World War 1 aviation (1 Viewer)

[lancer]

Just received 2 new books on German WW1 aviation and they both look to be very good. The first one is a softcover called "The Blue Max Airmen: German Airmen Awarded the Pour Le Merite; Manfred von Richthofen" written by Lance Bronnenkant. This is volume 5 in the author's series. They flyers are being written about in the chronological order in which they were awarded the Blue Max. Bronnenkant has done a wonderful job on this series and this is the first book in the series devoted to just one man, although it is hardly surprising considering the man. His earlier volumes are all well illustrated and accurately written and this one is no exception. There is no lack of material on von Richthofen and I have been reading about and studying him for 50 years so I was quite surprised and pleased to see new (to me) photos and aircraft info. There are also some color ills and color aircraft profiles. This book is a must for WW1 aviation buffs, especially for buffs of the Red Baron. The second book is titled "Keks and Fokkerstaffels: The Early German Fighter Units in 1915-1916" by Johan Ryheul. This is a 236 page hardcover that contains many ills, with color maps of the airfield locations. I have only had time to skim this one but it looks like a first-rate history and it covers a subject that is not widely covered in English outside of a chapter or two in most general airwar histories. The other specific history that comes to mind is Norman Franks' "Sharks Among Minnows" which is similar in overall subject manner but much more focused on the individual pilots as opposed to the development of the units/air force. The combination of the two fills a big gap in WW1 aviation history. Two good ones for the WW1 aviation buff. -- Al

 

[McFuglas]

I was leaning towards buying the first book you mentioned (vol.5) and will definitely get it now so thanks.
May I ask which among the other books in the series you think is the best, especially for a novice?

I will also look up the second book you mentioned.

Cheers
Doug

 

[lancer]

I was leaning towards buying the first book you mentioned (vol.5) and will definitely get it now so thanks.
May I ask which among the other books in the series you think is the best, especially for a novice?

I will also look up the second book you mentioned.

Cheers
Doug

Hi Doug. Bronnenkant's series is well done from 1 thru 5 and since each volume covers a different set of winners, each volume stands alone. Your interest in the individuals should be your guide as to what you buy. You can't go wrong with any of them. In terms of sheer importance, Vol.1 covers Boelcke and Immelmann, the 2 most famous early German aces, and in Boelcke's case, the father of the German fighter forces. Beyond that it is just a pick 'em in personal taste as to who you find interesting. All the books follow the same format with the bios of the airmen, liberally illustrated with photos and color aircraft profiles.
Vol.1 - Boelcke and Immelmann
Vol.2 - Buddecke, Wintgens, and Mulzer
Vol.3 - Parschau, Horndorf, von Althaus, and Frankl
Vol.4 - Berthold, Leffers, Dossenbach, and Berr
Vol.5 - von Richthofen
Some of these men are hard to find info on outside of these works, while von Richthofen has dozens of works about him available. Vol.1 is a must and I found Vol.3 very interesting. I think you will like whatever you pick. -- Al

 

[McFuglas]

Thanks very much for that, very useful indeed.