What's the future of WW2 historical writing?

[Richard T. Eger]

I think Franek has hit upon a key point: People aren't reading as much of these types of books as they used to. At least two authors have made this comment to me.

So, it is a bit ironic and sad, now that more and more records are becoming available and researchers are showing even greater diligence, that the market for their end product is shrinking.

I know that when I go to the bookstores, the shelf space devoted to WW II aviation is not near what it was a few years ago. Of course, I'm in the middle of an aviation history drought region - southern Delaware - but I still know that my forays to the more populated areas are yielding less results. Even a visit to the bookstore within the NASM last fall was quite disappointing versus my earlier visits.

And, the more we know, the more some of us want to focus even more narrowly. One has to ask the question as to whether a book like Günter Sengfelder's German aircraft landing gear books would really have a sufficient market today to sell, let alone actually make a profit for the author.

Thus, an Me 262 nuts and bolts book considered a year ago might not really have an adequate market. Oh, there will be the die hards who would buy it, but likely their number is diminishing yearly. Face it, WW II ended 60 years ago.

And, it may not be just WW II aviation, but aviation in general. Zenith books used to put out "THE CATALOG", chock full of offerings. Now their catalog is a mere shell of its former self, with very little new to be seen.

Tell me I'm wrong. I'd love to hear it.

Oh, I'll keep researching on my favorite topic, the Me 262. And, certainly, there is enough call upon me for help to keep me quite busy. But, whether a really detailed book would still possibly be of interest, I have my doubts.

Matter of fact, I just had an interesting phone conversation with a former well-known retired NASM curator. He works for one of the aviation history magazines - works or volunteers, I don't quite recall which. He said that authors really aren't paid to put their works in his magazine, that they do it for the pleasure of seeing their efforts in print and I guess the name recognition. So, guys, one can still publish, but it will be, in the main, a labor of love and not one of profit. On a brighter note, he did say that this and other magazines from this group are profitable. Heck, at the prices they are going for these days, they better be!!

Regards,
Richard