Eagles over Darwin: American Airmen Defending Northern Australia in 1942

[edwest2]

Expected on 1 January.

https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Tom-Lewis/dp/0648665984

Usual disclaimer,
Ed

[John Beaman]

I am curious about this book because George Preddy flew with the 49th in this period until he was wounded. The price seems a little much for a 140 page paperback, $43+. Am I off base in thinking this?

[edwest2]

John,


Having been in the book business for going on 40 years, I've seen book prices go up as printing and other costs increased and with publishers desiring a certain amount of profit. Many niche publishers are limited by low press runs which almost guarantees a higher printing cost.

I am not familiar with Dr. Tom Lewis. It may seem hard to believe, but even now, contracts between authors and publishers can involve a certain amount that goes against the prevailing idea that there is no money to be made with books like this. The independent publisher I work for has provided me with enough to live on for many years.

That said, as a military book buyer, I am seeing many books I want in the $50 + range. That means I first buy those books that I want most, and leave the others in the 'maybe' category. I would very much like to see prices decrease by even $5.

Ed

[Edward]

I have been told that Bob Alford has nearly completed a very detailed history of the 49th FG at Darwin.

[Jim Oxley]

If this new book is of the same standard as Dr. Tom's other ones eg The Empire Strikes South: Japan’s Air War Against Northern Australia 1942-45; Carrier Attack Darwin 1942: The Complete Guide to Australia's own Pearl Harbor; and Zero Hour in Broome: The Untold Story of the Attacks on Northwest Australia in 1942.
Then it should be a keeper.

And I'm keenly awaiting Bob's books.

[John Beaman]

Guys, thanks for the comments.

[Frank Olynyk]

Bob Alford's book, Darwin's Air War 1942-1945, is listed on Book Depository as having been published on July 1, 2020. 262 pages. It is an update of his 1991 book.

Enjoy!

Frank.

[Jim Oxley]

And quite a substantial one too, as the original was only 80 pages.

[Edward]

Two editions of Bob Alford's Darwin's Air War 1942-1945 have been published to date.

The original appeared in 1991 and is 80 pages in length

The revised edition was published in 2011 and is 262 pages long.

Both are solid pieces of aviation history researched and written by someone who has spent a lifetime interviewing veterans and studying WWII.

https://www.ozatwar.com/books/darwinsairwar.htm

[Fanair]

Helas ! the revised edition of Darwin's air war is very difficult to purchase in Europe