Pen and Sword Books: Military History and Nostalgia Book Publishers

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£10.39

Author Paul Oldfield has researched this book thoroughly. He starts with the history of radar and those who developed it and ends with the aftermath of the raid. This text is complimented by plenty of fascinating photographs. This is a book that will be of interest to readers of World War 2 airborne operations.

WW2 Connection.com

 

£10.39

With its 176 pages 'Hitler's Atlantic Wall'...is not a too detailed book. Together with a list in which abbreviations and names are explained, it makes this book an excellent read for those who want to prepare for a trip. With this richly illustrated issue in hand one can make a well informed trip along the remains of the part of the Atlantic Wall along the Dover Strait.

WW2 Connection.com

 

£12.00

Part of the publisher's “History from primary sources” series, this has an introduction from Bob Carruthers setting the text in its historical setting and explaining the origins of the various documents known collectively as the Anglo Saxon Chronicles. He also looks at instances where translations differ in their interpretation of certain passages. This is followed by the original introduction to his 1823 translation by the Rev James Ingram; the primary text used in the book. The final part consists of the “Parker” manuscript started at Winchester in the late 9th or early 10th century – for those who can read Anglo-Saxon!

Hexham Local History Society

 

£15.99

If this was the only book you read on the Anglo-Saxon age then you would come away with a sound knowledge of the period and with some interesting ideas to raise in debate with friends – such as “if Harold II had won the battle of Hastings, who would have succeeded him?” and “could Northumbria, with a run of good luck, have conquered the whole of England”.

Hexham Local History Society

 

£15.99

Although billed as an alternative history, this book presents a detailed historical study of many pivotal moments during the War, giving highly plausible alternatives to events which could so easily have taken a different direction. Firmly grounded within a historical framework, they present a fascinating insight into what might have been, and serve to remind us on what small events the course of history can be balanced.

The Pegasus Archive - Mark Hickman

 

£15.99

In this book - A Century of Air Power, Dr Sloggett provides a first-class analysis of the many varied, challenging and innovative uses to which air minded commanders have put this third dimensional capability in the last 100 years. He ably and lucidly describes why and in what ways, Air Power, commanded and controlled by experienced professionals, has fundamentally changed the nature of warfare and combat operations more broadly on the land, at sea and in the air. In this book, Dr Sloggett, has, yet again, demonstrated his mastery of analysis, synthesis and the ability to describe insightfully and effectively the use of air power. He does so clearly, dispassionately, but in a most readable s... Read more...

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton GCB ADC LLD(Hon) BSc FRAeS CCMI RAF

In this book - A Century of Air Power, Dr Sloggett provides a first-class analysis of the many varied, challenging and innovative uses to which air minded commanders have put this third dimensional capability in the last 100 years. He ably and lucidly describes why and in what ways, Air Power, commanded and controlled by experienced professionals, has fundamentally changed the nature of warfare and combat operations more broadly on the land, at sea and in the air. In this book, Dr Sloggett, has, yet again, demonstrated his mastery of analysis, synthesis and the ability to describe insightfully and effectively the use of air power. He does so clearly, dispassionately, but in a most readable style. He is to be congratulated on bringing the reader a comprehensive, thoughtful and incisive account of the First Century of Air Power and I commend it to you. The last 100 years has yielded many challenges in the air, innovations and lessons - mostly hard won - and many brave and talented people have given their lives to the development of modern air power. Capturing all of this in such an effective work is no mean achievement. True to his character and his background Sloggett presents the facts, the issues and some deductions, but leaves the reader to draw the necessary conclusions.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton GCB ADC LLD(Hon) BSc FRAeS CCMI RAF

 

£20.00

The book is interesting and informative. It is well illustrated with both period and contemporary photographs. There are also a number of maps.
Major contests between coast artillery and battleships have been few, and this book should prove valuable to those interested in one of the most important.

The Coast Defence Journal

 

£20.00

The book is illustrated throughout with photographs of the existing forts, batteries and guns and concludes with a gazetteers of the existing forts on both sides of the Dardanelles… This is an eminently readable book by an author who has carried out a comprehensive study of the naval attempt to break through the Dardanelles and who has looked at the start of the ill-fated Dardanelles Campaign from a previously neglected viewpoint. Despite its maritime perspective this is definitely a book for all those who are interested n the stuffy of fortifications.

Fortress Study Group

 

£12.50

Anyone familiar with British naval history has probably come across the frigate Hermione. The bloodiest mutiny occurred aboard this vessel in October 1797.

