Good Air Novels??
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Good Air Novels??
I would welcome some thoughts and advice on what your favourite AIR WARFARE NOVELs might be. I'm looking for work in the vain of "The Hunters" by John E. Slater.
Does John NICOL have a point of view?
A lot of stuff, such as "Sagittarius Rising" - Cecil Lewis and "Stuka Pilot" - Ulrich Rudel, are in fact memoir. I'm really interested in the literary fiction side.
Thanks in advance
Does John NICOL have a point of view?
A lot of stuff, such as "Sagittarius Rising" - Cecil Lewis and "Stuka Pilot" - Ulrich Rudel, are in fact memoir. I'm really interested in the literary fiction side.
Thanks in advance
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Air Warfare fiction seems to be quite rare. On my bookselves I found only the following.
On the Great War, 'The Mustering of the Hawks' and 'The Professionals', both by John Harris published 1972 and 1973 respectively (my copies are later editions from Arrow and Puffin). There were a few more on WW2 subjects.
John Beede: 'Rear Gunner' first published 1965 (my copy from Tandem). About Bomber Cmd.
James Campbell: 'Maximum Effort' (again Bomber Cmd) 1957 (my copy Futura).
Spencer Dunmore: 'Final Approach' (about B17s) 1976 (my copy Pan).
Frederick E Smith: '633 Squadron' (and 4 sequels).
Elleston Trevor: 'Squadron Airborne' (about the Battle of Britain) 1955 (Great Pan).
Frankly, none of the above (except perhaps the first 633 Sqn book) is an especially distinguished novel.
Although not strictly a war book, you might enjoy Frederick Forsyth's short story 'The Shepherd' set in the late 1940s (or possibly early 1950s). Anyway, it is set around a flight in a Vampire.
Finally, I met an author at RIAT today who has just published the first of what he hopes will be a series of aviation-centred novels (to follows the naval examples of CS Forrester, Patrick O'Brian etc). The book is called 'The Aviator's Apprentice' (or 'Will Turner's Flight Logs: Part One') by Chris Davey. It looks quite promising, but I have not read it so I can't give you a positive recommendation yet. However, Mr Davey has certainly researched his subject thoroughly. The book is published by the US company Lucky Press and is available on application from The Turner Logs Co, PO Box 72, Hertford, SG14 3HY for £12.95 (incl P&P).
Moving away from fiction, you mentioned Cecil Lewis's 'Sagittarius Rising'. I think this is far and away the best aviation book to emerge from the Great War. There are plenty of other autobiographies and historical books which draw on personal accounts covering all periods from 1914 to the recent Balkans conflicts. Why go for fiction when you could read the real thing?
If none of the above appeals, you could always try Biggles (I think there are nearly 100 of them) or write one yourself!
On the Great War, 'The Mustering of the Hawks' and 'The Professionals', both by John Harris published 1972 and 1973 respectively (my copies are later editions from Arrow and Puffin). There were a few more on WW2 subjects.
John Beede: 'Rear Gunner' first published 1965 (my copy from Tandem). About Bomber Cmd.
James Campbell: 'Maximum Effort' (again Bomber Cmd) 1957 (my copy Futura).
Spencer Dunmore: 'Final Approach' (about B17s) 1976 (my copy Pan).
Frederick E Smith: '633 Squadron' (and 4 sequels).
Elleston Trevor: 'Squadron Airborne' (about the Battle of Britain) 1955 (Great Pan).
Frankly, none of the above (except perhaps the first 633 Sqn book) is an especially distinguished novel.
Although not strictly a war book, you might enjoy Frederick Forsyth's short story 'The Shepherd' set in the late 1940s (or possibly early 1950s). Anyway, it is set around a flight in a Vampire.
Finally, I met an author at RIAT today who has just published the first of what he hopes will be a series of aviation-centred novels (to follows the naval examples of CS Forrester, Patrick O'Brian etc). The book is called 'The Aviator's Apprentice' (or 'Will Turner's Flight Logs: Part One') by Chris Davey. It looks quite promising, but I have not read it so I can't give you a positive recommendation yet. However, Mr Davey has certainly researched his subject thoroughly. The book is published by the US company Lucky Press and is available on application from The Turner Logs Co, PO Box 72, Hertford, SG14 3HY for £12.95 (incl P&P).
