I’m new to this forum but I would like to share some information that some of you may find interesting. Doing research on specific aircraft can be difficult at times so I thought I would share some info on a book that I have that others may find helpful it’s entitled: “The Great Book of World War II Aircraft.” The 1984 edition I have was published by Bonanza Books. It’s huge volume of over 600 pages. Each of the featured aircraft is presented with ample backgound information and their prototypes and theater of operations. The significant thing about the book are its illustrations. They are done Rikyu Watanabe considered by many to be the dean of aircraft illustrators. Cockpit illustrations are outstanding. For folks looking to add to their research library you can go wrong.
If anyone would like more information drop me an e-mail and I’ll do what I can. I hope some of you may find this helpful.
Hi Gareth & welcome to the Forum[#welcome]. I also own the book you referenced & agree that it’s a great add to any aviation enthusiasts library. Thanks for posting.
The original series of books that make up that volume kinda helped start it all for me, as regards becoming a dedicated researcher.
The first one I had was the Crown-published edition of the Bf 109 book; got that as a gift when I was… maybe 12 or so. Then over the course of a few years my Dad and I built up the rest of the collection, and were missing only the Stuka book, if I recall.
Then I finally got my paws on the BIG book (another gift - YEEHAW!! - I was one happy kid!) and wound up selling all the individual books. Twas a bad move on my part, because the individual volumes were easier to handle around the bench, desk and in general, really. Also, the big one is a PITA for scanning.
But I still have it to this day and although I’ve found many others which surpass it in some ways, the big book is a nice thing to have around. Kinda makes the shop a little more cozy somehow.
And Watanabe was probably my earliest ‘hero’ in the world of profile art. I now admire others’ work even more than his, but Watanabe is still my sentimental fave.
I too have that book. It is showing a little wear and tear from use. The line illustrations are what makes this book valuable. Also has some great stories. I remember when the book came out it had a $100.00 price tag on it. I got it on a clearance rack for I think around $20.00.
Other than the smaller books on WW II a/c (Allied & Axis) the best refs I’m found are:
Jane’s “Fighting Aircraft of WW II” from HistoricAviation for $20.
“Combat Aircraft of WW II” Bracken Books, London, (Australia to Yugoslavia)
“Aircraft vs. Aircraft” Norman Franks, covers WW! thru Gulf 1
“Flying Colors”, Squadron/Signal Publications, 1916-1978
These four books cover every variant of a/c, some even down to the number produced and in some instances the Gp/Sq numbers and locations.
I’m a mostly OOB builder, but like to build what I’d have like to have flown. Variants and the details. This Forum is a great source of information, but it’s nice to have books you can spend time with in the 'Throne Room."[2c]