The Red Baron

by Manfred von Richthofen

Manfred von Richthofen - the Red Baron - was the most celebrated fighter pilot of the First World War, and was holder of the Blue Max, Pour le M'rite, Germany's highest military decoration. He was credited with 80 victories in the air, before being shot down in disputed circumstances aged 26. In this autobiography Richthofen tells not only his own story but also that of his contemporaries, their duels in the sky, ever present danger, fame, honor and spiraling death.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Aviation, War, World War I, Memoir

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1917

About the author

Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richthofen was German fighter pilot of aristocratic descent. Better known for his nickname the "Red Baron."

Von Richthofen is officially credited with 80 confirmed air combat victories. He was awarded with the "Pour le Mérite" the highest Prussian military award.

Richthofen was killed 21 April 1918, while flying a pursuit above North France. He got hit by a .303 bullet.

Reviews

[carl theaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even those that may not know much about history know something about The Red Baron; whether it’s your favorite frozen pizza brand, more likely from the ever popular comic strip Peanuts character Snoopy, or even from the 1966 hit song by the Royal Guardsmen. Manfred Richthofen could well be the most identifiable soldier-flyer of any war.

Initially a cavalry officer, Richthofen didnt even learn how to fly until he was 23 yrs old in the midst of World War 1. Like many in their early years, who take to some skill naturally, be it driving, mechanics, or various sports, it comes with ease, as did flying for Richthofen and the deadly addition, hunting and shooting down opponents.

In a short 20 months of combat he was credited with shooting down 80 of the enemy, though he did have several more unverified claims, the 80 is a catchy figure for remembering him.

In the middle of all this he had time to whip up this autobiography. Published during the war, yes the German propaganda folks looked it over and distributed it, and no doubt the Army censors made sure no secrets slipped out, but the fact that we have the words from this fellow I find astonishing and rewarding. A great insight to this man and his methods and a fascinating good read.


Available for reading on the Project Gutenburg.

[Ivana Books Are Magic · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've never had much of a fascination for this guy, the red baron. I could never figure out what the big deal about him was. Alright, he was a flying ace and he painted his plane red- I can see how that might make him a recognizable figure in pop culture, but I don't see why he is still considered to be a great hero of some kind. However, I do have a mild interest for early aviation and this historical period, so I figured, why not give this a read?

I didn't expect much of this book. The author himself was supposedly ashamed of it. Gee, I wonder why? Maybe because of the bad writing, not to mention that the whole book feels quite immature and in a want of a better word- stupid? I'm not sure was there something lost in the translation, but von Richthofen seems a bit slow to me. His observations weren't particularly interesting to read either. The only bearable parts were those when he talked about his initial flying experiences and seemed to show an interest in aviation as such.

I didn't get the feeling that I got to see much of him as a young man and perhaps there wasn't much to see. Outside flying and hunting, what did Manfred ever got to do with his life? Nothing. His views are rarely disclosed, but when they are there is no food for the thought. He seemed to believe that every nation (expect perhaps the English) were inferior (of the lower race), but that was consisted with German politics of the time and indeed with those in the years to come. I'm aware that he was only 25 when he was killed, so it is not like I was expecting to read something profound, but the book still didn't have much to offer, neither in terms of his reflections nor his descriptions.

I struggled to keep my focus. I have a feeling that our red baron just wrote whatever came to his mind in this one and the result is neither educational nor entertaining. It's a mess. The writing was pretty bad and I don't think it was the fault of the translator. One minute von Richthofein says he doesn't care about setting records, the other he brags about his records. Throughout the book, his voice is inconsistent, confused and weak.

Most people tend to get worked out about him killing that bison. What about all the other kills? You know killing of other human beings? Being disappointed when there were no people to throw bombs at as he was flying over Russia? I found the causality with which he spoke about that quite revolting. That and comparing war with hunting and seeming to enjoy both equally. I can understand that some people might enjoy hunting, but comparing killing other human beings with hunting, surely that is not normal? And still people get worked out about him killing a bison. The hypocrisy of the age we live in!

So, what is the conclusion? I'm not sure would I recommend this to anyone who isn't very interested either in this time period i.e. WW1 (but you can probably find more valuable information elsewhere) or early aviation (but there isn't that much talk of planes) or in this person (but I didn't feel like the book offered much in that sense either). It was a non demanding, slightly revolting but altogether mostly a boring read. I don't regret reading it, though. I can at least tell myself- I told you so.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The average man on the street may not know the first thing about the Great War, but he'll have heard of the Red Baron. Attribute that to a silly song, or a Peanuts comic trip, but in the Great War Germany had no hero like Baron Manfred von Richthofen, a true knight of the air. Beginning as a cavalry captain, von Richthofen joined the air service and soon proved a frightful natural. The Red Baron constitutes his memoir through the war, and what cannot be told by his death is told by others, namely his brother and an English pilot.

Owing either to the author's military precision, German directness, or the consequences of translation, The Red Baron is short and to the point. The memoirs open with reports from his time riding with the Uhlans in Russia before he announces that he is joining the air service. His reports from time at the front are largely devoid of emotion, but they are aided by interspersed letters to friends at home in which the Baron reveals his joy at flying, his thoughts about his foes, and eventually his fear about the inevitable. His record was exceptional; before his own death, the Baron was responsible for no less than eighty kills in the air. He expresses little pleasure in this, aside from a hunter's quiet pride in having gone out and gotten his quarry, and never rails against his foes. The French he regards with a little disdain because they prefer ambushes in the air, and experienced pilots are too wise for that approach to work long; the English are far more worthy opponents, even if they enjoy theatrics a little too much. (So says the man with a bright red 'crate'). But having dispatched so many opponents himself, and seeing Germany lose ground and his many friends dead, the Baron could feel death coming for him. After expressing anxiety about what was to come -- and shoving it out of the way, knowing he must do his duty -- the memoirs end, followed by a narrative by his brother, the account of an English pilot, and an article about his burial. The appendices are quite good, including diagrams of all the major fighter planes mentioned throughout.

The Red Baron takes a while to warm to a reader, being very staid for the most part and translated imperfectly, but it does have the virtue of being the thoughts of the man himself, and not just speculations and praises of him. That remains its chief selling point, though there are dashes of information that give interested readers a feel for what it might have been like to fight in the air.


