Recommended books for the library? - Aircraft of World War II

twoeagles · 11-14-2006, 01:38 PM

One thing I have been hoping to see here is some exchanges on books
and reference materials recommended by the group. There are some pricey
items out there, and I can't afford to plow money into books that don't offer
value, or are at least good reading material. So, here are some from my
small shelf that I really like and can recommend to anyone who loves WW2
aircraft and related hardware and stories of aerial exploits. I would love to know what
everyone else recommends, and maybe a review or two...

British Aircraft Armament, Vol 2, RAF Guns and Gunsights, 1994,
by R. wallace Clarke; Japanese Aircraft Equipment, 1940-45, 2004, by
Robert C. Mikesh; Retsoring Museum Aircraft, 1997, also by Robert Mikesh; The Focke-Wulf 190, A Famous German Fighter, 1965, by Heinz Nowarra; Samurai!, by Saburo Sakai and Martin Caidin, 1957 (love it!); Warpath Across the Pacific, by Lawrence j. Hickey, 1984;
Attack and Conquer, the 8th Fighter Group in WW2, 1995, by Stanaway and Hickey; Allied Piston Aircraft Engines of WW2, by Graham White, 1995; and the first warbird book I ever bought, back in 1972, and
still very useful: Warplanes of the Third Reich, by William Green.

My two most recent additions come from the Czech republic, REVI Publications, by Martin Ferkl: the Mitsubishi G4M Betty, and the Mitsubishi Ki-46 Dinah. These are two very impressive soft cover books with terrific graphics that will be important to anyone who wants to model these birds.

mkloby · 11-15-2006, 02:15 PM

Still waiting on the arrival of all my books - tmo called today and said they'd be here today...
I'll post up several of the ones I loved later, if my shipment arrives...

Emac44 · 11-15-2006, 02:44 PM

My fellow Aussies. New Book released by General Peter Cosgrove. Did Price check on it $32 per copy from Book World. Ideal Christmas Present buying my copy next week

Erich · 11-15-2006, 03:04 PM

2 Eagles maybe you need to be more specific ? I have a library that runs into thousands of pieces

are you looking for unit histories, overall generalized book on particular a/c ? by the way Heinz N book on the Fw 190 needs a toss into the fireplace, I have the book as well, find a copy of Peter Rodeikes Fw 190/Ta 152. W.Greens big book has taken a backseat and sits lonely in the dust.

JG 300, volume 1 is typical of one of the expensive books at $ 85.00 dollars but this is to be expected of thouroughly researched book with profiles/text and photos. Books of any quality just are not 9.95 US anymore. Most of the English Osprey titles are crap and not worth the monies paid, I have too many of them on my shelves, Napoleonics is another thing but the a/c titles........yowser, no thanks !

so what are you lookin for ?

Erich ~ the compassionate

syscom3 · 11-15-2006, 03:19 PM

The author of "Warpath Across the Pacific" (best group history ever written) has volume two available. "Revenge of the Red Raiders". This is about the 22nd BG.

Fantastic book! I bought it a few months ago and highly recommend it.

World War II Air Wars - International Research and Publishing

timshatz · 11-15-2006, 04:28 PM

"Winged Victory" by Victor Yeats
"Things they Carried" by Tim O'Brien
"Fire in the Sky: The Air War in the South Pacific" by Eric Bergund
"Piece of Cake" by Derek Robinson (Also it's successor, "A good clean fight")
"Goodbye Darkness" by William Manchester
"With the Old Breed" by E. B. Sledge
"The Last Enemy" by Richard Hillary

It's a start. Some are fiction, some are non-fiction. All are good.

pbfoot · 11-15-2006, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timshatz

"Winged Victory" by Victor Yeats
"Things they Carried" by Tim O'Brien
"Fire in the Sky: The Air War in the South Pacific" by Eric Bergund
"Piece of Cake" by Derek Robinson (Also it's successor, "A good clean fight")
"Goodbye Darkness" by William Manchester
"With the Old Breed" by E. B. Sledge
"The Last Enemy" by Richard Hillary

It's a start. Some are fiction, some are non-fiction. All are good.

A companion of a Piece of Cake is the trilogy of the 105 weasel guys out of Thailand during Viet nam by Tom Wilson named :
Termite Hill
Luckys Bridge
Tango Uniform
and this is also an entertaining read
Terror In the Starboard Seat by a 418 sqn intruder navigator Dave Macintyre

lesofprimus · 11-16-2006, 06:14 AM

Out of all my books, I have to recommend to anyone who hasnt read it yet:

Flyboys, by James Bradley.....

