2008 Book of the Year

Barrett · 31 December 2008, 09:39 AM

What's your choice for GW aviation book of the year? I suspect that Stephen's last-minute

Frank Luke entry will prompt a delay in providing a full assessment. Haven't seen Hamady's N.28 book from Schiffer but it was well received on this forum. Other entries include Pardue's FL study, Norman Franks' Mannock bio, and Jon Guttman's 1st PG history from Osprey.

Over the previous two years, I'd say that Dan-San and Rick's encylopedic Schlachtflieger stands out.

Hmmm...mebbe we Forumites should make a New Year's tradition of nominating the outstanding GW Aero books--top 5 perhaps? Heaven knows, the authors don't get much in the way of remuneration.

Gregvan · 31 December 2008, 09:54 AM

More Candidates:

"The Diary & Letters of a World War I Fighter Pilot," about 65 Sqdn pilot Guy Knocker, edited by his grandson Christopher M. Burgess.

"Kitchener's Last Volunteer: The Life of Henry Allingham" by H. Allingham with Dennis Goodwin. I don't have this one, but it looks good.

Lance Bronnenkant's mammoth "The Imperial German Eagles in World War 1: Their Postcards and Pictures, Volume 2" - my personal favorite - even more than Stephen's awesome and spectacular "The STAND" (sorry, Stephen)!

Peter McManus' "Richthofen Jagdstaffel Ahead: RFC Pilots Outperformed and Outgunned Over the Western Front". An odd book (much discussed on this forum) but with some great photos.

Rick · 31 December 2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barrett

Over the previous two years, I'd say that Dan-San and Rick's encylopedic Schlachtflieger stands out.

Thanks, Barrett. I appreciate that more than you know. R.

Gregvan · 31 December 2008, 02:40 PM

I'd have to agree with Barrett about Schlachtflieger!. Props to Rick and Dan-San.

Greg

Rick · 31 December 2008, 03:02 PM

Thanks, Greg. Always nice to hear from such a prolific author as you

. Happy New Year. R.

josquin · 31 December 2008, 05:03 PM

Dan-San and Rick's SCHLACHTFLIEGER is the standout of the last two years
as far as I am concerned: a great accomplishment concerning a subject
that was really absent from references and first-person accounts. Of the
last year's releases, I go with Stephen Skinner's THE STAND because its
thoroughness and dedication to its subject will probably ensure its
standing as the definitive work about

Frank Luke. We are even more
fortunate to be able to read BOTH accounts--Pardue's and Skinner's!
regards, josquin

Gregvan · 31 December 2008, 05:30 PM

Hi,

To be precise for those who might be searching for it, the author of the "other" very fine Luke book is Blaine Pardoe.

Amazon.com: Terror of the Autumn Skies: The True Story of Frank Luke, America's Rogue Ace of World War I: Blaine Pardoe: Books

Dan_San_Abbott · 1 January 2009, 01:28 PM

Gentlemen:
Along with Rick, I wish to thank you for the kind words on SCHLACHTFLIEGER!, it was a labor of love, Barrett has it right, it sure as hell ain't the money, $936 and change for 11 years of work!! Any of you future writers, don't expect much in financial reward, it is not their, you have love what you are writing. The exception is Stephens book on

Frank Luke has the great possibility of a movie, it has the ear marks necessary for a good movie, a blue eyed blonde American cowboy, a maverick, breaking regulations, a loner, not liked by his squadron mates, heroic lone stand off after shooting down a buch of German Balloons. Stephen Spielberg are you listening???
Happy New Year,
Dan-San

Olson · 1 January 2009, 02:30 PM

While we're on the topic of movies Dan-San, is there any progress to report on the pending filming of your father's China adventure?........John

Bpardoe870 · 1 January 2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregvan

Hi,

To be precise for those who might be searching for it, the author of the "other" very fine Luke book is Blaine Pardoe.

Amazon.com: Terror of the Autumn Skies: The True Story of

Frank Luke, America's Rogue Ace of World War I: Blaine Pardoe: Books

It's been a great year for WWI aviation in print.

Blaine Pardoe