"We found Richthofen. His face, particularly peaceful, had an expression of gentleness, of refinement. Suddenly I felt miserable, desperately unhappy, as if I had committed an injustice. There could be no feeling of joy that there lay Richthofen, the greatest of all! In my heart I cursed the force that is devoted to death. I gnashed my teeth. I cursed the war! If he had been my dearest friend, I could not have felt greater sorrow". - Captain A. Roy Brown, RFC/RAF

[The Nutmeg · Rating 5 out of 5]

why do i do this to myself. THE ACES ARE DEAD, MEGAN, GET OVER IT.

*sobs*

Okay, so I was really really REALLY excited when I found this at the bookstore, but I still didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I actually did. I was afraid Manfred would be boring. He isn't boring. I was afraid he would be bloodthirsty. He...might be a little of that ("My father discriminates between a sportsman and a butcher. The latter shoots for fun... Only much, much later have I overcome my instinct and have become a butcher"), but there are no hard feelings in war.

He comes across as such a BOY, this Red Baron. One of the first chapters is taken up largely with the names of horses he's had the privilege of riding, whether they were good jumpers and what prizes he won with them. He's an avid hunter. He loves dogs. (In an early chapter he refers to a buddy's friend as "doggie"--of course, it's in translation, but DOGGIE.) (His own hound was named Moritz and lost an ear to a propeller, poor thing.) He also devotes the last chapter or so to his brother Lothar and...I really, really enjoyed that section.

(Except that it was in the section on his brother that he talked about the death of ALBERT BALL and never mind the dry sobs coming from my room I'm fine.)

The thing that struck me most, stylistically, was the sense of humor that buoys up the whole work. It reminds me of a boys' adventure story. Right down to the utter absence of female creatures. (There was, I think, exactly one moment when Manfred says something along the lines of "it was a pity that only soldiers were staying at the hotel" and that is the one hint we get of the stereotypical rakish flyboy interest in the fairer sex.)

Also, his take on big airplanes: "I have never been able to feel enthusiasm for these giant barges. I find them horrible, unsportsmanlike, boring and clumsy. I rather like a machine of the type of 'le petit rouge (his red fighter plane).'"

Manfred. I love you.

He claims that fighter pilots don't really think about their score, just about serving their country. I can't help cocking an eye at all the silver cups he ordered to commemorate his victories. And the serial numbers he collected from the planes he shot down. And all his other trophies. (Sure, Manfred. Sure, honey. Whatever you say.)

This copy also includes the editor's note from the first English edition, which was put out in 1918 after the Red Baron's death but before the end of the War, and which is like the greatest thing ever. I think the concluding sentence of that introduction says it all: "This little book gives one a useful insight into the enemy's methods, and more than little respect for at any rate some of those whom we are at present endeavoring to kill."

The introduction, with its overview of early aviation and WWI history, is helpful. I didn't know forensic evidence had determined that Manfred was indeed shot down by Australian antiaircraft fire, and not by Roy Brown. And now that I know the Red Baron's last words, I will never be able to use the word "kaput" flippantly again.

Also, there are pictures. Including two of Manfred's corpse. Which I emphatically did not need in my life.

Send help.

[Juan Carlos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Muy interesante. Me gustó la manera tan "despreocupada y casual" en la que cuenta sus hazañas. Es muy curiosa su visión "romántica" de la guerra.

[Jonas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Der rote Kampfflieger (Part One):

In ze beginning I was in ze cavalry, but zere was no Schwung on ze ground so I cried my way to being a navigator and pilot.

I have received many medals because I am ze best. Ze best of ze best. Even ze Kaiser told me so. All ze ozers were also very good, but not as good as me. Once I painted my Fokker red to get more attention. It was a great, great publicity stunt.

I have a fantastic dog. I named him Moritz. It's ze best name. For ze best dog.

... so it goes.
---

The first 2/3 or so of the book consists of a young man's diary of his own development, battle heroics and victories. I had already summarized a few thoughts in a review which, after finishing the book, I'm now forced to rewrite completely.

My objections to the first part of the book (which seems to be the book published as "Der rote Kampfflieger" during the war) were that the story gave little or no insight into the mind of the author, other than that "men should not show fear" etc. The book was surely used to inspire both the German troops and the people. And so it did. It even became popular reading in England and strengthened the myth of the red Fokker.

The last part of the book contains some more personal thoughts and comments from both Manfred von Richthofen and his younger brother Lothar on feelings, respect and morality related to the war. This part gives the book a more behind-the-scenes addition to the bullet point style reporting from the 'Der rote Kampfflieger', and - to me - this increases the books value.

[Marce Mag And Instagram mi_librero_tutti_frutti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este libro lo leí con mis hijos en voz alta para la materia de “Literatura de Historia” de cuarto grado. Acabábamos de ver la Primera Guerra Mundial y este es uno de los libros que se leen a la par con la materia de “Historia del Mundo”.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something always incredibly useful about reading the thoughts of someone who has achieved greatness. When reading Julius Caesar's Civil War or Gallic War, one knows one is reading, to a certain extent, propaganda. Still, tactics, strategy, and the overall worldview of Caesar inevitably leaks into those books, making those reads worthwhile. In the same way, The Red Fighter Pilot, the autobiography of the Red Baron, Manfred von Richthofen, published in 1917 during WWI, a year before he died, is worth the read.

Heavily censored and patriotic, there are still some useful insights that can be gleaned from this book. I was under the mistaken impression that air warfare was relatively primitive during the first world war, however very quickly we get a sense of the evolution and specialization of aircraft. The technological battle for air supremacy was eye opening too, though in hindsight I don't see how it could have been any other way. Planes, bi-Planes, tri-Planes, all with different speed and maneuverability effected how battles were fought in the air. Bombers, spy planes, ground support aircraft has all been developed by the end of WWI.

The limited depictions of the Red Baron I have seen in my life portray him as an acrobatic flyer, but the fact was von Richthofen viewed such flying as showy and tactically useless (thus French). The Red Baron was methodical, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of his own and other planes and how to fight accordingly. He sought position and used numerous tactics to obtain that position, from which he could then close distance and bring down his enemy.

