[Brian]

Hi guys

Whenever I contribute to one of these heated discussions I usually stir up more trouble! However, as the author of some 25 books on WWII aviation I believe my contribution may be valid and useful - if only to take the heat out of the insults being exchanged.

Of course, everyone who buys/reads a book, particularly on our chosen subject, has a right to criticise, but surely only constructive criticism is acceptable and useful. Negative criticism is just that - negative.

I totally agree with John, a top researcher and author - it's the author's prerogative as to what he wishes to write about and how he presents his work. It is not his 'duty' to present tabulations of facts and figures if he decides against this style, and he shouldn't be criticised for his decision.

When I published 'Spitfires over Israel', the main criticism I received came from a prominent American/Jewish author, who accused me of giving the Arab countries too much coverage!! He didn't want to accept that I was trying to maintain a 'middle-of-the-road' stance and provide a balanced view of events as seen by a non-Jewish writer, even though I had a Jewish co-author.

When I wrote 'Spitfires over Sicily' I was criticised by another prominent American author, who complained that my book lacked credibilty as I hadn't included USAAF involvment. He wasn't impressed when I advised him that the title of my book gave a clue to the substance! I hadn't intended to write about the invasion of Sicily (Operation Husky) but just about the involvment of Malta's Spitfires in the invasion.

And when I wrote 'Buffaloes over Singapore' I received a discouraging review from yet a third American author, who implied the book was full of first-hand accounts (ie accounts of pilots who actually did the flying and fighting) which somehow degraded the account provided by me! In my opinion, one brief sentence from someone involved is worth far more than anything I can write!

But I'm fairly thick-skinned and providing I can convince a publisher that I have a good proposition, I won't be swayed by the few adverse comments I have received.

So I would say to those involved in this heated exchange, the author will write what he believes to be correct, and if the reader is not happy with that, go out and write your own 'version' of history.

Cheers
Brian