Description

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The Spitfire turns eighty on March 5, 2016, and the passion for the Royal Air Force's best-loved fighter is running at an all-time high. There are more than fifty Spitfires flying in the world today, and John Dibbs has shot virtually all of them, “on the wing,” in his breathtaking style.

This eye-catching book combines this unique collection of stunning photos with poignant firsthand accounts of flying the airplane in combat from some of the most famous Aces to pilot the Spitfire and from some of the forgotten pilots. Chronicling the history of this most iconic of British aircraft, this book is a must-have purchase for aviation enthusiasts.

About the Author

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John Dibbs is unquestionably the world's premier aerial photographer, having gained access to most of the 55 airworthy Spitfires presently flying across the globe. He has also amassed an amazing collection of related ephemera over the past 25 years, much of it Spitfire related – helmets, flying clothing logbooks medals, archive photography etc. – all of which will be included in this volume.

Having initially worked for Osprey as an author in the 1980s, Tony Holmes became the company's aviation editor in 1989 after he moved to England from Western Australia. Responsible for devising the Aircraft of the Aces, Combat Aircraft, Aviation Elite Units, Duel and X-Planes series, Tony has also written more than 30 books for Osprey over the past 35 years.

Praise For…

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“I can recommend this book to modelers, aviation historians and those looking for a nice tome for their coffee table. The photographs alone are worth the price of admission! All will like it and find useful information within its covers.” —IPMS

“In all, it makes for an excellent combination history/photo book that no fan of the subject or war birds in general should be without.” —Modeling Madness

“If you appreciate the graceful curves of Supermarine's fighter and eye-popping photography, you'll love this book.” —Fine Scale Modeler

“. . . a work that can enjoyed by either a casual flip-through or an intense reading.” —WWII History

“Not only do you get stunning pictures of flying Spitfires but it's also a beautiful portrait of England from the air.” —Anglotopia.net

“With graceful lines and patrician curves, the Supermarine Spitfire doesn't have a bad side, a truth photographer John Dibbs exploits for this coffee table book, which glorifies the majestic fighter from every conceivable angle and in a variety of light conditions. There are some 50 Spitfires still flying, and Dibbs has shot nearly all of them. The book also features dozens of archival images and first-hand accounts from the men who flew the Spitfire in combat.” —Smithsonian Air & Space