The book is filled with bluster, perhaps not that surprising in the autobiography of a fighter pilot. The bluster has a distinctly Prussian/German flavor, as found also in the book Storm of Steel. Still, there are moments of innocence that remind you that this is a kid in his early twenties.

In the end I think it was worth the read. Just expect the propaganda and try to read between the lines and you will gain a better insight into WWI air warfare.

A funny side note, having never thought about it, it never occurred to me that the term "plane" was a description of the shape of the wing of an aircraft (you are flying on planes). One of those words I was born with and never considered critically. Of course to von Richthofen, the airplane is a new concept, so there is a very deliberate way he say's "plane" that made me realize the origin of the term that has become synonymous with fixed wing aircraft. I always enjoy moments like that in books.

[Mr D Ashton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few of these books now, both German and British (Just not got round to the French yet). This stacks up very well. It is rather Prussian in it's manner and as such it's very difficult to get a real "feel" for the man. However, if you're looking for Snoopys' opponent you WILL be disappointed.

The Baron (clue in the title here) is from the gentry with a long family history in the military and that, inevitably, colours many of his views. Yet, in the beginning he is an idealistic youth, full of enthusiasm just like so many others of his generation regardless of nationality. He begins the war in the cavalry. All dash and panache but soon comes to realise he can better serve his country in the air because the "knightly" clashes of horsemen are a thing of the past.

Air fighting however is in its' infancy and it takes him a while to get into "scout" aircraft. (Fighters to you and me) Even then it takes a while for him to really hit his stride. One of the more interesting factors is the way the Baron works out his tactics and thinks of it as a hunt. He isn't however some merciless killing machine, it seems he gets great pleasure from talking to his adversary after the combat.

It has to be remembered however, that this was written by a 25yr old man who had been, and was still right in the middle of the worst conflict for generations. He wrote this "under orders", presumably to bolster morale at home, whilst recovering from wounds received in combat. As soon as he'd recovered sufficiently, he was back at the front leading his squadron. The result is what you see here. He really hasn't had time to process what's happening and sadly, never does!

The part I find most affecting about this book though, isn't the "book" itself, although there are hints in there. It's the after action reports he wrote and the publisher (brilliantly in my opinion) added at the end. There, more than anywhere else can you see the effect of 4 yrs of war on one young man. As you read through them, after reading the book of course, you can really see how his outlook changes, maybe even his personality too. In the last few reports you can almost feel the war weariness creeping in.

In conclusion. I recommend this book to anyone who wishes to see the effects of 4yrs of war on one young mans' psyche.

[Mariano Hortal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Publicado en http://lecturaylocura.com/el-avion-ro...

En este año en el que nos encontramos, conmemoración del comienzo de la primera Guerra Mundial o “Gran Guerra”, estamos viviendo, en lo literario, una total “Granguerraexploitation”; es tal la cantidad de libros sobre el tema o que tratan aspectos de ella que las librerías se están inundando de voluminosos ensayos (en su mayoría) y, a veces, de otra obras más periféricas que ofrecen otras visiones.
Tal es el caso de la pequeña editorial granadina “Macadán libros” que ha elegido diferenciarse mediante una forma muy original: la publicación de libros relacionados con la mecánica en todos sus ámbitos; ejemplo de ello es este curiosísimo “El avión rojo de combate” que tiene como autor y protagonista autobiográfico a Manfred von Richthofen, más conocido como el sanguinario Barón Rojo; Richthofen, no olvidemos, fue una figura destacada de la Gran Guerra como bien indican en la nota del editor al comienzo:
“Richthofen, un joven e inexperto capitán de caballería de veintitrés años, estaba llamado a convertirse en el as de la aviación de la Gran Guerra y en un mito popular moderno. En su figura se concentran los elementos clave que forjarían una leyenda: juventud, audacia, sentido del humor y una ruptura total con el pasado representada por su avión rojo de combate.”
El apasionante relato autobiográfico contiene elementos propios del Bildungsroman, del relato de formación, cruzándose con el relato histórico; la adictiva historia de aventuras áreas y, cómo no, un relato pormenorizado de todas las mecánicas que tuvieron los aviones de dicha época (la especialidad de la editorial).
La personalidad del Barón Rojo queda muy bien definida desde el principio, y va muy unida a la mentalidad germana; el orgullo nacionalista:
“Finalmente me dieron las charreteras. Creo que la satisfacción más grande de mi vida la experimenté la primera vez que me llamaron “mi teniente.”
Aunque al principio reconozca alguna incapacidad, de una manera más bien humorística:
“Cada vez que veía un aeroplano me confundía. No podía distinguir los aviones alemanes de los enemigos, no tenía ni idea de que los alemanes llevaran cruces pintadas y los del enemigo círculos. Así que abríamos fuego contra todos por igual. Los viejos aviadores aún relatan la penosa situación de verse tiroteados a un mismo tiempo por amigos y enemigos.”
Avion-rojo-2
En no poco tiempo (tuvo una vida muy corta, aunque intensa) estará peleando con los grandes ases diarios; y demostrará su capacidad y su bien conocida implacabilidad, es imposible no rendirse ante sus relatos de las peripecias en las alturas:
“A cien metros de altitud, mi adversario intentó volar en zigzag para dificultarme el blanco. Entonces se presentó mi oportunidad. Lo fui acosando hasta los cincuenta metros, disparándole sin cesar. El inglés iba a caer sin remedio. Para lograrlo casi tuve que gastar un cargador entero.
Mi enemigo se estrelló al borde de nuestras líneas con un tiro en la cabeza. Su ametralladora se clavó en la tierra y hoy decora la entrada de mi casa.”
No deja de ser curioso lo bien que entendía su oficio, el volar en cazas aéreos para derribar a sus enemigos y cómo los catalogaba en base a la forma de volar; tenía un don innato:
“Naturalmente, depende del enemigo al que uno se enfrenta, si a los burlones franceses o con los gallardos ingleses. Yo prefiero a los ingleses. El francés escurre el bulto, el inglés raramente; a veces su audacia solo puede describirse como estupidez, aunque probablemente ellos lo llamen bravura.
Pero así debe ser el piloto de caza. El factor decisivo no reside en las acrobacias, sino en tener decisión y agallas.”
Afortunadamente no todo es batallar… no falta el buen humor, como esa vez en que los ingleses intentan bombardear su aeródromo:
“Eran bonitos los fuegos artificiales que el tío aquel nos regalaba, pero solo un gallina podría asustarse con aquello. En mi opinión, lanzar bombas durante la noche solo tiene efecto en la moral de la tropa, y para uno que se caga de miedo, somos muchos los que nos quedamos tan tranquilos.
Nos lo pasamos muy bien con aquella visita y opinamos que los ingleses deberían repetirla más a menudo.”
En el epílogo que, sabiamente, nos ofrece la editorial tenemos el mejor colofón a esta gran historia:
“El 21 de abril de 1918, un agotado Richthofen con ochenta victorias a sus espaldas perseguía a un adversario inexperto sobre las líneas enemigas. El as alemán comenzó a volar a muy baja altura, situándose peligrosamente al alcance de la artillería de tierra.
En dos semanas hubiera cumplido veintiséis años.
Sus adversarios lo iban a enterrar con todos los honores.
Una bala le atravesó el corazón y lo hizo inmortal.”
En efecto, caminamos de la mano de una leyenda, de un mito. Una visión bastante distinta y muy alejada de los sesudos análisis habituales que tienen como foco la primera guerra mundial. Una historia de aventuras que se adentra en los caminos de la inmortalidad.
Los textos vienen de la traducción de Macadán libros de “El Avión rojo de combate” de Manfred von Richthofen.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting piece of history, memoir written by a man who became flighing legend of WWI.

