Spitfire

by Edward Ward

Illustrated with detailed artworks of aircraft and their markings, Spitfire is a guide to all the variants of this classic British fighter. Organised by type, it includes detailed specifications for each model built along with development and service histories. If asked to name a British aircraft of World War II, many people would pick the Spitfire. In production and frontline service throughout the war, this Supermarine design matured to become one of the greatest fighter aircraft of all time. By combining superb aerodynamics with one of the best aero-engines ever produced, R. J. Mitchell and his Supermarine team created a pure thoroughbred fighter which became a legend, especially during the Battle of Britain, the type’s baptism of fire. Much loved by its pilots, the Spitfire served as an interceptor, photo-reconnaissance, fighter-bomber and trainer, and it continued to serve in these roles until the 1950s. In total, there were 24 marks of Spitfire and many sub-variants. Spitfire offers a compact illustrated guide to this most iconic of aircraft, with chapters divided by type and time period. Find out about the Mk VB, the most numerous and hardy model that served in every theatre of war, including flying with the Soviet Air Force on the Eastern Front; marvel at EN409, a Mk XI that achieved a speed record of 975km/h (606mph) in high-speed diving trials; learn about the Spitfire’s role in the Dieppe Raid in 1942, where the Mk Vs and Mk IXs flew over 2000 sorties in support of the landing; and discover well-known Spitfire pilots, included ‘Johnnie’ Johnson, who shot down 34 enemy aircraft and who flew the Spitfire right through his operational career from late 1940 to 1945. Packed with 100 vivid artworks and photographs, Spitfire is a compact reference guide for lovers of classic aircraft and World War II aviation enthusiasts.

128 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Ned Ward (1667 – June 20, 1731), also known as Edward Ward, was a satirical writer and publican in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century based in London. His most famous work is The London Spy. Published in 18 monthly instalments starting in November 1698 it was described (by the author) as a "complete survey" of the London scene. It was first published in book form in 1703. (wikipedia)

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I use to collect two magazines, 'International Air Power Review' and 'World Air Power', both which have articles about the WWII Supermarine Spitfire. In fact many of the pictures come from those sources. This book is okay should you need a comprehensive book about the Spitfire and it's variances.

Thank you NetGallery for the ARC