Well, I might as well write something this month! I'm about to disappear until the end of April as I prepare for yet another exam. The past few months haven't generated as much material for ABR as I would have liked but that has been entirely due to my lack of time to do so.
The new books have been flowing in quite nicely as you can see by the ever-increasing list of covers on the right-hand side of every page. There is a distinct Bomber Command theme - note the Australian title in the 'pile', the weighty Lancaster Men by Peter Rees - with many of the new books and I will be partly highlighting this in the near future by shining a bit of a light on the works of Alan Cooper and the new editions of his books being published by Pen & Sword this year.
ABR has recently had the review for The Bomber Command Memorial Book published in the Antique Aeroplane Association of Australia's magazine, Rag & Tube. Well, I had it published as it's attributed to me and doesn't mention the site but it's 'out there' all the same. Hopefully, a shorter version of this review and two others will appear in the next issue of Flightpath.
On the subject of new books, I am very much looking forward to Graeme Gibson's first volume of his No. 16 Squadron SAAF history, Path Of Duty. As comprehensive and 'unknown' a history as this is, I can guarantee every reader will be blown away by the sketches, profiles and artwork that will supplement the photos. You will never see better. Something more well known is the Battle of Britain and Kristen Alexander is set to release Australian Eagles which is the prelude to her 'opus' - the much-anticipated Australia's Few. What was to be an e-book will be available as a lovely, limited edition hardback in early July. It is an enjoyable yet sobering read and will certainly open a few eyes to the Australian BoB experience ... and break a few hearts.
Finally, I'll close with a quick recommendation. Owen Zupp, author of Down To Earth, released his first e-book, 50 Tales Of Flight, earlier this month and it, for want of a better description, has been a runaway success. 50 Tales is currently top of the pile in its genre on Amazon and is firmly into the top 10 in the iTunes biography category. A phenomenal effort whichever way you look at it but completely justified. While many of the stories are beyond the scope of ABR, aviation lies at the very heart of each one and that same joy of, and fascination with, flight experienced and recounted by many WW2 aircrew in their memoirs can be found on every page. An enlightening and uplifting read if ever there was one and to read this book is to understand the meaning of passion. Owen didn't regard this as a biographical work but the reader will certainly soar with him, heart and soul, through many adventures, and inspirations, from his time in aviation ... so far!
Until May, keep reading and exploring. I'll live vicariously through you!
Andy