[Jos]

El único motivo por el que quiero leer este libro es porque recientemente desarrollé una hiperfijación en Sabaton y específicamente en la canción que trata sobre este hombre

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manfred von Richthofen, better known nowadays as the Red Baron, started out in the cavalry. It wasn't long before he found himself in an airplane, though, and his descriptions of the first time flying, areal battles, and different funny and exciting things that happened to him are just plain fun to read. I laughed out loud several times. For as short as his life was, he certainly packed in some adventure.

Richthofen makes no pretense at philosophical musings; he simply tells a story. He is quite cocky and full of himself sometimes, but I think pride is an understandable fault when a person is just that good. And there is no doubt he was. His writings sometimes made me think of a teenage boy talking about a video game, rather than a man at war. However, the reasoning behind his writing the book, as well as his personality, probably had much to do with the less-than-sentimental view he took.

He was 'asked' to write his autobiography by the propaganda arm of the government, and it was heavily censored and edited. Though he died almost a year after he wrote the book, he said before he died that it was "too insolent" and he was "no longer that kind of person". One may think that less than a year is a short time to change that much, but I personally do not think so. I've read a few opinions on the matter. He wrote the book while recovering from a head wound, and some suggest his personality change had to do with some sort of permanent injury in his brain. Others think that he had just seen too much death and destruction and it finally began to weigh heavy.

"Nothing happens without God's will. That is the only consolation which any of us can put to our souls during this war." That was the one time he said anything verging on philosophical. He would tell about the death of friends, but he kept everything very matter-of-fact. That made some parts almost more powerful because of the sparseness. I'm sure he felt their loss as much as anyone, but perhaps because he knew what the government would do to his book, he chose not to go into deeper feelings or thoughts.

But his story-telling strengths definitely lean on the adventuresome and funny side. He has a bit of a sarcastic tone which was very entertaining. His cocky attitude was funny when describing his enemies. He wasn't disrespectful, but he was assuredly prideful. At one point he derided the French for their use of tricks in an areal battle, but later he praises his brother (who was also an ace) for the same trick. Here are a few excerpts:

Richthofen describes the battle in which he shot down the "English Immelmann" Major Lanoe Hawker:

"First we circled twenty times to the left, and then thirty times to the right. Each tried to get behind and above the other. Soon I discovered that I was not meeting a beginner. He had not the slightest intention of breaking off the fight. He was travelling in a machine which turned beautifully. However, my own was better at rising than his, and I succeeded at last in getting above and beyond my English waltzing partner.

When we got down to about 6,000 feet without having achieved anything in particular, my opponent ought to have discovered that it was time for him to take his leave. The wind was favorable to me for it drove us more and more towards the German position. At last we were above Bapaume, about half a mile behind the German front. The impertinent fellow was full of cheek and when we had got down to about 3,000 feet he merrily waved to me as if he would say, "Well, how do you do?""

Another funny story (there are several in his book):

"A very amusing thing occurred. One of the Englishmen whom we had shot down and whom we had made a prisoner was talking with us. Of course he inquired after the Red Aeroplane. It is not unknown even among the troops in the trenches and is called by them "le diable rouge". In the Squadron to which he belonged there was a rumor that the Red Machine was occupied by a girl, by a kind of Jeanne d'Arc. He was intensely surprised when I assured him that the supposed girl was standing in front of him. He did not intend to make a joke. He was actually convinced that only a girl could sit in the extravagantly painted machine."

I shared a few of the stories with my kids, and they really enjoyed them. You can definitely tell this is a translation. Some of his adjectives are not what, in English, we would use. For example, he calls Max Immelmann, the first German ace, "my little comrade Immelmann". That might sound weird, or perhaps even derogatory, as if he were treating Immelmann like a child, but I know that in Spanish they have something similar and it is basically a term of endearment for close friends. I would assume it is the same here. It gives the book a very genuine feel, though, as if I were sitting and listening to him reminisce.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very short, easy, and entertaining and offered an interesting look into one person's experience of the war.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe everyone has heard of Manfred Von Richthofen; the fabled German ace who flew a bright red Fokker triplane into battle and who shot down an astonishing 80 enemy aircraft between 1916 and 1918.

The book does a very good job of accurately portraying the conditions and attitudes of the day not to mention the terrible danger facing those pioneering airmen of warfare among the clouds. The dogfights of the second world war are famous and have been well documented but I always felt the risks taken by first world war pilots were greater. They were just as likely to be killed in accidents or because of mechanical faults with their primitive aircraft than they were by enemy bullets. To give examples two of the highest scoring German aces of the time were killed in accidents; one shot off his own propeller because of a mechanical fault and the other was killed in a mid-air collision with another German pilot! Almost as shocking is the fact that, at least until late in the war, pilots were not issued with parachutes.