The author covers the people and events leading up to the mutiny, as well as its aftermath in twenty-eight chapters. The book includes five appendices (The Effect of a Flogging, Floggings ordered by Captain Wilkinson in the Hermione, Floggings ordered by Captain Pigot in the Success, The Men Active in the Mutiny, and Recorded trials for mutiny in the Royal Navy for 1798), notes and bibliography, and an index. Various types of illustrations accompany the text. Aside from the mutiny, the book also mentions quite a few private... Read more...

Pirates and Privateers

Anyone familiar with British naval history has probably come across the frigate Hermione. The bloodiest mutiny occurred aboard this vessel in October 1797.

The author covers the people and events leading up to the mutiny, as well as its aftermath in twenty-eight chapters. The book includes five appendices (The Effect of a Flogging, Floggings ordered by Captain Wilkinson in the Hermione, Floggings ordered by Captain Pigot in the Success, The Men Active in the Mutiny, and Recorded trials for mutiny in the Royal Navy for 1798), notes and bibliography, and an index. Various types of illustrations accompany the text. Aside from the mutiny, the book also mentions quite a few privateer incidents involving the Hermione.

Interesting facts and the men’s accounts of what transpired make this a compelling read.

Pirates and Privateers

 

£10.39

Peter Penfold served as the British High Commissioner in Sierra Leone from 1997 to 2000, during which time he gained the generous friendship of the president and people of this most embattled and impoverished country, and although he also won high praise for his efforts at home, he was subsequently reprimanded, if not made a scapegoat, by the "Arms for Africa" Enquiry. Having been so intimately involved at a diplomatic level, there can be few who are so well placed to describe the events of this time, from the various efforts to achieve a political solution to the most appalling atrocities carried out by the rebel forces. This is a rich and detailed account of Britain's involvement in a conf... Read more...

Pegasus Archive

Peter Penfold served as the British High Commissioner in Sierra Leone from 1997 to 2000, during which time he gained the generous friendship of the president and people of this most embattled and impoverished country, and although he also won high praise for his efforts at home, he was subsequently reprimanded, if not made a scapegoat, by the "Arms for Africa" Enquiry. Having been so intimately involved at a diplomatic level, there can be few who are so well placed to describe the events of this time, from the various efforts to achieve a political solution to the most appalling atrocities carried out by the rebel forces. This is a rich and detailed account of Britain's involvement in a conflict which, rightly or wrongly, was ultimately to serve as a model for its military intervention in future disputes.

Pegasus Archive

 

£12.00

Fighters Under Construction in World War Two by Graham Simons, "Rare and unpublished photographs show numerous aircraft of the Royal Air Force as they have scarcely been seen before; divided into their component parts on a production line. Chapters cover the Spitfire, Seafire, Hurricane, Mosquito, Hornet, Typhoon, Tempest, Beaufighter, Walrus and Aircobra, as well as the production of propellers, the Merlin engine and 20mm Hispano cannon. The photographs alone give a vivid sense of the production stages of each, showing the numerous phases by which the airframe was fashioned by expert craftsmen, long before the days of modern robotic assembly. Extensive notes accompany each photograph and th... Read more...

Pegasus Archive

Fighters Under Construction in World War Two by Graham Simons, "Rare and unpublished photographs show numerous aircraft of the Royal Air Force as they have scarcely been seen before; divided into their component parts on a production line. Chapters cover the Spitfire, Seafire, Hurricane, Mosquito, Hornet, Typhoon, Tempest, Beaufighter, Walrus and Aircobra, as well as the production of propellers, the Merlin engine and 20mm Hispano cannon. The photographs alone give a vivid sense of the production stages of each, showing the numerous phases by which the airframe was fashioned by expert craftsmen, long before the days of modern robotic assembly. Extensive notes accompany each photograph and they give a real insight into the manufacturing process as well as a brief overview and service history of the aircraft.

Pegasus Archive

 

£20.00

The author, a professional journalist, has written a comprehensive account of the exploits of 1 Group Bomber Command, with a special focus on the men who contributed to its exploits.

This 368 page hardback book reflects well the outstanding bravery of the aircrew who faced a living hell every night over enemy-occupied Europe, yet who somehow managed to complete their missions, navigate their way back to base, avoiding flack and enemy night fighters, often flying through appalling weather, and in all too many cases then facing disaster in the last few minutes of a night-long mission. Patrick Otter tells the tale with passion as well as an eye for detail, which makes the volume... Read more...

www.airleague.co.uk

The author, a professional journalist, has written a comprehensive account of the exploits of 1 Group Bomber Command, with a special focus on the men who contributed to its exploits.

