Flying Legends: A photographic study of the great piston combat aircraft of World War II - Tapa dura

The airplanes of The Second World War were beautifully crafted and flew the skies with honor and bravery. Flying Legends captures their grace and stature in stunning photography and extensive detail. The Second World War triggered the greatest technological leap in aviation since manned flight began. In the short space of six years, military aircraft were taken from open cockpit biplanes on a summer's day to fighters that were encountering the compressibility problems associated with the sound barrier, while conquering the skies of 40,000 + feet.

What seemed like an insurmountable design problem became a solution when hardworking men and women found a way to transform the airplanes of the past. The issues at hand focused the industries of the global powers, which achieved dazzling results.

Represented in this splendid volume are images of these aircraft, the last of the gladiatorial steeds. Not only are the great airplanes depicted in great detail in this luxurious volume, inside you will also find scenes of them in live combat. Flying Legends is the perfect gift for the history buff in your life. The award winning air-to-air photography of John Dibbs is complemented by a selection of breathtaking archives from the conflict, which can only truly illustrate the spirit and humanity behind these Flying Legends.

John Dibbs' air-to-air photographs have been cover shots on every major aviation magazine in the past decade, and his books include dramatic pictorials on legendary warbirds such as the Mustang and Spitfire. His photographs are also the basis for the acclaimed Flying Legends and Air Superiority annual calendars. He lives in Seattle, Washington.