Von Richthofen himself is obviously the main focus of the book and we do learn alot about his exploits in the air however I was disappointed as, apart from a few glimpses, we never see much of the man himself. I am left in no doubt that he was an exceptional flyer and a gifted hunter who seemed to feel no hatred or malice towards the men he killed however we don't see much of his personality in the pages.

There are many official battle reports and some journal entires from Richthofen which I felt was a nice touch however they lacked alot of detail and left you feeling like you didn't get the full picture.

The photographic section of the book was a nice touch but the pages did start to fall out before I finished the book.

My biggest disappointment was the lack of detail in the descriptions of some of the battles. Richthofen famously fought in the air with a British ace named Lanoe Hawker. From what I have read previously I know the battle was epic and the two men were struggling to get the upper hand for quite a long time before finally Richthofen gained the advantage and killed Hawker. Afterwards Richthofen himself described the fight as his toughest challenge but only half a page was devoted to this fight. I appreciate it is difficult to find accurate information for a battle that was fought so long ago but I felt it could have been written better than that.

Overall very interesting and answers lots of questions if you are interested in that period of history.

[T.J. Gillespie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting historical artifact if nothing else, these memoirs of the Red Baron written in the middle of the war combine first hand accounts of dogfights, bombing runs, and calvary action with heavy doses of propaganda.

Richthofen is not much of a storyteller and his plain, cocky, and often coolly detached voice does much to dispel the mystique of the Red Baron, or as he is called here “Le Diable Rouge.” Everything is a fine time or a beautiful time. He says they never cared much for records, yet he meticulously maintains his number of kills. The Battle of the Somme is “happy hunting ground”; he prefers the English over the French because they are of “Germanic blood” and are “racially” more cultured than the "tricky" French whose "attacking spirit is like bottled lemonade. It lacks tenacity.”

Two slightly disturbing anecdotes: after taking over a monastery in Belgium early in the war, Richthofen took much advantage of the monks’ hospitality--food, beer, straw-- “as if we were in the house of a delightful host and friend” and yet “At the same time, it should be observed that three days later, we hanged several of our hosts” to remind them that a war was on.

Secondly, Richthofen loves hunting and tells a few stories of going on hunts, but in the end, he tells about killing an extremely rare European bison and seems to take extreme pleasure in the fact that he was contributing to their extinction: “Through the kindness of the Prince I was permitted to shoot so rare an animal. In a few decades none will be left.”

In the end, he comes off less like a gentleman warrior of a bygone era than an arrogant man of privilege who saw war as a game, a sport, a hunt. After all, his one regret seems to be that his "collection of trophies contains not a single Russian."

[Agnese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, being a product of propaganda (and three re-writing by three different regimes), this book is probably the least informative piece of literature regarding Manfred von Richthofen's life. Very little personality transpires through the pages, except for some hint between the lines.

I wouldn't suggest this book to people who want to approach the character of the Red Baron for the first time, as it would probably disappoint them leave them with a bad opinion on the legendary figure

Update 2nd read: re-read to prepare myself to read the new book "Käte and the Red Baron".
Having read the autobiography already, I could focus a little more on reading between the lines. While you still get no great insight, you can see some comments that are quite telling about the whole life of Manfred von Richthofen and the (little) choices he made regarding his military career

[Anne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated every minute of this book. "War is fun, rah rah!" is the general message. One wonders if he would have rewritten that sentiment if he could have after dying in the war himself. Probably not, because he was clearly brainwashed into the mentality that nothing is better than to die for your country while out killing people with the latest technology.
Rubbish writing in general. Bogged down in technicalities while mentioning in passing that experiences were impressive without taking the time to actually describe them. Utter waste of time for anyone who isn't a WWI flying buff, even then, its use is questionable.

[stormhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

How about That, the Snoopy Song is Right

The Red Baron's autobiography is interesting reading, but the translation to English has some issues. History, we know, is written by the victor, and the translator does not always phrase things in the most complimentary ways. There is a clear anti-German attitude, and the translator manages some digs at the French as well in one of the many snarky footnotes. Even so you get a fairly clear picture of the dashing cavalry man turned air ace. And there is a nice photo section.

Biggest surprise for me was finding out that the Snoopy song was correct ... Eighty men died trying to end that spree of the bloody Red Baron of Germany.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think the title translates better as "The Red Battle Flyer", which fits better in that era.

I caught myself thinking, I hope this guy has a day job other than writing, and then I remembered, oh yes, he is the Red Baron. Also, through the filters of translation, German censorship, and British censorship, who knows what the guy originally said. Nevertheless, it's hard to not be entertaining when telling stories about fighter triplanes.

[Alexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anscheinend hassen alle dieses Buch. Ich verstehe sie, Richthofen ist kein guter Schriftsteller, und das Buch wird wahrscheinlich nicht jeden interessieren. Ich interessiere mich sehr für die Kriege und die Luftfahrt, daher habe ich dieses Buch sehr geschätzt. Das Buch muss man schätzen. Es wurde von einem jungen Mann inmitten von Gewalt geschrieben. Seine Meinungen sind veraltet, aber er ist trotzdem ein bewundernswerter Krieger und ein interessanter Typ.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating autobiography of one of the most famous aviators in history who went through WWI relatively unscathed until his last and fateful fight. Other than a finer wound, he had "never been really wounded. At the critical moment I have probably bent my head or pulled in my chest. Often, I have been surprised that they did not hit me. Once a bullet went through both my fur-lined boots. Another time a bullet went through my muffler. Another time one went along my arm through the fur and the leather jacket; but I have never been touched." Richthofen appears to champion a love for dogs, as one will see as they read.

This work unfolds more as being highlights rather than an exhaustive account, like due to the reported redactions by Germany. But it remains a great resource for those interested in this genre. Richthofen experienced a troubling even in his beginning days of solo flight: "Count Holck had dropped straight down, shot through the head. His death deeply affected me for he was my model. I tried to imitate his energy and he was a man among men also as a character." Could this event have solidified his determination and drive? One can only speculate.

As one reads, it is abundantly clear that Richthofen had found his calling and love for flying: "From the beginning of my career as a pilot I had only a single ambition, the ambition to fly in a single-seater battle-plane. After worrying my commander for a long time, I at last obtained permission to mount a Fokker." We also have a brief encounter with human frailty during a bedtime bombing by the 'enemy': "...in my fright I pulled the blanket over my head."

