Phoenix - a complete history of the luftwaffe 1918-1945. Volume 1

[taitbb]

I haven't picked up this book...so am more looking for thoughts on if this book still has any value/use even with its flaws.

First, is there any other comparable modern English language work that delves into this early history with as much detail.

As we all know the vast majority of early luftwaffe documentation is lost. Is there even much official documentation that could have been referenced? Is outdated books from Nowarra sort of all that exists? Even if collected from imperfect memories?

I am asking as still being a potential buyer...as this is an area I have almost no literature on.

[Lennart Andersson]

First, the book. It depends on what you are after. If you need a summary of what has been written before it might be worth the money. The publisher has done a good job with layout, paper quality is good, etc. I found that it has a lot of information about personalities that was useful to me. However, my main interest is aircraft, how many were built, which versions existed, construction numbers, registration numbers, etc, and if you are looking for such information, see my review above. In addition one is left with the impression that this book was compiled a number of years ago, because newer and better German books and articles have not been used.

“The vast majority of early Luftwaffe documentation is lost”. I do not agree. Of course a lot was destroyed at the end of the war, but lots of material still exist, primarily at the Militärarchiv at Freiburg and at the Bundesarchiv in Berlin, but there are several other archives where relevant material can be found as well. It is in fact possible to piece together a fairly accurate history of German military aviation during the fascinating and often neglected 1919-1935 period, but that takes years of research. How do I know this? From personal experience.

[Col Bruggy]

Taitbb,

If you haven't got shelves and shelves of books on the Luftwaffe (mostly gathering dust), you could do a lot worse than purchase this one. It contains a lot of information that is spread over numerous books, some difficult to locate (and expensive to buy). Faults, sure, show me a book that doesn't have them. It is a mine of information, and will repay its purchase price many times over.

Try this: http://www.naval-military-press.com/...1918-1934.html

Col.

[Dénes Bernád]

Off topic, related to a detail found in the link Col. Bruggy provided: how on earth can 70% discount be offered on a fairly newly released book, so it would still be worth doing business?

[Col Bruggy]

Denes,

The book has been on sale for over a year. I purchased my copy in December 2016! The asking price then was GBP20.00. (The difference now, is that there is a hefty postage surcharge - weight-based). I imagine stocks would be running low now. Why bother? Snap it up!

Col.

[Alfred.MONZAT]

I have it and read half of it. My only read on this subject, albeit some articles, was the 1st book of the Classic's Jagdwaffe serie so I learn a lot but I'm quite a beginner compared to other people on this thread.

If I am not continuing reading it now it's because of Lennart Andersson. Not because of his review but because I'm currently reading one of his books

[Lennart Andersson]

Originally Posted by Alfred.MONZAT

If I am not continuing reading it now it's because of Lennart Andersson. Not because of his review but because I'm currently reading one of his books

Nice twist there at the end of your message! If things go as planned you might be able to read some more in a not too distant future.

Lennart