Messerschmitt Bf109 in the West, 1937-1940: From the Spanish Civil War to the Battle of Britain

by Michael Payne

Format: Paperback

Publisher: Greenhill Books (1998)

ISBN: 1853673056

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This small book (just 72 pages, 10 x 7,5 inches) consists basically of a collection of (very good) pictures, with its respective legends, most of them unpublished until now (at least in the books I got). All the books of the "Luftwaffe at War" series have this same size and format. The stile is similar to "Aircraft of The Luftwaffe Fighter Aces", from Bernd Barbas's, made only over pictures and practically without technical text. Noteworthy is the initial section, with 10 (ten) WWII original color pictures, from the author and other sources. A small four pages introduction summarizes the action and operation of the 109 from Spain to Battle of Britain. Of course, because that, the book cover only the versions until the "Emil" (Bf 109E). The photo collection includes a rare image of the first 109 sent to Spain (the V-4) for evaluation, piloted by Hannes Trautloft. The pictures, most in close-ups, are an excellent reference for modelers. As this book is part of a collection, which covers the Luftwaffe action over all fronts, I recommend the purchase of all of them. (Note: Although all these qualities, I ranked this book only 3 stars because it is edited based only in photographs, without any other technical information. As just an image bank, it could be, perhaps, a five star one).

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