The Lafayette Escadrille: A Photo History of the First American Fighter Squadron

Description

The Lafayette Escadrille was an all-volunteer squadron of Americans who flew for France during World War I. One hundred years later, it is still arguably the best-known fighter squadron ever to take to the skies. In this work the entire history of these gallant volunteers - who named themselves after the Marquis Lafayette, who came to America's aid during its Revolution - is laid out in both text and pictorial form. In time for the centennial celebration, this work not only tells the fascinating story of the Lafayette Escadrille, it shows it. Already a student of the squadron, the author spent a full year sifting through university and museum archives in the United States and France for photographs and documents relating to the famed unit. To complement these images, he traveled extensively, taking snapshots of existing markers and memorials honoring the men of the Lafayette Escadrille. In France, he specifically sought out locations where the squadron operated and its pilots frequented. In several cases, he was able to match his present-day color photos with contemporary images of the same scene, thus creating a unique then-and-now comparison. To add even more color, the author included artwork and aircraft profiles by recognized illustrators, along with numerous full-color photographs of artifacts relating to the squadron's men and airplanes, as they are displayed today in various museums in the United States and France. The result is undoubtedly the finest photographic collection of the Lafayette Escadrille to appear in print. Along with the expert text revealing air-combat experiences as well as life at the front during the Great War, it is a never-before-seen visual history that both World War I aviation aficionados and those with a passing interest in history will appreciate.

Steven A. Ruffin is an aviation writer and researcher who has previously written the books Aviation's Most Wanted and Flights of No Return, as well as numerous articles in aviation and military magazines. He also served as the Managing Editor of the prestigious World War I aviation journal Over the Front from 2007 through 2010.

This magnificent book probably provides everything needed by someone wishing to learn about this famous fighting unit, and really lives up to its sub-title...a reference book of the highest quality and one well worth having. * Cross & Cockade * The resulting collection of images, supplemented by captions and narrative, comprises one of the best visual histories ever created of the iconic Franco-American fighter squadron and is not to be missed. * Classic Wings * Given Ruffin's 44 years of pilot experience and membership in the League of WWI Aviation Historians, he tells this rousing story as well as any predecessor....with the added benefit of research that cuts through the myths without harming the narrative. Ruffin also made use of Alan Toelle's research into the escadrille's aircraft markings, which benefit both the photograph captions and the color artwork by Tomasz Gronczewski. The wealth of photos includes some new ones from the period as well as updates on the squadron up to its continuing service in the French Air force today...worthy update to earn a spot in the WWI aviation enthusiast's library * Aviation History * The jacket text claims that the result is the finest photographic collection of the squadron to appear in print. It certainly impressed me and I would rate this book as outstanding * Aviation News * ...undoubtedly the finest photographic collection of the Lafayette Escadrille to appear in print. Along with the expert text revealing air-combat experiences as well as life at the front during the Great War, it is a never-before-seen visual history that both World War I aviation aficionados and those with a passing interest in history will appreciate. * Armorama * a fresh look at the 38 Americans in the Escadrille Americaine, as it was first called, to produce this voluminous account of the unit. In addition to mini-bios of each member, his narrative is complemented by a superb collection of black & white and color photos and other illustrations gathered during a dedicated search for materials...is a finely-researched, well-written and well-illustrated book. It is recommended highly. * Over the Front magazine * undoubtedly the finest photographic collection of the Lafayette Escadrille to appear in print. Along with the expert text revealing air-combat experiences as well as life at the front during the Great War, it is a never-before-seen visual history that both World War I aviation aficionados and those with a passing interest in history will appreciate. When its all said and done I can highly recommend this book to any and all enthusiasts of the WWI aviation genre. * WWI in Plastic.com * Ruffin's book obviously is a labour of love that will be appreciated by Great War aerophiles for years to come. * Aerodrome * An extraordinary and compelling account of the sponymous Lafayette Escadrille, made up of volunteers who had served in WW1 and wanted to join the allied struggles in WW2. * Books Monthly *