Battle of Britain books. Recommendations?

[philip.ed]

Has anyone read Fighter Boys? How does it compare, as I have never got around to reading Bungay's work, but I've heard nothing but glowing reports on it.
I plan to read Invasion 1940 (Derek Robinson) within the next few weeks. Has anyone read this piece? I've been told that Robinson's analysis is characteristically controversial, but it's always interesting to read different views on the battle.

[ATAG_Dutch]

Most Dangerous Enemy - Essential reading. Best BoB book ever in my view, covers every aspect from leadership to technology to manufacturing output to aircraft to politics to the men themselves, in a very objective but easily readable way.

Fighter boys - also very good book focussing mainly on the men themselves, from Albert Ball, Mannock, McCudden to Malan, Stanford Tuck and many lesser known pilots, many of whom were killed, but left diaries.

First Light - Nothing need be said here I think.

Johnny Kent - 'One of the Few' great stories of building his own aircraft as a youth in Canada to death defying Test Piloting at Farnborough to leading 303 Polish Squadron, 92 Squadron and a lot of interesting post-war stuff.

Spitfire Story - Alfred Price, if you want the story of the aircraft itself.

Not read Bob Doe's book or Brian Kingcombe's and many others but will get there eventually!

Derek Robinson touched on his views on the invasion in his novel 'Piece of Cake' but I've not read Invasion 1940.

[philip.ed]

Doe's was very good! The only book I have read which I really didn't like was Hillary's. What a horrible character he was, I really couldn't stand him, and if it wasn't for his later sobering revelations, I'd have been close to shelving the book out of distaste.

[ATAG_Dutch]

Originally Posted by philip.ed

The only book I have read which I really didn't like was Hillary's.

That surprises me. It was next on my list and is supposed to be a classic.

In fact, you've peaked my interest. Might see if I can get a copy tomorrow.

[Buzpilot]

Lots of BoB E-books here.

http://www.wiredshelf.com/search/?qu...ry=0&x=77&y=20

[philip.ed]

Originally Posted by Dutch_851

That surprises me. It was next on my list and is supposed to be a classic.

In fact, you've peaked my interest. Might see if I can get a copy tomorrow.

I know, I was saddened by his brutal honesty about his own character. Maybe I was too young when I read it? I know a friend who said that he read it when he was younger, and hated his character, but went back to re-read it when he was older and understood Hillary's pain and discontent.
It's certainly worth a read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as any other personal account I've read.
But don't let me put you off! (or, rather, put you on )

[Sternjaeger II]

If you want an accurate and up to date read I would suggest "The Battle of Britain" by James Holland, and for an interesting German counterpart "Spitfire over my tail" by Ulrich Steinhilper.

[winny]

Originally Posted by Sternjaeger II

If you want an accurate and up to date read I would suggest "The Battle of Britain" by James Holland, and for an interesting German counterpart "Spitfire over my tail" by Ulrich Steinhilper.

James Hollands book is my favourite, good call.

If you can find a hardback copy of Patrick Bishop's Battle of Britain it's well worth it, it's a day by day account of the battle, full colour, one of those nice things to own.

[PeterPanPan]

Brian Lane's Spitfire! is an excellent read, written shortly before his death in 1942.

PPP

[Kurfürst]

In addition to the above, these ones, for a in depth German background on the BoB:

http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media...090518-051.pdf
http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media...090518-052.pdf
http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media...090518-055.pdf

From: http://www.afhra.af.mil/studies/numb...ies151-200.asp