Moving away from fiction, you mentioned Cecil Lewis's 'Sagittarius Rising'. I think this is far and away the best aviation book to emerge from the Great War. There are plenty of other autobiographies and historical books which draw on personal accounts covering all periods from 1914 to the recent Balkans conflicts. Why go for fiction when you could read the real thing?
If none of the above appeals, you could always try Biggles (I think there are nearly 100 of them) or write one yourself!
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Try 'Carrier' by John Wingate, as far as I remember, set during escalation of cold war, following the ASW battle (aviation that is) in the GIUK gap. Very realistic description of pinging stuff, in particular the use of those other weapons..
How could I forget, the apparent standard for rotary pilots- Chickenhawk
[ 30 July 2001: Message edited by: oldpinger ]
How could I forget, the apparent standard for rotary pilots- Chickenhawk
[ 30 July 2001: Message edited by: oldpinger ]
No contest!
LITERARY
Stranger to the Ground - Richard Bach
HUMOUROUS
Wild Blue - Chick Childerhose
ADVENTURE
Splash One Tiger - Chick Childerhose
There's lots of pulp 'airport novel' aviation and military fiction, some good (eg John Nichol's stuff - who ain't nuffink to do with me, David Axton's, Nick Cook's), some less so, and some diabolically bad. But very little of what you might call literary.
LITERARY
Stranger to the Ground - Richard Bach
HUMOUROUS
Wild Blue - Chick Childerhose
ADVENTURE
Splash One Tiger - Chick Childerhose
There's lots of pulp 'airport novel' aviation and military fiction, some good (eg John Nichol's stuff - who ain't nuffink to do with me, David Axton's, Nick Cook's), some less so, and some diabolically bad. But very little of what you might call literary.
'Winged Victory', by V.M. Yeates.
Title sounds a bit blockbusterish, but it's actually an eye-opening and believable account of the life of a WWI Camel pilot by someone who knew. Highly recommended.
'Wings on my Sleeve', by Eric (Winkle) Brown, whilst not a novel is still a dead-set entertaining account of this bloke's amazing experiences as an RN aviator.
Title sounds a bit blockbusterish, but it's actually an eye-opening and believable account of the life of a WWI Camel pilot by someone who knew. Highly recommended.
'Wings on my Sleeve', by Eric (Winkle) Brown, whilst not a novel is still a dead-set entertaining account of this bloke's amazing experiences as an RN aviator.
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The list is long (or I think it is):
Lancaster Target - Jack Currie (I think)
Mosquito Victory - Jack Currie
Goshawk Squadron - Derek Robbinson
633 Squadron
Operation Rhine Maiden (633 Squadron again)
Innumerable Battle of Britian - I was there type stories
Recent stuff:
Almost anthing by Dale Brown
Fly-Off and Check Six by someone who's name escapes me.
Rufus Remembers - Rufus Heald (great book)
... I will have to go and look at couple of shelves at home and then swamp the list...
Lancaster Target - Jack Currie (I think)
Mosquito Victory - Jack Currie
Goshawk Squadron - Derek Robbinson
633 Squadron
Operation Rhine Maiden (633 Squadron again)
Innumerable Battle of Britian - I was there type stories
Recent stuff:
Almost anthing by Dale Brown
Fly-Off and Check Six by someone who's name escapes me.
Rufus Remembers - Rufus Heald (great book)
... I will have to go and look at couple of shelves at home and then swamp the list...
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Low and Slow: Here are couple of interest however my feeble mind doesn't not recall the authors (the books are good though)
Thud Ridge: F105 pilot exploits in SE Asia (not sure if this book is still in print)
Chickenhawk: Try them see what you think
I'll trawl the dark recesses of my memory for others (only when I can find the map showing me the way out !?!?!
)
Thud Ridge: F105 pilot exploits in SE Asia (not sure if this book is still in print)
Chickenhawk: Try them see what you think
I'll trawl the dark recesses of my memory for others (only when I can find the map showing me the way out !?!?!
)
Although not a novel, this factual account is essential reading for anyone who ends up in defence/technical intelligence, countermeasure development etc:
"Most Secret War" by R V Jones.
This book chronicles the genesis of ECM, chaff, tech int, humint, sigint, elint, imint blah in the UK during the Second World War.
"Most Secret War" by R V Jones.
This book chronicles the genesis of ECM, chaff, tech int, humint, sigint, elint, imint blah in the UK during the Second World War.
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Some good suggestions.
