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B-29 Superfortress: The Plane that Won the War
B-29 Superfortress: The Plane that Won the War is the definitive account of the crucial role played by the B-29 bomber during World War II. Author Gene Gurney takes the reader from the superplane’s inception, test flights and production to its combat deployments and its ultimate purpose of dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2015
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158 people want to read
About the author
Gene Gurney
81 books3 followersColonel Gene Gurney was a U.S. Air Force officer and a prolific author on many different subjects. Although much of his work was concerned with aviation history, he wrote books on several other topics as well.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 3, 2019
Story of the best technological bomber in WWII
Interesting but not compelling. The section on getting ready to catty the first two atomic bombs, dropped on Japan.
Perfect to learn the details of development and missions of the B-29 Superfortress.
Interesting but not compelling. The section on getting ready to catty the first two atomic bombs, dropped on Japan.
Perfect to learn the details of development and missions of the B-29 Superfortress.
November 21, 2019
Proud to be an American
I was a mere 19 months old when the attack on Pearl Harbor took place. My memory of the war is thin. The rationing, small flags with a single star hanging in neighbors windows and finally, the big street celebration on VJ Day are my most vivid. It's books like this that fill in the blanks of history and significance of what was taking place in the world as a child.
I was a mere 19 months old when the attack on Pearl Harbor took place. My memory of the war is thin. The rationing, small flags with a single star hanging in neighbors windows and finally, the big street celebration on VJ Day are my most vivid. It's books like this that fill in the blanks of history and significance of what was taking place in the world as a child.
October 20, 2020
My mentor in life was a cousin who flew the B-29 out of Guam. I was curious to learn more about the airplane and it is a fascinating story. I ended up flying airplanes during Vietnam but after reading this book I am glad I didn't have to fly the raids described in this book. The odds of living were not good. Some very brave young men flew the B-29. If you are at all interested in how the B-29 was used during WWII I highly recommend this book.
November 9, 2019
Answered all my questions about what really beat the Japanese.
I have always wondered how it would have gone without the long-range B 29. This book only clarifies that it may have been a long long time to bring victory without it.
I have always wondered how it would have gone without the long-range B 29. This book only clarifies that it may have been a long long time to bring victory without it.
August 14, 2022
The Goodreads description of this book, or at least the edition I see, indicates it was published in 2015, however this is a re-release of a book that was originally published in 1963. I read a paperback edition published in 2019 by The Normandy Press. The author, Gene Gurney, died in 2011. I'm not aware of what revisions the book may have had since its original publication. I point out the dates because the book doesn't read like a "modern" work of history. For one thing, there are no citations of sources. That wouldn't be the case with a more modern work.
I felt the book was most successful sharing accounts of specific missions by the men who flew them. There are many of those throughout the book. The accounts of the dangers those men faced and how they met the challenges were the best part of the book for me. That's what gave me some perspective on their experiences in the war. Interspersed with those accounts are the story of the development of the B-29 and then its operational history in the war against Japan. There are details that were new to me, even as an avid reader of WW2 history. That "big picture" history delves into many names of people and place names, but overall isn't an in-depth examination. That's not unexpected given that the book is only 200 pages. There's not much to put things in context, such as how did B-29 losses compare with the bombing campaigns in Europe. I don't think it's a particularly well-written text. The different sections seem rather cobbled together. I still recommend it to get the story of this part of the war. It would be helpful to have a good background of the broader history of the war before reading this book. For a more personal account of this facet of the war, I recommend Thirty-five Missions Over Japan, by Philip D. Webster. It's one man's account of his experiences flying the B-29 on bombing missions against Japan.
One aspect of the edition I read was a number of typographical errors. It's hard to understand how these errors get in print. That reflects a serious lack of proofreading. It seemed that the errors, usually just one letter wrong, were introduced when a prior text was machine-scanned and the scanning misread the character and no one proofread the final text to catch the errors. You'd think those types of errors would get fixed.
I felt the book was most successful sharing accounts of specific missions by the men who flew them. There are many of those throughout the book. The accounts of the dangers those men faced and how they met the challenges were the best part of the book for me. That's what gave me some perspective on their experiences in the war. Interspersed with those accounts are the story of the development of the B-29 and then its operational history in the war against Japan. There are details that were new to me, even as an avid reader of WW2 history. That "big picture" history delves into many names of people and place names, but overall isn't an in-depth examination. That's not unexpected given that the book is only 200 pages. There's not much to put things in context, such as how did B-29 losses compare with the bombing campaigns in Europe. I don't think it's a particularly well-written text. The different sections seem rather cobbled together. I still recommend it to get the story of this part of the war. It would be helpful to have a good background of the broader history of the war before reading this book. For a more personal account of this facet of the war, I recommend Thirty-five Missions Over Japan, by Philip D. Webster. It's one man's account of his experiences flying the B-29 on bombing missions against Japan.