Richthofen's love of war is also clearly evident: "One can become enthusiastic over anything. For a time, I was delighted with bomb throwing. It gave me a tremendous pleasure to bomb those fellows from above... It gave me a good deal of pleasure to throw bombs." And firing on the enemy he states: "My opponent fell, shot through the head, one hundred and fifty feet behind our line. His machine gun was dug out of the ground, and it ornaments the entrance of my dwelling." "Many a time, after a chasing expedition, I have fired my remaining cartridges into the enemy trenches. Although I may have done little practical good, such firing affects the enemy's morale."

Richthofen achieved 80 confirmed victories, with additional unconfirmed victories that put his actual total as 100 or more, and he was presented with the Saxe-Coburg Gotha medal for bravery by His Royal Highness, the Grand-Duke of Saxe-Coburg Gotha. "I felt very merry, flew home and celebrated...." Another time, on his twenty-fifth birthday, Richthofen sat beside General Field Marshal von Hindenburg who even mentioned Richthofen during his speech.

Patriot emotion is the cause of the commotion,
After all there's really no one here to blame.
Soldiers taking orders 'cause we must defend the borders,
Of our nation and the other side's the same.
- From: "Mr. Blue" Yazoo

- - Additional Excerpts:

"All the papers contained nothing but fantastic stories about the war. However, for several months we had been accustomed to war talk. We had so often packed our service trunks that the whole thing had become tedious."

"Not far from the enemy there was a wonderful monastery with large stables... The monks were extremely amiable. They gave us as much to eat and to drink as we cared to have, and we had a very good time... In the middle of the night somebody suddenly flung open the door and shouted: 'Sir, the French are there!'"

"I sent a letter to my Commanding General and evil tongues report that I told him: 'My dear Excellency! I have not gone to war in order to collect cheese and eggs, but for another purpose.' At first, the people above wanted to snarl at me. But then they fulfilled my wish. Thus, I joined the Flying Service at the end of May 1915. My greatest wish was fulfilled."

"Count Holck had dropped straight down, shot through the head. His death deeply affected me for he was my model. I tried to imitate his energy and he was a man among men also as a character."

"I had never imagined that it would be so delightful to command a chasing squadron. Even in my dreams I had not imagined that there would ever be a Richthofen's squadron of aeroplanes... It occurred to me to have my packing case painted all over in staring red. The result was that everyone got to know my red bird. My opponents also seemed to have heard of the color transformation." (Le Petit Rouge | Der rote Kampfflieger)

"The French have a different character... the French attacking spirit is like bottled lemonade. It lacks tenacity. The Englishmen, on the other hand, one notices that they are of Germanic blood... Therefore, the blood of English pilots will have to flow in streams."


Other works that may be of interest:

-August 1914 by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
-1914 Peace and War | shetlandtimes.co.uk
-1915 War | shetlandtimes.co.uk
-Forgotten Voices of the Great War: A New History of WWI in the Words of the Men and Women Who Were There - (on Bookshelf in entry)
-Storm of Steel Ernst Jünger - (PDF in WWI Wars folder desktop) Bookshelf also
-Memoirs of an Infantry Officer - Siegfried Sassoon - (PDF in WWI Wars folder desktop) Bookshelf also
-The War Poems of Siegfried Sassoon - (PDF in WWI Wars folder desktop)

[John Devlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great man and a book that goes a way towards revealing what it takes to be the most deadly ace.

[Jesica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravilloso de puta a punta.
Fácil lectura, e interesante hasta el final.

[Barry Medlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account by The Red Baron and his brothers!

