"The Belgian Air Service"

ercoupepilot · 1 December 2010, 08:00 AM

I took a chance and ordered this from the "Aeronaut" books publisher sight unseen (and no independent reports yet), apparently the reprise of the old Flying Machines Press from days gone past (one of my favorites).

Just arrived over the weekend, and it is quite massive. Just diving into it now, but it appears to be most closely related to "The

Imperial Russian Air Service" by Durkota in both size and scope for comparison purposes. Truly comprehensive and impressive to say the least (and pricey, but seems to be well worth it in my opinion).

Many, many photos I've never seen before.

Curious to hear what others think, but I'm impressed to say the least.

Regards,
Ryan in Madison, WI

jastaflieger · 1 December 2010, 10:31 AM

Looking through my copy, i have to agree- will be the definitve book on the Belgian Air Service in WWI:: lists all missions, every day of the war they flew!! Jim Miller's aircraft profiles are superb, ranks up there with any previous books that Jack Herris has done: maybe he can re-print the Austro-Hungarian book.
I am a little biased , i must admit, and i would remind folks there is a perfectly good book available on the early French Fighter Pilots from the same publisher, much smaller in size, but less expensive also!
And stay tuned for next year, for the RUss Smith art book- shaping up very , very nicely!

jim

Bluedevil · 2 December 2010, 02:41 AM

Gentlemen,

May I ask where you ordered this book?
I've got a lot of books concerning the Belgian air Force in WWI but they are all written in Dutch. I would like to buy this one to be able to compare with what I have.

Bluedevil · 2 December 2010, 02:44 AM

Euh...

Never mind..I've found it

Besides..now I realize that the author is Walter Pieters I simply must have it
...hefty price or not.

I just hope I find it somewhere in Belgium as the p&p rates must be painful at 7.4 pounds...

Doc · 2 December 2010, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluedevil

Gentlemen,

May I ask where you ordered this book?
I've got a lot of books concerning the Belgian air Force in WWI but they are all written in Dutch. I would like to buy this one to be able to compare with what I have.

You might want to try the bookstore at the Army Museum at Parc Cinquintinaire in Brussels. If they don't have it, they might be able to order it for you. Doc

Bluedevil · 2 December 2010, 06:23 AM

Thanks Doc!
To be honest I should have thought of that but I did the night-shift and I don't seem to get fully awaken today

berman · 2 December 2010, 10:17 AM

Jack Herris is currently collecting information for a huge book on German aircraft of World War One. He is requesting photographs, data, and drawings especially of rare types. Hope the forum members can contribute.

JackH · 2 December 2010, 12:02 PM

Gentlemen,

First, thank you for the generous comments on the book. Walter just got his copy and it exceeded his expectations, so that is also good news. For readers in Belgium, we have sent a number of books to Walter via surface shipment to reduce the shipping costs. I recommend that you contact Walter directly to purchase your copy; in addition to lower shipping he will sign it for you. Unfortunately, mailing costs are higher now because the post office sends all parcels via air mail, and I have no control over those costs. But you do get things faster.

Books have already been shipped directly from the printer to customers who took advantage of the pre-publication offer. Now the printer is going to send some books directly to me to fulfill new orders. This also applies to the Navarre book. Books have also been shipped to the usual suspects for review -- OTF, C&CI, Windsock, etc.

As soon as I get more books from the printer you will see these books on Amazon at list price. Shipping within the USA via media mail will be free, but international mail rates will apply for international orders.

Mr. Berman, thank you for reminding people about the German airplane books I am working on. This is a long-term project, but I do need help with photos and documentation.

Meanwhile, we are making good progress on Russell Smith's aviation art book and I think you will be happy with it when you see it.

Cheers,
Jack Herris

Bluedevil · 3 December 2010, 03:40 AM

Thanks! At least I now know it is also coming to Belgium

I'll see if I can get in touch with the author...

JackH · 3 December 2010, 09:06 AM

For those of you who would like to contact Walter, a good email address for him is: [email protected]

Best regards,
Jack Herris