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Zeigler vs. Spaete
Jukka,
Since there are several very good books on the 262, all published after Zeigler’s book, I didn’t even browse the text.
I agree that Spaete’s book is excellent. Previous to Classic Publications two volume 163 history, your choices were Zeigler’s “Rocket Fighter”, published in the 60s and Spaete’s “Top Secret Bird” dating ( I believe) from the 80s. This ignores “Warplanes of the Third Reich” and Putnam’s “German Aircraft of the Second World War”.
Zeigler’s book was partly based on his experiences as a member of the 163 test and evaluation squadron and is a fairly good book, especially considering its age.
I agree that Spaete’s “Top Secret Bird” is excellent. It gives a lot in insight into the efforts required to get the 163 operational. Little things; ground handling, armament...and on and on.
I didn’t peruse “Hitler’s Jet Plane” enough to get an impression. Perhaps another lunch-time walk to the bookstore.
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