Aces High: The War in the Air over the Western Front 1914-18.

by Alan Clark

First published in 1973, this is an account of those forbidden to carry parachutes; they lived in dread of being shot down in flames; their life expectancy was measured in days...But these were the flyers who became legends in their own life-times - Albert Ball, Manfred von Richthofen, Mick Mannock, Rene Fonck, Georges Guynemer.Aces High is the vivid chronicle of aerial warfare over the Western Front during five turbulent years of World War One.

Genres: History, World War I, Nonfiction, Military History, Military Fiction, War

320 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1973

About the author

Alan Clark was an English Conservative MP, historian and diarist.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Billy Leon · Rating 3 out of 5]

To accurately tell the story of even the most important aces of the first world war in 140 some odd pages is an impossibility. To be fair to the author, he does a good job of relating to the reader an attention holding account of the battles he does cover. I think this book really should have had a more detailed account of the exploits of Manfred von Richtofen. It kind of misses the mark on that aspect alone. If you are looking for a deeper and more detailed read this book will probably not do it for you, and another source would be recommended. But if the reader is looking for a rather easy read or a quick synopsis on the air war over Western France 1914-1918 then this might be just what you wished for. It is a good book, just not a great book.

[Thomas Becker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm attending a WWI commemorative weekend, and I thought this would be a way to refresh my knowledge. Clark combines a well-encapsulated general history with compelling stories about the pilots on both sides. Readers who are familiar with the subject will find it a detailed read. Conversely, it is an excellent way to introduce the subject to new readers. While it may be somewhat difficult to locate here in the US (I received my copy from a friend in NZ), it would be worth tracking down.

[Christian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little book (140 pages) about the war in the air during WW1. It was one of the few areas where individuals still had the chance to stand out, and the book is full of stories about the aces and their bravery and gallantry.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written book that keeps your interest throughout.

[Richard Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the aerial combat over the Western Front in WWI. You are introduced to the advancements in airplanes, notable pilots on both sides of the conflict and the development of tactics to take advantage of the increasing advances made in light of faster speeds, greater maneuverability and firepower.

[Simon Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good overview of the air war over the Western Front.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but well written.