Facebook X YouTube Instagram TikTok NetGalley

Spitfire (Hardback)

The Iconic Fighter in Unique Photographs

Aviation > Aircraft > Spitfires & Hurricanes Aviation > Pilots Aviation > Reference Aviation > WWII WWII World History

By Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS FRAeS
Imprint: Air World
Pages: 224
Illustrations: 250 mono illustrations
ISBN: 9781036146917
Published: 30th November 2025

in_stock

£17.50 Introductory Offer

RRP £25.00

Note: If you have previously requested any release reminder emails for this product to the email address entered above, then the choice you make now about which format(s) of the product you wish to be reminded about will replace the choice you made last time.
You'll be £17.50 closer to your next £10.00 credit when you purchase Spitfire. What's this?
+£4.99 UK Delivery or free UK delivery if order is over £40
(click here for international delivery rates)

Need a currency converter? Check XE.com for live rates



The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most iconic fighters of all time. First flown just before the Second World War, interest in this remarkable aircraft endures.

Intended as a close-range interceptor, the Spitfire actually performed in roles that had never been envisaged by its designer, R.J. Mitchell. This included being operated as a long-range bomber escort fighter, fighter-bomber, night-fighter, or photographic reconnaissance aircraft; there was even a naval version, the Seafire, that was flown from aircraft carriers.

The Spitfire flew and fought on every front, in every theatre – even on the Eastern Front where examples of the Mk.Vb, supplied to the Russians under Lend-Lease, were operated by the Soviet Air Force. The battle honours that could be applied to the Spitfire cover every major battle and campaign of the Second World War, from the Battle of Britain to the fighting in the Western Desert and jungles of Burma. Furthermore, the Spitfire was operated by many other countries, including the United States. Developed through twenty-four variants, the Spitfire remained in service with many air forces long after 1945. Little wonder, then, that the fascination in R.J. Mitchell’s little fighter is not only durable, but global.

Countless photographs have been taken of the Spitfire, including innumerable high-quality press photographs. During the Second World War, however, private photography on service installations was prohibited – but, nevertheless, some personnel, aircrew and groundcrew alike, took furtive snapshots. Forming the basis of this book, these amateur images providing us with an authentic and candid window on the past. Drawing on a unique collection of rare archive images, the renowned aviation historian Dilip Sarkar MBE, RHistS, FRAeS, explores the history of the Spitfire from its inception and first flight in 1936, through its introduction to service and then its service to the Allied nations throughout the Second World War.

There are no reviews for this book. Register or Login now and you can be the first to post a review!

 Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS FRAeS

About Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS FRAeS

DILIP SARKAR is a prolific author and historian, with over 60 books to his name, and is an internationally recognised authority on the Battle of Britain; he is author of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust and National Memorial to The Few’s eight volume, one-million-word, official history of the Battle of Britain, a unique project endorsed by, amongst others, The Princess Royal and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton. Having enjoyed a uniquely personal relationship with many of The Few, Dilip is a much sought after and engaging speaker, who has spoken and exhibited internationally in addition to working on numerous television and film projects, both on and off camera. Made an MBE for services to aviation history in 2003, he was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society, and to the Fellowship of the Royal Aeronautical Society in 2024, and is Honorary Vice-President of The Battle of Britain Memorial Trust CIO. For further information please see www.dilipsarkarmbe.com.

More titles by Dilip Sarkar MBE FRHistS FRAeS

Other titles in Air World...