Spitfire: The Legend Lives On

Description

The Spitfire turns 80 on 5 March 2016, and the passion for the RAF's best-loved fighter is running at an all-time high. There are more than 50 Spitfires flying in the world today, and John Dibbs has shot virtually all of them 'on the wing' in his breathtaking style. This eye-catching book combines a unique collection of stunning photos with poignant first-hand accounts of flying the aeroplane in combat, from some of the most famous aces to ever pilot the Spitfire, and from some of the pilots forgotten by history. Chronicling the history of the most iconic of British aircraft this is a 'must have' purchase for aviation enthusiasts.

John Dibbs is unquestionably the world's premier aerial photographer, having gained access to most of the 55 airworthy Spitfires presently flying across the globe. He has also amassed an amazing collection of related ephemera over the past 25 years, much of it Spitfire related - helmets, flying clothing logbooks medals, archive photography etc. - all of which will be included in this volume. Tony Holmes has worked as Osprey's aerospace editor since 1989, having previously served as an author/photographer for this publishing house in Australasia. He established the critically acclaimed and hugely popular Aircraft of the Aces series in 1994.

I can recommend this book to modelers, aviation historians and those looking for a nice tome for their coffee table. The photographs alone are worth the price of admission! All will like it and find useful information within its covers. - IPMS In all, it makes for an excellent combination history/photo book that no fan of the subject or war birds in general should be without. - Modeling Madness If you appreciate the graceful curves of Supermarine's fighter and eye-popping photography, you'll love this book. - Fine Scale Modeler . . . a work that can enjoyed by either a casual flip-through or an intense reading. - WWII History Not only do you get stunning pictures of flying Spitfires but it's also a beautiful portrait of England from the air. - Anglotopia.net With graceful lines and patrician curves, the Supermarine Spitfire doesn't have a bad side, a truth photographer John Dibbs exploits for this coffee table book, which glorifies the majestic fighter from every conceivable angle and in a variety of light conditions. There are some 50 Spitfires still flying, and Dibbs has shot nearly all of them. The book also features dozens of archival images and first-hand accounts from the men who flew the Spitfire in combat. - Smithsonian Air & Space