One aspect of the edition I read was a number of typographical errors. It's hard to understand how these errors get in print. That reflects a serious lack of proofreading. It seemed that the errors, usually just one letter wrong, were introduced when a prior text was machine-scanned and the scanning misread the character and no one proofread the final text to catch the errors. You'd think those types of errors would get fixed.
July 4, 2020
Being a Navy guy I missed a lot of the interesting development history of the B-29. Considering the times and the very rapid deployment it is amazing and should have taken more time. Unfortunately they did not have enough time to develop the engines nor train the crews on a totally different type of airplane... Pressurized yet? It takes sometime to read but the author gives time to fully develop the background at the time... Also it should be required reading for those who continue to come out of the woodwork on whether the USA should have dropped the bomb on two cities.... A lot of people are alive today. both Japanese and Americans who would not be if President Truman had not taken overwhelming advice to drop the nuclear bomb.
March 7, 2021
Truly informative read in learning about the B-29 Superfortress. About the only thing I knew of the B-29 before reading this book was that it superseded the likes of the B-17, B-24, Martin B-26, and British Lancaster and also that the B-29 was designed primarily for the Pacific Theater against Japan. That was about the extent of my knowledge of the B-29 until reading this book. Little did I know of the challenges in manufacturing this bomber or the logistics of supporting and maintaining the Superfortresses at the beginning of its deployment or the difficulties in training crews for the B-29 once they were deployed in combat. I was amazed to learn that the B-29 was the most expensive weapon system developed during the Second World War even surpassing the Manhattan Project.
April 16, 2020
The Operational Perspective on the B-29 in WWII
The most expensive armaments program carried out during World War II was not the development of atomic weapons in the Manhattan Project, but the design and development of the B-29 Superfortress, which would of course carry the two nuclear weapons to Japan that would end the war.
This volume focusses on the operational history of the aircraft, from its design, initial operations in India, and the final phase flying from the Marianas. The operational focus comes at the expense of any detailed description of the technical development of the aircraft.
The most expensive armaments program carried out during World War II was not the development of atomic weapons in the Manhattan Project, but the design and development of the B-29 Superfortress, which would of course carry the two nuclear weapons to Japan that would end the war.
This volume focusses on the operational history of the aircraft, from its design, initial operations in India, and the final phase flying from the Marianas. The operational focus comes at the expense of any detailed description of the technical development of the aircraft.
April 19, 2020
Utterly incoherent.
This book was phoned in. And most of it is incoherent. I’ll try to post some ‘best of’ highlights when I can.
I’m a huge fan and reader of first hand WWII books. Avoid this one and this author. It reads like fragments from a life magazine article written by someone on the 40th floor of a Manhattan building gleaned from Look magazine articles. Not even second hand, but third hand.
This book was phoned in. And most of it is incoherent. I’ll try to post some ‘best of’ highlights when I can.
I’m a huge fan and reader of first hand WWII books. Avoid this one and this author. It reads like fragments from a life magazine article written by someone on the 40th floor of a Manhattan building gleaned from Look magazine articles. Not even second hand, but third hand.
September 1, 2020
I good overview of the B-29 from the start of development to the last missions, did development ever really end. I think it let you know how much equipment was rushed to get tot he field and sometimes the equipment was almost as dangerous as the enemy. Never knew about the effort put in to fly from China to make the first strikes. Crazy to spend days flying fuel and supplies for one mission but I guess they did what they needed to do so speed the end off he war.
March 30, 2020
Who knew
A very detailed account of the development of the B29 and the tactics as well. I had no idea of the problems of unreliability the B29 suffered through much of the war. My brother was a navigator in one but he never talked about his experiences. Kudos to those who suffered thru the growing pains.
A very detailed account of the development of the B29 and the tactics as well. I had no idea of the problems of unreliability the B29 suffered through much of the war. My brother was a navigator in one but he never talked about his experiences. Kudos to those who suffered thru the growing pains.
June 29, 2024
Fire bombing the Japs
A very good read on the development and organizing of the B 29. Many notable figures were part of the history of this remarkable airplane that eventually brought about Japan's downfall. I was disappointed that there was no mention about the fate of downed airmen. Maybe that's another story.
A very good read on the development and organizing of the B 29. Many notable figures were part of the history of this remarkable airplane that eventually brought about Japan's downfall. I was disappointed that there was no mention about the fate of downed airmen. Maybe that's another story.
August 9, 2020
Good read for history
Really enjoyed the history, written in an easy to understand language. Enough technical information to highlight the trials of a new weapons system and the bombs it carried.
Really enjoyed the history, written in an easy to understand language. Enough technical information to highlight the trials of a new weapons system and the bombs it carried.
November 10, 2020
Great treat for Wwii hardware buffs
Very interesting and a good read for all WWII buffs, and those interested in the Weapons used and how the use can about, from the g the start to the Abomb and end.
