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Ballantine's Illustrated History of World War II / the Violent Century: Weapons Book #17
B29 The Superfortress
Ballantine war book series Title about the B- 29 Bomber
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1970
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December 24, 2020
Written by Carl Berger, a WWII Vet and Air Force Historian, B-29 The Superfortress is another good addition to the Ballantines's Illustrated History of WWII/The Violent Century(marketed with both titles) taking full advantage of the series 160 Page format. Packed with B/W photos, maps and line drawings- we get the story of the successor to the B-17 Fortress-a long distance Bomber to pummel Japan into submission. It was a generation ahead of the Bombers America had used in Europe, with bigger engines, Pressurized Cabin for the crew, a Bomb aiming computer, remote control gun turrets, and a much higher ceiling. If you think about the level of technology in 1941 when they started- you might think that each of those advances probably had teething troubles, or even posed a program cancelling existential threat- and you would be correct. Berger takes us through it all- as the manufacturing effort and the training effort - began to come together in 1943. Boeing and the Army Air Corps were making a massive effort in Money, Men, and Metal- all at the same time as maintaining a maximum effort over Germany- it's a wonderful tale to read in the age of American Covid Failure. When we are all on point- we can do anything.
At this point I have to say that what makes this small book stand out in the Canon about this aircraft is that is take a lot of time with the first effort to Bomb Japan- from bases in China. Most American authors prefer to focus on the more successful efforts from the Central Pacific- but the real lessons- that made the later efforts work - were learned in China- trying to maintain a big effort with insanely dodgy logistics. The pipe dream of a Big Bomber campaign sustained by air over the Himalayas was all too attractive- especially for a Chiang Kai Shek who wanted as much American Materiel as he could get(for use later against Mao's Red Army-his ally at the time). But it was a ridiculous idea- the Army Air Corps was humouring FDR- and those Bombers added their weight to the Pacific Campaign to finish the job. Well- until another B-29 Program- The Nuclear Bomb one- actually achieved their aim. The story is compelling, and goes by at a pretty fast clip.
With a direct and simple style, few adult themes, and no gorey bits, this is a fine read for a Junior reader over about 12, when I first encountered in in the '70s. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast, this is a good quick read. I doubt many are gaming raids- although the Japanese Aircraft did try to come up and attack- so it's possible. But the Modeller will get Diorama ideas and good background for weathering, and the Enthusiast will appreciate a look at the overall program- and the added China content. The pictures are really good and varied. If you are looking for a quick history of a pivotal program in the US WWII war effort- this book is a good choice.
At this point I have to say that what makes this small book stand out in the Canon about this aircraft is that is take a lot of time with the first effort to Bomb Japan- from bases in China. Most American authors prefer to focus on the more successful efforts from the Central Pacific- but the real lessons- that made the later efforts work - were learned in China- trying to maintain a big effort with insanely dodgy logistics. The pipe dream of a Big Bomber campaign sustained by air over the Himalayas was all too attractive- especially for a Chiang Kai Shek who wanted as much American Materiel as he could get(for use later against Mao's Red Army-his ally at the time). But it was a ridiculous idea- the Army Air Corps was humouring FDR- and those Bombers added their weight to the Pacific Campaign to finish the job. Well- until another B-29 Program- The Nuclear Bomb one- actually achieved their aim. The story is compelling, and goes by at a pretty fast clip.
With a direct and simple style, few adult themes, and no gorey bits, this is a fine read for a Junior reader over about 12, when I first encountered in in the '70s. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast, this is a good quick read. I doubt many are gaming raids- although the Japanese Aircraft did try to come up and attack- so it's possible. But the Modeller will get Diorama ideas and good background for weathering, and the Enthusiast will appreciate a look at the overall program- and the added China content. The pictures are really good and varied. If you are looking for a quick history of a pivotal program in the US WWII war effort- this book is a good choice.
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