It will give u new insight into the horrors and personalities on both sides of the Pacific Theatre...

Micdrow · 11-16-2006, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twoeagles

One thing I have been hoping to see here is some exchanges on books
and reference materials recommended by the group. There are some pricey
items out there, and I can't afford to plow money into books that don't offer
value, or are at least good reading material. So, here are some from my
small shelf that I really like and can recommend to anyone who loves WW2
aircraft and related hardware and stories of aerial exploits. I would love to know what
everyone else recommends, and maybe a review or two...

British Aircraft Armament, Vol 2, RAF Guns and Gunsights, 1994,
by R. wallace Clarke; Japanese Aircraft Equipment, 1940-45, 2004, by
Robert C. Mikesh; Retsoring Museum Aircraft, 1997, also by Robert Mikesh; The Focke-Wulf 190, A Famous German Fighter, 1965, by Heinz Nowarra; Samurai!, by Saburo Sakai and Martin Caidin, 1957 (love it!); Warpath Across the Pacific, by Lawrence j. Hickey, 1984;
Attack and Conquer, the 8th Fighter Group in WW2, 1995, by Stanaway and Hickey; Allied Piston Aircraft Engines of WW2, by Graham White, 1995; and the first warbird book I ever bought, back in 1972, and
still very useful: Warplanes of the Third Reich, by William Green.

My two most recent additions come from the Czech republic, REVI Publications, by Martin Ferkl: the Mitsubishi G4M Betty, and the Mitsubishi Ki-46 Dinah. These are two very impressive soft cover books with terrific graphics that will be important to anyone who wants to model these birds.

With all the Japanese books you have labeled twoeagles then I would try this book.

Japanese Naval Aces and Fighter Units in WWII by Ikuhiko Hata and Yasuho Izawa. Translated by Don Cyril Gorham

Enjoy Micdrow

twoeagles · 11-16-2006, 09:15 AM

Thanks all - exactly the kind of exchange I was hoping for. Making up my
holiday list. Erich - being told Heinz Nowarra's book on Fw190 is crap and being given a good title to replace it is what I need to know. Thanks!

So, what does the forum think about Key Publication's Spitfire - the History?

timshatz · 11-16-2006, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbfoot

A companion of a Piece of Cake is the trilogy of the 105 weasel guys out of Thailand during Viet nam by Tom Wilson named :
Termite Hill
Luckys Bridge
Tango Uniform
and this is also an entertaining read
Terror In the Starboard Seat by a 418 sqn intruder navigator Dave Macintyre

I'll give them a whirl PB, can always use more good books.

Thanks.

DerAdlerIstGelandet · 11-16-2006, 10:18 AM

Here are books in my Library that I recommend. Most of my Library is still at my mothers house and I only have about 50 books here right now to go through and recommend from:

Not all are Aviation though:

Janes Battleships of the 20th Century by Bernard Ireland

Vietnam Combat from the Cockpit by Robert Dorr

Janes War at Sea 1897 to 1997 by Bernard Ireland

The Vietnam Experience Combat Photagrapher

Luftwaffe Codes, Markings, & Units 1939-1945 by Barry C. Rosch

Matthew Brady's Illustraded History of the Civil War by Benson L. Lawson

Janes Fighting Ships of WW2 (1945 Edition)

3rd Reich Cloth Ensignia by Brian L. Davis and Ian Westwall

The Illustrated History of the 3rd Reich by John Bradley

Luftwaffe Secret Projects Fighters 1939 to 1945 by Walter Schick and Ingor Meyer

Luftwaffe Secret Projects Ground Attack and Special Purpose Aircraft by Walter Schick and Ingor Meyer

The Worlds Great Battleships by Robert Johnson

KG 200 The Luftwaffes Most Secret Unit by Geoffrey Thomas and Barry Ketley

Das Grosse Flugzeugtypenbuch by Wilfred Kopenhagen and Dr. Rolf Neustaedt

Luftwaffe over America The Secret Plans to Bomb the US in WW2 by Manfred Griehl

Messerschmitt Me-109 Vol.1 and 2 by Anis Elbied, Andre Jouineau, Dominique Breffort

The American Heritage Picture History of WW2 by C.L. Sulzberger

Die Grossen Luftschlachten des Zweiten Weltkriegs by (can find who wrote it)

War At Sea 1939-1945 by John Hamilton

War in the Air by Stephen Coonts

3rd Reich Militaria by Robin Lumsden

Sea Eagles The Messerschmitt Bf-109T by F. L. Marshall

Kreigstagebuch des OKW

Janes World Aircraft Identification Book

Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab

twoeagles · 11-16-2006, 10:51 AM

Thanks Chris!