[Chandler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Red Baron, Manfred Von Richtofen (1892–1918) gives a personal account of his thrilling venture as a German pilot in World War One. Why is Richtofen a significant figure of the first World War? One writer considers him to be “the original ace of aces, with 80 confirmed air victories. The truth about Germany’s World War 1 hero lives up to the legend, although it took most of the war before this famed sight became a reality.” Having accomplished so much in aerial combat, Richtofen had a lasting impact on the war and established a legacy that many remember and read about today. Because of his legendary achievements in World War 1, readers or historians desiring to study the war will find his writing a compelling account.
Richtofen does not merely describe his military endeavors in his book. Instead, he begins with his early life as he introduces the reader to his family history, his childhood, and then his climb through the ranks of the military. Richtofen has no issue with revealing particular details about his life and time in the military. For example, his account of “[Hearing] the Whistling of the First Bullets” reveals the thrilling and chaotic nature of his first time in combat (15-17). Richtofen goes on to describe the exciting experiences of his “First Fight in the Air” (31), and his newfound passion for manning his own battle-plane (34).
The excitement of achieving his status as a pilot is soon ended as his mentor, Count Holck, is killed in action only a few months afterward (37-39). Richtofen recalls that “His death deeply affected me for he was my model. I tried to imitate his energy and he was a man among men also as a character” (39). Count Holck was an inspiration and example of character to Richtofen, and news of Holck’s death left a tragic impact on Richtofen.
Richtofen goes on to detail the ariel struggles he faced as he “had only a single ambition, the ambition to fly in a single-seater battle-plane” (41). Richtofen is clear about his primary military goal in his writing. This desire drives him through his ariel struggles and experiences. He also writes on his time as a bomber in Russia and the ensuing “enjoyment” from this experience (44). After working as a bomber he would be promoted once more. Through diligent effort, Richtofen explains that he eventually reaches “the head of the list of all flying chasers. I had obtained the aim which I had set myself” (58). As ambitious as he was, Richtofen went on to accomplish his incredible goals as he became a top German pilot. Interestingly, in his climb to the top, Richtofen came to view aerial warfare as a “game” in which he faced off against “competitors” (90-91). Aerial combat was a means of great pride and pleasure for Richtofen (94-96).
Richtofen’s status as the top German pilot would lead to the development of the English “Anti-Richtofen Squadron” (102). However, the opposition from this squadron did not hinder Richtofen or his aerial dominance. As a result of his great accomplishments in the war, Richtofen would go on to receive numerous honors and incredible fame. Despite his success, he humbly considered himself to be “only a soldier who does his duty” (117). Richtofen was driven by ambition and “the chase of the air” rather than the desire for fame and fortune (47). He finishes his book by describing the “giant plane” and reflecting on the future and advancement of aerial technology. The postscript to his work provides the reader an account of his death on April 21, 1918. The appendix contains numerous reports and writings about Richtofen and his efforts in the war.
Reading a German account of an experience in World War 1 may seem strange or counter-intuitive to English and American readers. Americans and the English understand the Germans to be the enemies in the first World War. Nevertheless, Richtofen believes that he “defends his country” through his efforts in the war (35). As a German, Richtofen views the English as the enemies in the war and feels that he is doing what is right for his country. Richtofen and the German people also felt nationally prideful and triumphant about the war: “The German nation had been seized by a wild war enthusiasm. That was evident” (13). There is certainly right and wrong in war, but Richtofen’s points about defending his country and feeling national enthusiasm evidences that most all countries have patriotic and moral reasons for going to war.
Richtofen’s purpose for writing is simply to explain his “own adventures and experiences” (5). The thorough account he gives of his life leads him to accomplish this purpose well. He writes in a plain manner that any reader will find accessible. As a personal account, Richtofen does not dedicate his work to the ethics of warfare. He does not seem interested in the ethical principles of warfare. Still, the reader may observe his ethical practices through the stories he records. How do his ethical practices compare to the standards of Just War Theory? Approaching war with a competitive spirit, Richtofen does not appear to be concerned with “The ultimate goal of…peace.” In fact, he never mentions a desire for peace aside from his desire to defend Germany.
Furthermore, Richtofen does not hope that “war can only be waged as a last resort.” Initially, he does not expect the war will take place—believing “that the possibility of war was absolutely nil” (10). When he does find himself in the midst of war, he seems honored to participate in combat (15). While resorting to warfare as a last option is not necessarily at odds with feeling honored to engage in warfare, the reader detects that Richtofen has a great eagerness to fight in the war.
A critical principle of Just War Theory is that “The weapons used in war must discriminate between combatants and non-combatants. Civilians are never permissible targets of war, and every effort must be taken to avoid killing civilians.” In light of this principle, one must ask if it is within the principle of Just War Theory to attack soldiers who are in no position to engage in proper combat. The term “non-combatants” may encompass more than civilians, and include soldiers disengaged from combat. In chapter 9, Richtofen records a particular aerial battle in which he “resolved not to cause [my opponent] to fall down but merely to compel him to land. I did so because…my opponent was wounded for he did not fire a single shot” (59). Richtofen exercised restraint in his combat. He reveals that he was even motivated by “pity for my opponent” (59). He recognized the injustice in destroying a defenseless and suffering opponent—a non-combatant—but he did not consistently adhere to this principle. He later writes about obliterating a downed opponent’s plane even though the opponent was defenseless and vulnerable (103).
While it is not an explicit principle of just war, an admirable practice of Richtofen was the honor he showed to his enemies: “The observer died at once and the pilot while being transported to the nearest dressing station. I honored the fallen enemy by placing a stone on his beautiful grave” (51). The satisfaction Richtofen derived from combat, and the honor he showed his fallen enemies reveal the complex motives of the soldier. He did not feel hatred against his enemies or kill them to appease his own rage. If hatred or rage motivated him to fight, then he would have no desire to show honor to his enemies; but warfare does not have to be motivated by hatred of an enemy.
In conclusion, The Red Baron is a fascinating read about the life of Manfred von Richtofen. His account offers a valuable perspective on World War One. Richtofen was not the model of an ethical soldier. Nevertheless, his ambition and accomplishments during the war will impress anyone who reads his book.

[narodni_heroj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dieses Buch habe ich gelesen, weil ich mich für die Militärgeschichte interessiere und eine sehr begrenzte Menge von Bücher habe. Vorher habe ich nur die Grundlagen von dem berühmten roten Kampfflieger gewusst. Das heißt, ich habe ein bisschen über ihn gelesen und den Film aus dem Jahr 2008 mit Matthias Schweighöfer und Lena Headey angeschaut. Das Buch hat mir fast gar nicht gefallen. Es gab ein paar interessante Sachen und Informationen, die ich früher nicht gewusst hatte, aber es ist insgesamt ein schlechtes Buch.

Man kann schnell aus dem Schreibstil schließen, dass der Autor kein Schriftsteller ist. Das hat mich gar nicht gestört. Das wirkliche Problem für mich waren seine Standpunkte. Seine Gedanken sind am besten kindisch und nationalistisch, am schlechten psychopathisch und chauvinistisch. Es hatte ihm wirklich gelungen, im Sterben der anderen Piloten und Soldaten ein reines Vergnügen zu finden. Von diesen Sachen schreibt unser Held genau so, wie man über Fußball schreibt und denkt. Das war für ihn nur ein Spiel. Ein Wettbewerb.

Nicht nur Herr von Richthofen, sondern dieses ganze Aufsehen mit der Fliegerei in dem Ersten Weltkrieg hat mich sehr stark verärgert. Ihr Superstar-Leben hinter den Linien, viele Vorteile gegenüber den einfachen Soldaten in den Schützengräben, die sie jahrelang genossen haben, die Behandlung von Flugzeugen wie ihr eigenes Eigentum (sie haben häufig mit ihren Flugzeugen ihre Freunde und Familien besuchen, während Tausende von den armen Frontschweinen täglich krepiert sind) usw.

Weil ich immer noch Deutsch lerne, habe ich das Buch auf meinem E-Reader auf Deutsch gelesen und gleichzeitig die problematischen Teile am Computer auf Englisch noch einmal gelesen. Deswegen habe ich etwas Lustiges bemerkt. Der englische Übersetzer, der auch ein Pilot während des Krieges war, hatte manche Anmerkungen hinzugefügt, in denen er ständig den Autor korrigierte, immer wenn von Richthofen etwas Schlechtes über die Engländer oder etwas übertrieben Gutes über die Deutschen geschrieben hatte. Es hat einen Eindruck gemacht, als ob man zwei alten Freunde beobachtet hat, weil sie ständig zankten. Es war ein bisschen lustig.

[Heli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juttuja, joita vain saksalainen lentäjä-ässä voi kirjoittaa, tyylillä, jolla vain saksalainen lentäjä-ässä voi kirjoittaa.