I have read Chickenhawk and 633 Squadron.
Chickenhawk is memoir, but still good, but I thought 633 was drivel from a technical standpoint.
The Shepard by Freddy Forthsyth is bloody good and that is hardly surprising, since Freddy flew Vampires in the 1950's
I myself would pitch, (though neither is great)
HUMOUR: Petibones Law, by John Keene - US military aircraft industry
SE-ASIA: Taxi Dancer. Another F-105 novel.
I still need to know if POINT OF IMPACT by a well-known PPRUNER is the "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" of Air Novels. I was going to write "Corporal Evans's Organ", but have been advised against it.
Any more ?
I have read Chickenhawk and 633 Squadron.
Chickenhawk is memoir, but still good, but I thought 633 was drivel from a technical standpoint.
The Shepard by Freddy Forthsyth is bloody good and that is hardly surprising, since Freddy flew Vampires in the 1950's
I myself would pitch, (though neither is great)
HUMOUR: Petibones Law, by John Keene - US military aircraft industry
SE-ASIA: Taxi Dancer. Another F-105 novel.
I still need to know if POINT OF IMPACT by a well-known PPRUNER is the "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" of Air Novels. I was going to write "Corporal Evans's Organ", but have been advised against it.
Any more ?
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I think I read a Bomber Command one called 'Fire Storm' and another (sorry, don't remember the title) about WWII fighters on Malta, but both were memoirs. Chickenhawk by Robert Mason is an absolute must.
I think Imelda Marcos was right (not about the shoes) - truth is stranger than fiction, and it reads so much better!
I do enjoy 'Flight International' on a wekkly basis, though!
I think Imelda Marcos was right (not about the shoes) - truth is stranger than fiction, and it reads so much better!
I do enjoy 'Flight International' on a wekkly basis, though!
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'Blackhawk Down' - true story about a U.S. mission gone wrong in Mogadishu, Somalia - by Mark Bowden.
Not strictly an 'air war' story, but much coverage of the helicopters' role in the incident (and the Somalians' innovative way of shooting them down). A cracking read.
Not strictly an 'air war' story, but much coverage of the helicopters' role in the incident (and the Somalians' innovative way of shooting them down). A cracking read.
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L&S,
Thud Ridge is by Col. Jack Broughton,
ISBN 0-553-25189-9 published by Bantam in 1985. He was Court Martialed after two of his Majors strafed a Russkie merchantman unloading SAMs in Haiphong. He then, allegedly, "mis-laid" the gun-camera films .
Hated red-tape & bean-counters, excellent bloke and a v.good read. Not fiction, but I understand that Flight of the Intruder was based on the Haiphong incident which broke the daft RoE.
[ 31 July 2001: Message edited by: Gainesy ]
Thud Ridge is by Col. Jack Broughton,
ISBN 0-553-25189-9 published by Bantam in 1985. He was Court Martialed after two of his Majors strafed a Russkie merchantman unloading SAMs in Haiphong. He then, allegedly, "mis-laid" the gun-camera films
.Hated red-tape & bean-counters, excellent bloke and a v.good read. Not fiction, but I understand that Flight of the Intruder was based on the Haiphong incident which broke the daft RoE.
[ 31 July 2001: Message edited by: Gainesy ]
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Not a very fashionable author these days, but NEVIL SHUTE was an aeronautical engineer who wrote prolifically novels with an aviation theme. His auotboigraphy, 'Slide Rule' is also a good read. Try 'No Highway' as a starter. Books all set in 30's through to early 50's.
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Ham Phisted,
"Most Secret War" by R V Jones.
What an AWESOME book! Don't know if Mr Jones is still alive but would so much like to meet this chap. There was mention in the book about a documentary on the beeb I think about 10 years ago, wish I could find it!
One other that I have a personal interest in is 'Sigh for a Merlin' by my great friend Alex Henshaw. Another awesome read about his testing the Spitfire whilst at Castle Bromwich (Over 12000 Spitfires produced) in Birmingham (J5 M6 for those passing through).
Alex Henshaw
A thoroughly enveloping read both books.
Snappers
"Most Secret War" by R V Jones.
What an AWESOME book! Don't know if Mr Jones is still alive but would so much like to meet this chap. There was mention in the book about a documentary on the beeb I think about 10 years ago, wish I could find it!
