Hikoki has had a great reputation for publishing interesting and informative books over the years. You can add this one to that list. This isn't the only relatively recent book on the Legion Condor, but it tackles the subject from a different angle than previous ones. I should also take this time to comment on the images. They are really superb and I have to say that the vast majority of them were new to me, which really adds to the desirability of the book. Included are 16 pages which contain over 100 profiles. In fact, there are many aspects of the book which appeal to the modeler. Even the author highlights information that would be of interest to the model builder.

Now on to the book itself. It is organized a bit differently than most I've read. It has a couple of introductory sections on the build-up and organization of the Legion Condor then it breaks things up into the operations of specific units within the Legion. A historical perspective of the unit is provided, followed by sections of photographs of the aircraft that were operated by that unit.

For instance, the first unit is Aufklarungsgruppe A/88 (the recce guys). After many pages of historical background that include operations, it is followed by separate photo sections on the Do-17, He-45, He-46, He-70 and Hs-126. These photo sections cover as many individual aircraft as they can so some are quite complete. This is followed by sections on AS/88, the seaplanes; J/88, the fighters; K/88, the bombers; a section on the Stukas; VB/88, the experimental bombers; V/88, the experimental fighters; finally Stab 88 with its liaison planes and then various miscellaneous aircraft. There is also a section on Condor planes in Spanish service. Naturally, notes abound and, of course, the huge color profile section in the middle of the book.

Having the book so organized is a huge help when trying to find information on a specific type. A real bonus is a chart of every type by serial number and as much info on crews and fate as can be found. If you have an interest in early Luftwaffe planes or are fascinated by the German involvement in the Spanish Civil War, then this really is a book that should be on your shelf.

Highly recommended

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