This 368 page hardback book reflects well the outstanding bravery of the aircrew who faced a living hell every night over enemy-occupied Europe, yet who somehow managed to complete their missions, navigate their way back to base, avoiding flack and enemy night fighters, often flying through appalling weather, and in all too many cases then facing disaster in the last few minutes of a night-long mission. Patrick Otter tells the tale with passion as well as an eye for detail, which makes the volume very readable. He is well qualified to write such book for he has become an expert on Bomber Command and in particular the history of the wartime Lincolnshire and Yorkshire airfields. This is a truly fitting tribute to everyone who served in 1 Group during the Second World War.

www.airleague.co.uk

 

£20.00

The detail contained in this new book is impressive and covers a wealth of new information and illustrative material which has been collected together from official and private sources after an extensive period of research… This book is much more than a reference book for enthusiasts. For historians it provides a thorough insight into the people, the inter-service politics and the military policies throughout two world conflicts and a continuous inter-war period of overseas air policing…The way that the squadron operated during its WW2 days in desert sweeps and on missions against enemy land and sea targets makes for a very good read, supported by relevant wartime photographs that are fully ... Read more...

www.airleague.co.uk

The detail contained in this new book is impressive and covers a wealth of new information and illustrative material which has been collected together from official and private sources after an extensive period of research… This book is much more than a reference book for enthusiasts. For historians it provides a thorough insight into the people, the inter-service politics and the military policies throughout two world conflicts and a continuous inter-war period of overseas air policing…The way that the squadron operated during its WW2 days in desert sweeps and on missions against enemy land and sea targets makes for a very good read, supported by relevant wartime photographs that are fully captioned.

www.airleague.co.uk

 

£15.99

Researched in great detail.

Soldier Magazine

 

£19.99

As World War I developed into what is now called “The Great War,” so too did the newly invented airplane develop from a reconnaissance machine for gathering information into a great and deadly fighting machine that changed the face of war forever.

A new breed of soldier emerged, the air ‘ace.’ Manfred von Richthofen, Josef Kiss, Eddie Richenbacker, Werner Voss, Rene Fonck and William Bishop were just a few of the many ‘aces’ that downed five or more enemy aircraft – and the most renowned sent down dozens. Their skills and natural talents earned them great recognition and fear among their fellow pilots and adversaries.

There was much honor and respect in the way... Read more...

Indy Squadron Dispatch

As World War I developed into what is now called “The Great War,” so too did the newly invented airplane develop from a reconnaissance machine for gathering information into a great and deadly fighting machine that changed the face of war forever.

A new breed of soldier emerged, the air ‘ace.’ Manfred von Richthofen, Josef Kiss, Eddie Richenbacker, Werner Voss, Rene Fonck and William Bishop were just a few of the many ‘aces’ that downed five or more enemy aircraft – and the most renowned sent down dozens. Their skills and natural talents earned them great recognition and fear among their fellow pilots and adversaries.

There was much honor and respect in the way these men fought. As Lieutenant D. G. ‘Tommy’ Lewis tells of his encounter after being shot down by none other than “The Baron” himself, ‘Richhtofen came down to within 200 feet and waved at me. Although I foolishly imagined at first that he was going to make sure of me, I returned his greeting. I was told that I was to see and talk to him that evening, but did not have the honor of meeting him. I was, of course, a prisoner for the rest of the war.’

Manfred von Richthofen was never to have the opportunity to visit his eightieth victim. He had only another sixteen hours to live.

The members of 56 Squadron tell about another great German pilot who ‘had flown and fought so magnificently’ in his final battle. Chapter 10, “Werner Voss,” tells of his amazing flying maneuvers against all odds. Werner Voss, who was a good friend of and greatly admired by Richthofen himself, seemed to make the airplane a part of himself. Captain Bowman’s remembrance of the battle he encountered with Voss and his great admiration for his foe really tells of the honor and chivalry with which they fought and flew.

Author Alex Revell has had a great passion for aviation since his early childhood. He began seriously researching World War I aircraft and personnel in the 1960’s. He interviewed many RFC / RAF / RNAS pilots who became his personal friends. He has had numerous aviation articles published along with several books. He is a founding member of the First World War Aviation Historical Society. One reviewer wrote of Revell’s highly acclaimed book “High in The Empty Blue”, ‘A classic. I suspect that this will be the best book I will ever get to review.’ High praise indeed.

