RARE FLYING FORTRESS by Edward Jablonski 1965 HC/DJ BOOK WWII GERMANY [Misc. Sup Hardcover – January 1, 1965

I received this as a gift back in 1966 or 67. At the time I was an avid teen building models of my favourite airplanes and military ordinance. I devoured it and loved every page. Years went by and somehow my copy disappeared as a result of too many moves I imagine.I studied World War Two for years as a teen and young adult. It fascinated me, how the world was thrown into turmoil for almost ten years, most of which were filled with armed conflict between the axis powers and the rest of the world.It was a very important lesson for future generations to study and learn from...but, which has become forgotten, no longer taught in schools, and so the lessons that war still has to teach are long ignored, forgotten and believed will never happen again...as we sit and watch it all unfolding once again. The players may be different, but the end result may be even more devastating than that conflict was...and nobody seems to see it. Anyway...I bought another copy some years back, and it, too, went away...I found this copy, in virtually unread condition and snapped it up. This one isn't going to vanish!There is apparently a "revised" version which was published recently, but which we are advised by another person who grew up with this book, too, that it is a waste of your money. Buy the original, even if there are small errors (which are admitted). The original is still the better option.The seller nailed the description, as said, being virtually unread and sitting on a shelf all these years waiting for...me to buy and appreciate all it contains. You will, too.

Probably the best book I've read on the B-17, as well as about the 8th Air Force and the Air War over Europe. Consider that the book was written in 1965, when the crewmen Jablonski wrote about and interviewed were in their 40's and 50's and still had good recolections of what went on. I know my dad did about flying B-25's in the Pacific Theater in 1943.The pictures and details presented are outstanding and it's nice how Jablonski addresses many aspects of the war from the flight training, to being a P.O.W.. The book offers a sobering realization of the losses suffered by the Army Air Force as well as Germany and this is something every highschool student today needs to be aware of and understand what cost the price of freedom.In addition, my uncle flew B-17's in Europe and had a few good stories to tell when I was just a kid so I kind of had a little knowledge of the subject matter before hand.If you can get a copy of this book I highly recommend reading it.

This was a Christmas gift. My son-in-law had wanted this for a long time. Even though it was received after Christmas he was still delighted!