Very interesting and a good read for all WWII buffs, and those interested in the Weapons used and how the use can about, from the g the start to the Abomb and end.
October 31, 2021
A super book on the superfortress
This is a great book on the history of the B29
I recommend this book to those who want to know more about the men who flew the plane and about the plane itself.
This is a great book on the history of the B29
I recommend this book to those who want to know more about the men who flew the plane and about the plane itself.
June 16, 2025
Wordy but informative
This was a compelling read of the role one single airplane type had in the casting of the course of the second world war. Who knew the development of a single airplane would be so definitive in the war effort?
This was a compelling read of the role one single airplane type had in the casting of the course of the second world war. Who knew the development of a single airplane would be so definitive in the war effort?
October 1, 2025
Heavy on the history of development and the back story, which is eye opening. Light on the technical details of the B-29, which is available in many other places. The fact that the B-29 development cost far more than the Manhattan Project surprised me.
August 18, 2020
Enjoyed
Nice history of the B-29. Wish there were a similar presentation for the B-52. I enjoyed the book very moment ch.
Nice history of the B-29. Wish there were a similar presentation for the B-52. I enjoyed the book very moment ch.
August 29, 2020
The dammed became the hero
A well written narrative of the birth, coming of age and maturity of this very effect war machine, the B-29 Superfortress
A well written narrative of the birth, coming of age and maturity of this very effect war machine, the B-29 Superfortress
November 7, 2020
Great details and stories
Fantastic survival stories of the crews from walking for 350 miles in China to the first nuclear bomb run and victory
Fantastic survival stories of the crews from walking for 350 miles in China to the first nuclear bomb run and victory
December 20, 2020
A fast read, not really a book to keep one engaged just plain facts; but the book is an adequate source if one wants to knows a general history of the B-29 Superfortress during WWII.
December 22, 2020
Interesting But Thin
Tells the basic story but is a little thin. I wish there was more about production and post WW2 history.
Tells the basic story but is a little thin. I wish there was more about production and post WW2 history.
December 25, 2020
Jen
Great book 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 27 28 19 20
Great book 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 27 28 19 20
May 3, 2021
Excellent
So much of this I had heard about, but it's another thing to read the first-hand accounts. Very well done!
So much of this I had heard about, but it's another thing to read the first-hand accounts. Very well done!
June 21, 2021
Good read
Very thorough assessment of the B29!loved it! Recommend reading for any aviation enthusiast! The end of world war two and the plane that did it
Very thorough assessment of the B29!loved it! Recommend reading for any aviation enthusiast! The end of world war two and the plane that did it
July 12, 2021
Awesome book about an awesome plane
I found this to have been incredibly written it made you feel like you were there going through what was actually going on in the book.
I found this to have been incredibly written it made you feel like you were there going through what was actually going on in the book.
January 8, 2025
Incredibly interesting topic. Loved every page. The writing is a little rough, but you can get through it. So many brave and exceptional people stepped up in WWII. Inspiring.
February 5, 2020
Super in Every Way: Men & Machine
The costly development of a long-range bomber during wartime yielded one of the most successful military aircraft of all time. The B29 was the right aircraft for its moment in history. Brilliant in design, equipped with powerful engines for sustained high altitude flight, the B29 was perfect for the campaign against Imperial Japan. After deployment when the tactics changed to low-level incendiary bombing, the B29 was agile enough to fulfill this new mission. With the deployment of the first atom bomb, the B29 was ready and able to carry out this special mission in dramatic fashion. The B29 was super in every way.
The costly development of a long-range bomber during wartime yielded one of the most successful military aircraft of all time. The B29 was the right aircraft for its moment in history. Brilliant in design, equipped with powerful engines for sustained high altitude flight, the B29 was perfect for the campaign against Imperial Japan. After deployment when the tactics changed to low-level incendiary bombing, the B29 was agile enough to fulfill this new mission. With the deployment of the first atom bomb, the B29 was ready and able to carry out this special mission in dramatic fashion. The B29 was super in every way.
February 23, 2020
Interesting read, however, I would not agree that the Superfortress won the war. It did deliver the bombs that were instrumental in persuading the Japanese to surrender. In my assessment, the individuals that were the most instrumental in winning WWII were the allied soldiers, sailors and airman that constantly did more than expected while enduring horrible hardships and miserable conditions. Their willingness to keep going in the face of the enemy is the one thing that separated them from the axis forces. The B-29 was a great advance in aviation with greater range and load carrying capability, however it was shoved into service with many components untested and many airman paid the ultimate price for this premature introduction.
February 16, 2020
Very good book on the history of the B29
This book takes you through the plane's development and all the issues that had to be addressed. Probably the last great aircraft to go right into action without any testing. All the issues and bugs had to be fixed literally on the fly and in the field.
This book takes you through the plane's development and all the issues that had to be addressed. Probably the last great aircraft to go right into action without any testing. All the issues and bugs had to be fixed literally on the fly and in the field.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews