My New Book

Good day all,

I would like to take this opportunity and introduce to everyone my new book, Rampant Lion chronicling the life of Eduard Ritter von Schleich. It has taken some five years to get to this point, and I have to say that I am quite excited about the finished product! I know that many of you were already aware for some time of my impending biography (I do recall pitching it on a few occasions!), and at this point I would like to describe the book in detail, in order to let all of you all know what has been included between the covers:

Product Details:

Hardcover: 389 pages
Author: Darren J. Whiteside
Publisher: A & S Publishing (March 31st, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0-9791946-0-3
ISBN-10: 0-9791946-0-1
Product Dimensions: 8.75 x 5.75 x 1.25 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.50 pounds
Price: $29.95 US

The book contains the following:

1) Over 150 black/white and color photos - some never before published.
2) The most complete list to date of von Schleich’s aerial victories, developed from his military records, personal accounts, and combat reports. Victims are mentioned when known. Maps are also included showing the claim locations.
3) Many translated personal narratives, written by von Schleich himself, regarding his many aerial combats. His flight in a captured French Spad, a dogfight where he was out-numbered 24 to 1, and his ‘triplet’ (when he scored three victories during a single engagement), are just some of his exploits covered.
4) A comprehensive listing of all military assignments, which spanned nearly 40 years. His awards and decorations have also been assessed during this same period.
5) Von Schleich’s post war and World War II careers are covered in detail, including many interesting facts about the early German airlines, as well as the birth of the German Air Force (the Luftwaffe).
6) His friends and acquaintances over the years are discussed at length, presenting a human side to this sometimes larger-then-life military figure.
7) The military units he commanded are examined thoroughly. The reader will get to know not only the structure of these units, but also a little about his flying companions from both world wars.
8) His family background, social affairs, and professional aspirations are also given fair treatment, with many new revelations regarding both the personal difficulties and triumphs of the ‘Black Knight’.
9) Thorough note sections, a bibliography, and a complete index are provided, allowing the reader to cross-reference a great majority of information presented in the text.

If you have already visited my website, you will notice that I plan to donate ALL my profits to the United States Civil Air Patrol. This is a very good youth organization, teaching children about both the theory and practice of flight, along with educating them about the rich history of aviation. I owe much of who I am today to this organization.

I would also like to thank many of my fellow forumites whose help I enlisted doing the book's inception. Without the assistance of Rick, Greg, Dan-San, Immo, Thorsten, Reinhard, Graeme, Gunnar, Amy, etc., this book would definitely not have been possible. I extend a sincere 'thank you' to all of you.

Going one step further, I am offering my book to all forum members at a pre-publication price of $19.95 US (free shipping - U.S. only). I expect my first installment of books to arrive from the printers by the end of March 2007. Just PM me or email me on my website for ordering information. I will keep everyone who orders abreast of future developments.

Please feel free to click the banner below and visit my website. There you will find a condensed biography about Ritter von Schleich, along with excerpts from my book to view.

God Bless,

Darren

[Taz]

Darren- Great website. PM to you already in but change to two autographed copies, one at full price since I do not want to take advantage of you. Von Schleich was always smiling and his men loved him, like a teddy bear version of the Iron Knight, Berthold. Really looking forward to this book.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[FliegerJG1]

Ordered my copy this morning. Really looking forward to it!

FliegerJG1

[Roadhog]

Dear Darren, Congratulations sir. I will order a copy as soon as I get to the big city. Maybe you could even autograph it for me if I pay the postage. I know what it takes to write a book and see it through getting published. I contend that it is as close as a man can come to giving birth. I have written three books and have seen two of them make it into print. My WWI novel "The Wraiths of Flanders" is coming along in fits and starts. VR, Maj. Scott Price. "Memento mori."

Hi again,

Wow, thanks Scott, Terry, and FliegerJG1 for the wonderful comments. It's great to already know who will find my book appealing. That's half the battle with marketing.

You are absolutely right Scott -writing my book is probably the closest I will ever come to experiencing the miracle of birth (including the morning sickness in the very beginning!).

I tried very hard to include everything I had on von Schleich in my book (except the mundane details, such as height and weight!). I hope that my book will introduce a side of von Schleich that few rarely see. He certainly was a colorful individual, and very well liked by both his friends and foes (at times, they were one in the same!). I hope that Rampant Lion lives up to everyone's expectations. Because I value each and every member here, I am basically offering my book at cost, as I want to give back to a hobby that has provided me with so much enjoyment and enrichment over the years.

I will definitely get back to all of you who ordered a book very soon. I am currently at work, and for some reason my boss frowns on my corresponding about non-work related topics!

Thanks again to you all,

Darren

p.s., I wish you luck Scott on your upcoming novel. What are the other books you've written?

[Lufbery]

Hi Darren,

This looks great!

Regarding the Civil Air Patrol, I just wrote an article about their service in WWII. It's in the current issue of America in WWII magazine.

I learned a heck of a lot about the organization while researching the article. Given your ties to the organization, I thought you might be interested.

As for your book, I'll be in touch soon.

Regards,

Hi Drew,

That is very interesting about your article on the CAP. I will have to look into getting a copy of the magazine. Do you write often for America in WWII ?

Thanks also for your interest in my book!

regards,

Darren

[Lufbery]

Originally Posted by wingedwarrior

Hi Drew,

That is very interesting about your article on the CAP. I will have to look into getting a copy of the magazine. Do you write often for America in WWII ?

That's my third article. I'm working on a book review for them now.

Thanks also for your interest in my book!

regards,

Darren

Darren,

I've sent a private message to find out about ordering.

Regards,

-Drew

[G. Scott Long]

Darren,
I just printed an order form and will be sending you a check ASAP! The book looks awesome!
best wishes,
Scott

[josef scott]

I don't know how I missed this thread when you first posted, as I knew this book was in the works! Congratulations, Darren! Good to see the website up now as well. I will PM you shortly.