I have two other very fine books that I can recommend, but you Luftwaffe
experts will need to tell me if they indeed warrant prominence on the shelf:

JG 300 Wilde Sau Vol. 1 from Eagle Editions, and Willi Reshke's JG300/301.

rochie · 11-16-2006, 11:01 AM

stalingrad, berlin the downfall both by anthony beevor are great reads
also with the old breed by e b sledge
fighting 109 uwe fiest, falklands the air war are both very informative.
there was a big debate in the uk about bravo two zero it has been accused of being total fiction apart from the route they took not sure myself though !

DerAdlerIstGelandet · 11-16-2006, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twoeagles

Thanks Chris!

I have two other very fine books that I can recommend, but you Luftwaffe
experts will need to tell me if they indeed warrant prominence on the shelf:

JG 300 Wilde Sau Vol. 1 from Eagle Editions, and Willi Reshke's JG300/301.

Erich can probably tell you about those books. He is pretty much the Wilde Sau expert.

11-14-2006, 01:38 PM	#1
twoeagles Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chambersburg Posts: 673	Recommended books for the library? One thing I have been hoping to see here is some exchanges on books and reference materials recommended by the group. There are some pricey items out there, and I can't afford to plow money into books that don't offer value, or are at least good reading material. So, here are some from my small shelf that I really like and can recommend to anyone who loves WW2 aircraft and related hardware and stories of aerial exploits. I would love to know what everyone else recommends, and maybe a review or two... British Aircraft Armament, Vol 2, RAF Guns and Gunsights, 1994, by R. wallace Clarke; Japanese Aircraft Equipment, 1940-45, 2004, by Robert C. Mikesh; Retsoring Museum Aircraft, 1997, also by Robert Mikesh; The Focke-Wulf 190, A Famous German Fighter, 1965, by Heinz Nowarra; Samurai!, by Saburo Sakai and Martin Caidin, 1957 (love it!); Warpath Across the Pacific, by Lawrence j. Hickey, 1984; Attack and Conquer, the 8th Fighter Group in WW2, 1995, by Stanaway and Hickey; Allied Piston Aircraft Engines of WW2, by Graham White, 1995; and the first warbird book I ever bought, back in 1972, and still very useful: Warplanes of the Third Reich, by William Green. My two most recent additions come from the Czech republic, REVI Publications, by Martin Ferkl: the Mitsubishi G4M Betty, and the Mitsubishi Ki-46 Dinah. These are two very impressive soft cover books with terrific graphics that will be important to anyone who wants to model these birds.

11-15-2006, 02:15 PM	#2
mkloby Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Jacksonville, NC Posts: 3,562	Still waiting on the arrival of all my books - tmo called today and said they'd be here today... I'll post up several of the ones I loved later, if my shipment arrives... __________________ If the Army and the Navy ever look on heaven's scenes, they will find the streets are guarded by United States Marines

11-15-2006, 03:04 PM	#4
Erich the old Sage Join Date: May 2004 Location: Platonic Sphere Posts: 11,113	2 Eagles maybe you need to be more specific ? I have a library that runs into thousands of pieces are you looking for unit histories, overall generalized book on particular a/c ? by the way Heinz N book on the Fw 190 needs a toss into the fireplace, I have the book as well, find a copy of Peter Rodeikes Fw 190/Ta 152. W.Greens big book has taken a backseat and sits lonely in the dust. JG 300, volume 1 is typical of one of the expensive books at $ 85.00 dollars but this is to be expected of thouroughly researched book with profiles/text and photos. Books of any quality just are not 9.95 US anymore. Most of the English Osprey titles are crap and not worth the monies paid, I have too many of them on my shelves, Napoleonics is another thing but the a/c titles........yowser, no thanks ! so what are you lookin for ? Erich ~ the compassionate __________________ Rip it up !

11-15-2006, 03:19 PM	#5
syscom3 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 10,814	The author of "Warpath Across the Pacific" (best group history ever written) has volume two available. "Revenge of the Red Raiders". This is about the 22nd BG. Fantastic book! I bought it a few months ago and highly recommend it. World War II Air Wars - International Research and Publishing __________________ "Pilot to copilot..... what are those mountain goats doing up here in the clouds?"

