FIGHTER TACTICS AND STRATEGY 1914-1970

by Edward H. Sims ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1972

At the outset Sims disavows any attempt to be definitive; rather this is ""for those interested in the fascinating story of the air and the great pilots, and how they considerably affected the outcome of wars, establishing the principles of air power."" A former fighter pilot himself and author of Greatest Fighter Missions (1962) and The Greatest Aces (1967), Sims offers a relatively smooth Chronological recapitulation, interspersed with chatty anecdotes and hurrah-for-the-blue-yonder bravura from famous fliers -- Richthofen, Rickenbacker, Osterkamp, Beaumont, Cunningham, Hartmann, Gabreski, Olds -- many of whom he interviewed for this book. A few controversial matters are touched upon but without particular effectiveness: Sims declares himself in agreement with A. J. P. Taylor that British strategic bombing of Germany during World War II was a costly failure but no mention of its propaganda value is made; likewise he questions the continued need for long-range heavy bombers when missiles are available but fails to consider anti-missile defense capabilities. However, Sims does not represent himself as a heavyweight military historian and therefore his latest book should be accepted for what it is -- flying derring-do in historical formation.

Pub Date: April 1, 1972

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harper & Row

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1972

Categories: NONFICTION