There are books that often get a person interested in a type of subject by offering a lot in one package. So it is with this one from Zenith Press on Allied Fighters. Here are nearly 200 pages with hundreds of full color profiles of many of the fighter aircraft used by the Allies in WWII.

Along with these profiles is a running history of each of the air arms, how it was organized and a look at the successes and failures of each as time went on. Basically, there are four major powers involved: France, Great Britain, United States, and Soviet Union. The book shows the various aircraft used during the various periods of time covered so that during the Battle of France we see MS.460s for the French and in the Great Britain Section there are Hurricanes and Blenheim fighters. In the opening stages of the Great Patriotic war, the Soviet Union section has profiles of I-15 and I-16 fighters. I think you get the idea.

There are sections on the Battle of Britain, Fighting in North Africa, the Italian Campaign, the Bombing Campaign, and naval operations in the Med and Northern Europe, to name just a few. All of these areas of interest are full of color profiles and some period photos of the aircraft involved. All of this covers the European war so those seeking information on the Pacific theater will have to wait for another book.  It is a great way to introduce a new enthusiast to what was used when or to have a ready reference for those who already have a decent library. It is one that I know you will enjoy.

April 2008.

For more on the complete line of Zenith and other fine books offered by MBI, visit their website at www.mbipublishing.com

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