11-16-2006, 06:14 AM	#8
lesofprimus Minister of Whoopass Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Long Island Native in Mississippi Posts: 18,466	Out of all my books, I have to recommend to anyone who hasnt read it yet: Flyboys, by James Bradley..... It will give u new insight into the horrors and personalities on both sides of the Pacific Theatre... __________________ My IL2 Video Tribute to My Grandfather: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtzN5RuNNJk My 1/32nd Rendition of His Corsair: http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/2-p...3-a-20416.html

11-15-2006, 02:44 PM	#3
Emac44 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Brisbane Queensland Posts: 1,581	My fellow Aussies. New Book released by General Peter Cosgrove. Did Price check on it $32 per copy from Book World. Ideal Christmas Present buying my copy next week

11-15-2006, 04:28 PM	#6
timshatz Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Phila, Pa Posts: 3,820	"Winged Victory" by Victor Yeats "Things they Carried" by Tim O'Brien "Fire in the Sky: The Air War in the South Pacific" by Eric Bergund "Piece of Cake" by Derek Robinson (Also it's successor, "A good clean fight") "Goodbye Darkness" by William Manchester "With the Old Breed" by E. B. Sledge "The Last Enemy" by Richard Hillary It's a start. Some are fiction, some are non-fiction. All are good.

11-16-2006, 09:15 AM	#10
twoeagles Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chambersburg Posts: 673	Thanks all - exactly the kind of exchange I was hoping for. Making up my holiday list. Erich - being told Heinz Nowarra's book on Fw190 is crap and being given a good title to replace it is what I need to know. Thanks! So, what does the forum think about Key Publication's Spitfire - the History?

11-16-2006, 10:18 AM	#12
DerAdlerIstGelandet Der Crewchief Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ansbach, Germany Posts: 34,086	Here are books in my Library that I recommend. Most of my Library is still at my mothers house and I only have about 50 books here right now to go through and recommend from: Not all are Aviation though: Janes Battleships of the 20th Century by Bernard Ireland Vietnam Combat from the Cockpit by Robert Dorr Janes War at Sea 1897 to 1997 by Bernard Ireland The Vietnam Experience Combat Photagrapher Luftwaffe Codes, Markings, & Units 1939-1945 by Barry C. Rosch Matthew Brady's Illustraded History of the Civil War by Benson L. Lawson Janes Fighting Ships of WW2 (1945 Edition) 3rd Reich Cloth Ensignia by Brian L. Davis and Ian Westwall The Illustrated History of the 3rd Reich by John Bradley Luftwaffe Secret Projects Fighters 1939 to 1945 by Walter Schick and Ingor Meyer Luftwaffe Secret Projects Ground Attack and Special Purpose Aircraft by Walter Schick and Ingor Meyer The Worlds Great Battleships by Robert Johnson KG 200 The Luftwaffes Most Secret Unit by Geoffrey Thomas and Barry Ketley Das Grosse Flugzeugtypenbuch by Wilfred Kopenhagen and Dr. Rolf Neustaedt Luftwaffe over America The Secret Plans to Bomb the US in WW2 by Manfred Griehl Messerschmitt Me-109 Vol.1 and 2 by Anis Elbied, Andre Jouineau, Dominique Breffort The American Heritage Picture History of WW2 by C.L. Sulzberger Die Grossen Luftschlachten des Zweiten Weltkriegs by (can find who wrote it) War At Sea 1939-1945 by John Hamilton War in the Air by Stephen Coonts 3rd Reich Militaria by Robin Lumsden Sea Eagles The Messerschmitt Bf-109T by F. L. Marshall Kreigstagebuch des OKW Janes World Aircraft Identification Book Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab __________________ fly boy:"isnt that the first jet bomber becasue i have flown one in a flight sim before and i know how it handles"

11-16-2006, 10:51 AM	#13
twoeagles Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chambersburg Posts: 673	Thanks Chris! I have two other very fine books that I can recommend, but you Luftwaffe experts will need to tell me if they indeed warrant prominence on the shelf: JG 300 Wilde Sau Vol. 1 from Eagle Editions, and Willi Reshke's JG300/301.

11-16-2006, 11:01 AM	#14
rochie Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: billingham nr middlesbrough uk Posts: 3,640	stalingrad, berlin the downfall both by anthony beevor are great reads also with the old breed by e b sledge fighting 109 uwe fiest, falklands the air war are both very informative. there was a big debate in the uk about bravo two zero it has been accused of being total fiction apart from the route they took not sure myself though !

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