The Illustrated History of Fighters

by Bill Gunston

Second Library copy- San Diego Air and Space Museum.

Genres: Military Fiction, History

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Bill Gunston was a British aviation and military author. He flew with Britain's Royal Air Force from 1945 to 1948, and after pilot training became a flying instructor. He spent most of his adult life doing research and writing on aircraft and aviation. He was the author of over 350 books and articles. His work included many books published by Salamander Books.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bill Gunston's status as one of the most important writers on aviation history is unquestionable, however truth be told this rather old book has some serious issues that reduce its readability for a contemporary audience. Whilst I have owned and enjoyed this book for over thirty years I am very aware of its problems, and can understand how it will not appeal to many who might find it in a library or second hand book shop.

Before I get too critical I do need to cite its qualities. First off, Gunston writes with authority and supreme technical knowledge on almost every plane featured herein. It is only when one gets to the later aircraft of the (then) Soviet Union that this aspect of the book drops in quality. There are plenty of cutaway drawings that provide minute details on how certain aircraft were structured. Accompanying these illustrations are numerous high quality drawn and photographic depictions of the aircraft. If one is not too worried about engaging with the text there is still plenty to enjoy from the pictures.

However these positive aspects of the book can't totally negate the negative aspects. Yes, Gunston's text displays his superior technical knowledge. It is also far too detailed and far too dry to engage anyone bar those who find need this information above all else. Wading through paragraphs of engine names, model designations, radar types etc becomes far too tedious and disinteresting. For some of the more major aircraft types with long and distinguished careers more could've been done to discuss their operational history. Instead Gunston spends too much time writing up technical data.

Another problem with the book is that for some reason Gunston starts off with his survey of aircraft just as World War II starts. This means that a lot of the fighter aircraft developed during the period 1915-1939 are left out. This may have been an editorial issue or perhaps Gunston wasn't interested in writing about them. It does seem strange though that famous fighters like the Sopwith Camel, Fokker D.VII, Spad XXI, Boeing P-26 and PZL P-11 get missed out.

Going with what has been missed, and this time through no fault of the author or publisher, the lack of informatioin on aircraft post 1980 is a big hole that one can't but notice. The latter part of the book attempts to give some details on major types that were coming into service around publication, such as the Panavia Tornado, General Dynamics F-16, McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 etc. However there are numerous more recent types that are excluded because of the age of the book.

No doubt with the advent of the internet a book such as this has become a bit redundant. One can look at Wikipedia or more specialised sites and get reams more information. However those websites cannot replicate the cachet of holding a physical book in your hand, nor do they have the authority of an author such as Gunston. For all its faults "The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Fighter Aircraft' is a worthy title that many aviation buffs will love to have in their library.