I share that passion for aviation but much about World War I in the air is new to me. With my limited knowledge of Great War aircraft and history, I found myself completely immersed in the stories these brave airmen had to tell.

My experiences with Dawn Patrolâ have taught me so much about the magnificent aircraft of the First World War. This book, and the stories these ‘aces’ had to tell, tie it all together for me and leave me with a great deal of respect and admiration for these great men. They were the legendary “knights of the air.” Their legacies will not be forgotten as long as we remember their contributions and sacrifices.

This is an excellent book that tells the stories of many great airmen of the first World War. It includes a bibliography, as well as 32 pages of outstanding photos that add greatly to the interesting stories.

Indy Squadron Dispatch

 

£15.99

Book of the month

Britain at War

 

£36.00

It's a substantial large format book and to be honest I can't claim to have read it cover-to-cover yet, but even a cursory glance is enough to suggest that this one is probably up to NF's usual (impeccably high) standards. I believe Friedman's in depth research, the extensive (and superbly reproduced) photography selection, coupled with A D Baker's expert line drawings, will set a standard on this subject that may never be surpassed.

PS, the publishers have given this book the 'Victorian Era' subtitle for some inexplicable reason, but don't be misled, because the magnificent 1901-1908 Armoured Cruiser classes of the Edwardian RN are also covered.

Naval Weapons Discussion Board

 

£36.00

Another superb book by Norman Friedman. It has eight chapters plus a lengthy introduction and an appendix on Vicker's cruisers. The book defines cruisers as those ships designed to protect trade and drive the trade of enemy nations from the seas. The book has over 350 pages including an index, and data pages listing the dimensions etc of the various classes and then data pages listing the fates of the individual ships. It is loaded with many pictures plus plans and profiles of selected ships.

Ship Model Forum

 

£14.99

The book is set out in 7 chapters including photographic and time line narrative based on the early war years of Erich Heine who was a Stuka rear gunner and radio operator.The photographs are from a album collection that belonged to Erich.

The photographs are professional posed and snapshots taken by Erich or a squadron member.They show the life of Erich and Luftwaffe Stuka crew members through training /deployment/leave and include funerals of squadron members. The photographs end in the Summer of 1943.Erich survived the war.

The narrative gives a good overview of the Stuka in service and the photographs show varied views of the aircraft and day to day life wit... Read more...

WW2 Talk

The book is set out in 7 chapters including photographic and time line narrative based on the early war years of Erich Heine who was a Stuka rear gunner and radio operator.The photographs are from a album collection that belonged to Erich.

The photographs are professional posed and snapshots taken by Erich or a squadron member.They show the life of Erich and Luftwaffe Stuka crew members through training /deployment/leave and include funerals of squadron members. The photographs end in the Summer of 1943.Erich survived the war.

The narrative gives a good overview of the Stuka in service and the photographs show varied views of the aircraft and day to day life within the squadron.The shots of Luftwaffe uniform and the Stuka in various ground and flight locations would be of interest to the modeller.The narrative around the Stuka detail an interesting insight into the use ,technical specification and deployment.

Overall the book details one mans Stuka squadron experience in pictures and the author has added numerous details of the Stuka and associated deployment which ties in well with the photographs.

WW2 Talk

 

£45.00

First published in Italian in 2008, this English-language translation is a comprehensive design-history of one of Europe’s largest and most powerful classes of battleships.
These fine ships have received little attention in English-language literature but this superbly produced and comprehensive monograph overcomes that deficit. This superb volume is built around six chapters covering (1) battleships and Italian naval policy between the two world war, (2) design and general characteristics, (3) technical description, (4) construction, sea trials and commissioning from, (5) operational history and (6) comparisons and conclusions. The book is completed by three appendices detailing (1)... Read more...

Marine News

First published in Italian in 2008, this English-language translation is a comprehensive design-history of one of Europe’s largest and most powerful classes of battleships.
These fine ships have received little attention in English-language literature but this superbly produced and comprehensive monograph overcomes that deficit. This superb volume is built around six chapters covering (1) battleships and Italian naval policy between the two world war, (2) design and general characteristics, (3) technical description, (4) construction, sea trials and commissioning from, (5) operational history and (6) comparisons and conclusions. The book is completed by three appendices detailing (1) movements and changes of location of the Littorio class from entry into service until their loss or decommissioning, (2) damage sustained during the war and (3) performance characteristics of Littorio class heavy and medium calibre guns. It is illustrated with a superb collection of 300 photographs, 150 fine-line plans and coloured artwork including foldout plates. Very highly recommended.

Marine News