Spitfire — Portrait of a Legend
Leo McKinstry
Cover Notes
Captivating in its grace and beauty, thrilling in its speed and power, the Spitfire remains the most loved aircraft in our history. Its heroic role in defending Britain from Nazi tyranny made it a national icon, an enduring symbol of patriotic courage.
Now, in this comprehensive, wide-ranging study, acclaimed author Leo McKinstry creates a richly evocative portrait of this famous plane, from its beginning as the brainchild of brilliant designer R. J. Mitchell, through its epic battles in the Second World War, to its final days in the RAF of the 1950s. But, as McKinstry reveals, the Spitfire saga is no tale of unbroken glory. Based on a wealth of unpublished material, including memoirs, correspondence, interviews and confidential government papers, this groundbreaking narrative shows how the Spitfire was best by production crises and bitter arguments over fighter strategy before its superb qualities were recognised by its performance in combat.
Through the strength of his research, McKinstry provides fresh — sometimes controversial — insights into the political and strategic context of the Spitfire's development, as well as vivid descriptions of its fighting power throughout the war. With its searching analysis and fluid style, this book is an invaluable addition to the history of Britain's finest hour.
Comments
«This is a fantastic, in depth study of the life of the legend that is the Spitfire. Thoroughly recommended!»