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Illustrated Directory of Fighting Aircraft of World War II
by Bill Gunston
Product Group: Book
Publisher: Zenith Press (1999-03-01)
ISBN: 0760307229
EAN: 9780760307229
Dewy Decimal #: 623.74603
Paperback: 480 pages
SKU: 08100149
Condition: Very Good As issued
Comments: Trade Paperback. Very Good plus condition with no markings. No highlights, underlines or notes in text. Reading creases in spine. Minor wear to cover and one spot on front edge. Tight binding and clean crisp text. Very Nice copy.
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Editorial Reviews
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Product Description
All fighter, bomber and ground-attack aircraft used by the air forces of World War II are featured in this comprehensive directory. An accurate and informative text outlines technical specifications for each aircraft and is complemented by superb, specially commissioned color illustrations and diagrams, as well as dramatic period photography. The more than 160 aircraft described are divided into Allied and Axis and presented alpha by manufacturer. An ideal reference for warbird fans and modelers.
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Customer Reviews
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Good book, stupid layout
Rating  (2)
Date: 2005-10-21
2 out of 3 customers found this reveiw helpful
This book has a lot of good info and photos. But the layout is the stupidest thing I've seen in a book. Most of the photos are spread across two pages and since this book is quite thick, the centers of the pictures are curved and it ruins the photos. The info and the photos in the book should get 5 stars but the layout has ruined everything. They have also missed IL 2 which I believe is the most produced aircraft in history if not in the second world war. They have included aircraft models that are much insignificant but missed IL 2. Some would argue that IL 2 was a ground attack aircraft but not a fighter but almost half of this book is dedicated to bombers and other non fighting aircraft. I give 2 stars because it makes me mad to see all the good photographs in this book spread across two pages which looks like the author is mocking me.
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Nice refference book
Rating  (4)
Date: 2004-05-10
2 out of 3 customers found this reveiw helpful
Although the book doesn't cover EVERY 2ndWorld War era warplane, it does a great job in its descriptions and provided information on most of the important aircraft, as well as some obscure and over-looked ones used by both the Axis and Allies. Very useful and its small physical size is a plus. Recommended for anyone looking for a good refference on WW2 warplanes.
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UNBALANCED, INCOMPLETE
Rating (2)
Date: 2003-10-03
9 out of 10 customers found this reveiw helpful
This is a book with an appealing cover and is of the 'pocket' book variety. However, I find 3 serious flaws with it: 1) This book is divided into sections by aircraft type and nationality. There is, for instance, a section on British fighters. But there is no section on single engine bombers/attack aircraft for allied nations. This means you won't find the Fairey Swordfish, Ilyushin IL-2 Sturmovik, Douglas Dauntless, Curtiss Helldiver, or Grumman Avenger mentioned in the book !! (There is a picture of an Avenger on the back cover, though !!) On the other hand, there is a section on Axis light attack aircraft, so planes like the Stuka and the Judy are covered. 2) The shape of the book is rather vertical in nature, and since this is a small book, the majority of the pictures are cut in half by the bookbinding! I find this ruins the esthetic lines of the plane which is pictured. It just doesn't make sense to make a vertical book about a subject (airplanes) which lies horizontally when photographed. Nice pictures but bad format, say I. 3) Finally, the book has no index or overall table of contents. Instead, each section (about 10) has its own mini- table of contents. This means that you end up spending time thumbing through the book to find the right section and then the right plane you're looking for. (Unprofessional, but it helps hide the fact that some planes are missing.)The author does a fine job, however, covering obscure British and German warplanes. Here are some of these planes: Westland Whirlwind, Blackburn Skua, Bachem Ba-349,Blohm und voss BV40, BV155, FW-187, HE-100, HE-112,HE-280, HS-123, HS-129, HS-132, JU-388, ME-263, ME-328. I don't recommend this book for serious aviation enthusiasts (unless they like obscure German aircraft), but it's fine for those with a casual interest. Those interested in the Pacific Air War should steer clear of this book! I haven't been able to find the PBY Catalina yet. I would appreciate if another reviewer could let me know if it's actually in the book.
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my opinion
Rating  (5)
Date: 2002-01-25
4 out of 6 customers found this reveiw helpful
I think this book is fantastic.The book tells you about american,british,soviet union,german,italian,and japaneese planes.This book also tells you about bomber planes of all the countries.The book has some real pictures and it also shows colorful illustrations.
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Aircraft of World War II - a graphical feast
Rating (5)
Date: 2001-12-04
2 out of 3 customers found this reveiw helpful
The book being reviewed is "Aircraft of World War II by Bill Gunston" and has ISBN 0-517-31680-3 (c) 1980. It is of 208 pages.This book covers 20 types (total) of various Axis & Allied aircraft. All illustrations are nicely rendered (the book contains no photos). Each type is rendered ~ 11 times through a side view that shows a different Mark, or paint scheme. Each type also is show in 3-view. Graphically, this is the best Bill Gunston book. The data and commentary is also intersting without being long-winded. No other book in my collection receives the attention this book has received. My only wish is that Bill Gunston would create another book of this quality, with aircraft that this title hasn't covered.
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