. I can honestly say there is not a bad story in this collection but my personal favourite was "The  Flight of the Phoenix". The only thing that holds it back from a 5 out of 5 is a few small grammar issues.
2085101
I'm biased, I know the author. But there are not many men who have done what Ron did.
This is a great book for those interested reading about some really unusual situations, culturally, politically, and just exciting flying stories.
The author attributes the myriad coincidences in his life to the hand of God. Without money and a family to feed, grocery bags appear on the doorstep. Flying through violent turbulent storms, he lands his plane moments before all hell breaks loose.
This is a quick fun read. My 7 year old is also enjoying listening to it as his bedtime story.
4561377
A good read for P38 Lightning fans, not for the casual reader, you have to be a little familiar with WWII theaters of operation and it is necessary to be somewhat familiar with the look and objectives of the P38 to appreciate this book. An apt description would be this: a collection of short narratives from different perspectives as related to the P38: training, mechanic, fighter pilot in both Pacific and European theaters. The chapters vary in readability according to the talents of the pilot/mechanic turned author. None are terrible, some chapters describe events only known to the P38 pilot recalling the story. There are some unique events involving P38's performing some amazing missions as well as amazing mishaps with a variety of story lines. I liked the post WW II chapter describing the storylines of the relative few P38's that flew in various capacities after active duty. The Honduran Air Force, a female owner/pilot, and oil/gas photo mapping are all described in this chapter. In 1946, any adult with $1250 and a storage place could buy a P38 Lightning. That is amazing.
3726690
The author captures the stress, and rigor of military pilot training, and the stress that comes while working for a "HQ", that just doesn't know, in a war that the civilian leadership doesn't try to win. His stories of Strategic Air command follies, and Viet Nam tragedies, are breathtaking.

He tells the tales with a style and craftmanship worthy of a prize winning novelist. The USAF has some very perceptive and eloquent officers.
1521016
Set in the Southwest Pacific during World War II Lucky 666 is really three stories in one book.  The first story is a history of the Fifth Airforce that operated in the bleak, early days of the Pacific War when men and equipment left over from other theatres struggled to halt the Japanese advance and begin the long road to Tokyo.  The second story is that of a volunteer mission to photograph Bougainville in advance of American offensives.  The third is personal relationship between pilot Jay Zimmer and his bombardier Joe Sarnoski.

The part I appreciate the most is the history of air war in support General MacArthurs forces.  This book introduces the reader to the leaders, most prominently Gen. George Kenney, MacArthurs air chief, and the men who maintained and flew the planes.  In other readings I had heard of the generals and admirals, New Guinea, Guadalcanal and Bougainville, Midway, the Coral and Bismarck Seas and other names, but this narrative and the maps place them in context, show their relationships to each other gave me a greater understanding of this theatre of the war than I had gathered from other reading.  The details of the aircraft, such as the bombing sight, that was an important advance, the cold and thin air with which the aviators contended and the cramped quarters and danger which the gunners endured convey a sense of reality to the reader.

The saga of Luck 666 s run reconnaissance over Bougainville is an adventure that stimulates awe and admiration.  The B-17 bomber, the number of which ended in 666, was salvaged by its crew, modified for this specific mission, manned by volunteers, went against overwhelming odds and brought back the pictures that guided the next offensive and altered the march across the Pacific.  The accounts of the fight put out and the punishment endured are a match for any novel.

The tale of Jay and Joe is, I suppose, like many born in war.  I will leave it at that so you can experience the same suspense that I did.

Authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin have crafted a history and intertwined it into an adventure that keeps you turning the pages for what comes next. It is an outstanding read for anyone interested in World War II or aerial warfare.
502984
This book is about the numerous things that have gone wrong in this pilot's long career. Basically one flying story after another, it details a number of interesting survivable (with some luck and some skill) mishaps;
3167371
As a pilot and author enjoying my 50th year in aviation I have to say that this book is the most fantastic wartime aviation book I have ever read. It is up there with the Dambusters, Reach for the sky and Goosepool, the history of RAF and RCAF Middleton St George.
It's high point is the battle for Europe, after D-Day, when the Luftwaffe was on the back foot and fighting for it's very existence, whilst experiencing the measure for measure situation of constantly changing aircraft technology and the attrition of it's dwindling number of experienced pilots, who unlike allied aircrew, were not rested periodically and were active until they fell, or were badly injured. . From a pilots point of view The big show is a fantastic read. Many books do not offer the nuts and bolts of the cockpit and aerial warfare that pilots and aviation enthusiasts demand, unlike this and the other books I mentioned above. Some books can be read and read and kept for a lifetime, this is certainly one of them.