Peter Townsend
Hardcover | Pages: 456 pages Rating: 4.2 | 164 Users | 12 Reviews
Point Appertaining To Books Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain
| Title | : | Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain |
| Author | : | Peter Townsend |
| Book Format | : | Hardcover |
| Book Edition | : | First Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 456 pages |
| Published | : | May 15th 2008 by Book Sales, Inc. (first published 1969) |
| Categories | : | History. Aviation. War. World War II. Nonfiction. Military Fiction |
Rendition During Books Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain
Over last thirty years or so, military history books written or translated into English have constituted a major part of literature that I like to read. No matter how hard I try, I cannot recollect reading a book in that genre that seems as quintessentially ‘English’ as “Duel of Eagles”. Written only 30 years after the legend of Battle of Britain took shape, by a man who actually led one of RAF squadrons into battle against Luftwaffe, it is filled to brim by English patriotism, stiff upper lip and absolute and unreserved pride in the achievement of ‘the few’. And rightfully so!The passion and emotional engagement of the author makes this volume into very engaging and surprisingly compassionate read. The human aspect of the story told in this book is very tangible, often painfully so. In my opinion therein lies the main strength of this book - the reader gets sincere, frequently uncomfortable insight into the psyche of the young men who did their best to kill each other in French and British skies that fateful summer of 1940. Sense of duty that drove them, exhilaration of combat and joy of surviving yet another day, constant fear of being maimed or burned to death, the utter exhaustion, sorrow over friends lost often in front of ones eyes and quite often pure disgust over the constant slaughter of both friend and foe – this odd mix of emotions is perfectly depicted by author and leaves a very poignant, lasting imprint on reader’s mind.
As so often is the case though, the strength of this book is also its greatest weakness. The strong feelings of the author get in the way of providing a truely objective analysis of the ‘big picture’. In this respect, the book clearly retells the ‘lore’ of Battle of Britain rather than its history. If the reader is interested in ‘proper’ analysis of early history of RAF and Luftwaffe and especially the operational analysis of Battle of Britain, it must be said that there is a multitude of better choices that this volume. “Duel of Eagles” should be regarded as what it is – a beautiful and thoughtful acknowledgement of bravery and ultimate sacrifice of young men wasted in a deadly conflict that never should have happened in the first place.
Describe Books As Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain
| Original Title: | Un Duel D'Aigles |
| ISBN: | 0785815686 (ISBN13: 9780785815686) |
| Edition Language: | English |
| Characters: | Hugh Dowding, 1st Baron Dowding |
Rating Appertaining To Books Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain
Ratings: 4.2 From 164 Users | 12 ReviewsCommentary Appertaining To Books Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain
I really enjoyed this book. It took me forever to read it - it is written in narrative format rather than really "putting you into the story", so it isn't a page-turner in the normal sense. But it gives a lot of great information about air warfare and how it developed and played such a pivotal role in WW2.What was most fascinating to me was the camaraderie that the author (a British WW2 pilot himself) described among pilots, whether friend or enemy.One of the best write ups of the Battle of Britain I have ever read.
This is a very good account of the Battle of Britian. It is written by an English pilot who fought in the war. He interviewed several German pilots for the book (including a man that he shot down during the battle) and gives an accurate portrayal from both sides.
XOS-940.54T
One of the best books I can recall that I've read about the Battle of Britain. Starting on September 7, 1940. Adolf Hitler ordered the bombing of London as well as other cities in Britain. This was known as the London Blitz. The British prime minister Winston Churchill urged his countrymen not to surrender and fight. I also like the comparison of the German and British fighters and bombers that were used. Some were good and others had flaws.
Excellent book on the Battle of Britain told from the perspective of a British pilot who fought in the battle. It includes German perspectives, along with blunders on both sides. What was really helpful was the background on the beginnings of both the RAF and Luftwaffe. Highly recommend!
Peter Townsend was a British fighter pilot during the Battle of Britain. As a side note, he was also the man Princess Margaret wanted to marry but was forbidden by her sister, the Queen.
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