One other that I have a personal interest in is 'Sigh for a Merlin' by my great friend Alex Henshaw. Another awesome read about his testing the Spitfire whilst at Castle Bromwich (Over 12000 Spitfires produced) in Birmingham (J5 M6 for those passing through).
Alex Henshaw
A thoroughly enveloping read both books.
Snappers
Sadly, RV Jones died a couple of years ago.
Following on the Spitfire theme, Jefferey Quill's Spitfire: A Test Pilot's Story is well worth a look.
As for fiction, Stephen Coonts is quite prolific, and as a USN veteran on A-6s, knows what he's about. Off the top of my head, think he's done seven in the Flight of the Intruder series with the same main character:
Flight of the Intruder
Final Flight [which wasn't since he resurrected the main character for the next novel]
The Minotaur
Under Seige
The Intruders
The Red Horseman and
Cuba
Although these all have a flying related background, from what I dimly recall, some of them have less flying 'scenes' than the others. Cuba is meant to be good, but have never read it. Coonts also did another novel about F-22s, I think, but apart from seeing the cover, I know nothing about it. Finally, he did a non-fiction book about his travelling around in an extremely old aeroplane. I can't recall what the aeroplane was or what the book was called, I'm afraid, although I remember a reviewer recommended it as 'Bill Bryson with Wings'
Piece of Cake, is jolly good, and controversial, since if you read it after reading Paul Richey's Fighter Pilot (another cracking non-fiction read), you'll allegedly spot some ...er... similarities between the two. I believe that Paul Richey felt so strongly over this that he intended to sue, but died before he could pursue the matter further.
[ 30 July 2001: Message edited by: Archimedes ]
Following on the Spitfire theme, Jefferey Quill's Spitfire: A Test Pilot's Story is well worth a look.
As for fiction, Stephen Coonts is quite prolific, and as a USN veteran on A-6s, knows what he's about. Off the top of my head, think he's done seven in the Flight of the Intruder series with the same main character:
Flight of the Intruder
Final Flight [which wasn't since he resurrected the main character for the next novel]
The Minotaur
Under Seige
The Intruders
The Red Horseman and
Cuba
Although these all have a flying related background, from what I dimly recall, some of them have less flying 'scenes' than the others. Cuba is meant to be good, but have never read it. Coonts also did another novel about F-22s, I think, but apart from seeing the cover, I know nothing about it. Finally, he did a non-fiction book about his travelling around in an extremely old aeroplane. I can't recall what the aeroplane was or what the book was called, I'm afraid, although I remember a reviewer recommended it as 'Bill Bryson with Wings'
Piece of Cake, is jolly good, and controversial, since if you read it after reading Paul Richey's Fighter Pilot (another cracking non-fiction read), you'll allegedly spot some ...er... similarities between the two. I believe that Paul Richey felt so strongly over this that he intended to sue, but died before he could pursue the matter further.
[ 30 July 2001: Message edited by: Archimedes ]
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Richard Bach wrote a fabulous (auto bio)short story about a flight in an ailing fighter in filthy weather over cold war Germany and the subsequent recovery. Brilliant Bach at his best but be beggared if I can remember the name of the story. (Night Flight?)I've failed to find it on BoL or Amazon. Ideas please?
My best aviation novel is another of the wonderful Mr Bach's. Jonathan Livingstone seagull. The best description of the thrill and mindset of military aviation training ever written Simply awesome!
My best aviation novel is another of the wonderful Mr Bach's. Jonathan Livingstone seagull. The best description of the thrill and mindset of military aviation training ever written Simply awesome!
For a work of complete fiction designed to send you off to beddie-byes without the need for Temazopan, try:
"JSP 318" - various authors
"HQ 2 Gp Air Staff Orders" - various contributors
Our literary critic writes "A right rib-tickler, 'JSP318' is the biggest work of fiction since vows of celibacy were included in the French marriage ceremony. '2GASOs' is the perfect companion for those suffering from extreme insomnia. Should sell well (not SelRel) in the souvenir bookshop at Saif Sareea!"
"JSP 318" - various authors
"HQ 2 Gp Air Staff Orders" - various contributors
Our literary critic writes "A right rib-tickler, 'JSP318' is the biggest work of fiction since vows of celibacy were included in the French marriage ceremony. '2GASOs' is the perfect companion for those suffering from extreme insomnia. Should sell well (not SelRel) in the souvenir bookshop at Saif Sareea!"