Yksi maailman tunnetuimmista sotilaslentäjistä eli Punaisena paronina tunnettu Manfred von Richthofen kertoo saavutuksistaan omin sanoin eikä ainakaan vähättele itseään. Lukiessa on selvää, että teksti on kirjoitettu suuren yleisön ihailtavaksi. Kirjan loppuun on lisätty sellaisia lisälukuja, jotka von Richthofen ehti kirjoittaa Punaisen hävittäjäkoneen/lentohävittäjän (1917) jälkeen. Niitten tyyli on propagandaosuutta hieman vähemmän kehuskeleva mutta kuitenkin mahtipontinen. Täytyy kuitenkin muistaa, että kirjoittaja oli erittäin paljon menestystä ja tunnettuutta saavuttanut nuori mies. Kuvaavaa on, että hän maalautti ensin oman koneensa kirkkaanpunaiseksi ja sitten koko "lentävän sirkuksensa" kirkkailla väreillä, jotta julkkislentäjät tunnistettaisiin sotataivaalla paremmin. Taistelulennot koituivat tietysti hänen kohtalokseen: huhtikuussa 1918 von Richthofen sai osuman sydämeensä hieman ennen kuin olisi täyttänyt 26 vuotta.

Erityisen hauskoja mainintoja olivat tässä kirjassa (samoin kuin Max Immelmannin muistelmissa Kokemuksiani Lentotaistelijana ) ne kohdat, kun lentäjä-ässä kertoo kohtaamastaan fanituksesta. Ihailijakirjeisiin on ollut kova urakka vastata – onhan senaikainen kirjeenvaihtoetiketti edellyttänyt nopeaa henkilökohtaista vastausta jopa keskeltä sodan melskeitä –, ja fanitus on silloinkin saanut koomisia muotoja. Esimerkiksi eräs nunnakokelas oli kirjoittanut idolilleen saaneensa nuhteet, koska oli pitänyt tämän kuvaa seinällään. Nunnan kun ei kuulemma ollut sopivaa säilyttää kenenkään miehen, "ei edes lentäjäsankarin", kuvaa esillä. Nunnan mainio ratkaisu oli ollut leikata kuvasta von Richthofenin kasvot ja liimata ne toista nunnaa esittävään valokuvaan.

[Øystein Brekke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ei veldig ubehagelig bok. Eg lasta ho ned frå Project Gutenberg rett etter at eg fekk Kindle, tenkte at det kanskje kunne vera litt historisk interessant. Men det er lite å henta her. Det er snakk om ei tysk propagandabok, skrive på oppdrag for den tyske militærleiinga og så grundig sensurert og strigla av det tyske propagandaapparatet for å byggja opp forfattaren som krigshelt og generelt få krigen til å verka som ein kul ting å driva med.

Richthofen tilhøyrde den øverste overklassen i Tyskland, frå ein høgadeleg familie. Tilsynelatande ein mellomting mellom Downton Abbey og Buckingham Palace - i Tyskland riktignok, men skilnadene verkar ikkje store. Heile boka er heldt i ein gjennomført eplekjekk, stiff upper lip-stil, slik ein kunne sjå for seg at Captain Darling i Blackadder ville ha skrive. Kostskule og storviltjakt.

Jaja, så kjem krigen, og me får Richthofen si vurdering av motstandarane: Russarane er halvbarbariske asiatar, som det er gøy å skyta på frå lufta fordi dei får slik panikk og spring i alle retningar, viel Spaß! Franskmennene er feige og likar best å angripa frå bakhald, men engelskmennene er det litt tak i - dei har bevart litt av det germanske blodet sitt. Nokon gyselege referansar til korleis det vart nødvendig å henretta ein del sivile no og då (dette har han rett nok ikkje vore med på, berre høyrd om og henviser bifallande til). Og så mange mange luftkampar.
Og som belønning for at han har vore så flink, får han høve til å skyta ein visent ein gong, det set han stor pris på, for han reknar med at visenten vil vera utrydda ganske snart.

Alt i alt, ubehageleg lesing. Eventuelt interessant som døme på korleis krigspropaganda kan gjerast.

[Anna Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Der Rote Kampfpilot" is clearly a propaganda piece published by the German government during the First World War. Much of the text is drawn almost directly from the journals of Manfred Von Richthofen; therefore much of the book reads like a journal. What is so fascinating is the subtext found between the lines of text. As mentioned in the preface for the first English addition, “this little book gives one a useful insight into the enemy's methods, and more than little respect for at any rate some of those whom we [the English] are at present endeavoring to kill.”

The translation is very rough, as the book was translated and republished so quickly so that it could be used in the War against the Germans in the air. This is a shame, because much of Richthofen’s writing, I feel, was lost in the translation. He is passive, callous, and quite funny. Moments of his talent in writing shine through but over all the book loses a lot of character and accuracy of language in translation.

That being said, this book is a lovely insight into the, often naïve, mind of a young man who became Germany’s best chaser and flying ace during the First World War. If you have any interest in early aviation, dogfighting tactics, or even the outlook of German pilots during the first part of the Great War, this little book is one that I would highly recommend. If you have little real interest in history and are looking for a thrilling memoir of life in the skies, perhaps this book is not for you.

[TheHenry Blank · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a good example of a WWI flying ace memoir. Apparently the translator was not familiar with military aviation because he uses such terms as 'chasing' squadron or aircraft instead the more familiar terms 'pursuit' or 'fighter'. Richthofen himself seems to have been an indifferent author. Anyway, if you are not familiar with military aviation you will be lost at times due to the combination of Richthofen's terse prose and Barker's awkward translations. I have the Aquila edition, however, and the extra material raises my rating to a three. The extra material consists of Lothar von Richthofen's (brother) version of one or two combat encounters previously related by Manfred and even an account by one of Richthofen's victims. I find this interesting because of the discrepancies found between the various versions of combat reports concerning the same engagement. The Aquila edition also has a photo section which focuses on the Baron and his acolytes. This is interesting because the picture text includes the date of death for the pilots in the photos, and one sees that the great majority of Richthofen's pilots died before 1918. The Aquila edition uses old-style Gothic fonts, which I thought was a nice touch. My edition has an index as well. I recommend Udet's or even McCudden's memoirs over this one.