Lancaster
On sale
3rd September 2009
Price: £8.99
Genre
The Spitfire and the Lancaster were the two RAF weapons of victory in the Second World War, but the glamour of the fighter has tended to overshadow the performance of the heavy bomber. Yet without the Lancaster, Britain would never have been able to take the fight to the German homeland. Highlights the scale of the bomber’s achievements, including the famous Dambusters attacks. With its vast bomb bay, ease of handling and surprising speed, the mighty Lancaster transformed the effectiveness of the Bomber Command.
Whilst addressing the political controversy surrounding the bombing offensive against Germany, Leo McKinstry also weaves individual tales into this compelling narrative. Rich characters are brought to life, such as Roy Chadwick the designer, who taught himself engineering at night school and Sir Arthur Harris, the austere head of the Bomber Command. This is a rich saga, a story of triumph over disaster and the history of an iconic plane.
Whilst addressing the political controversy surrounding the bombing offensive against Germany, Leo McKinstry also weaves individual tales into this compelling narrative. Rich characters are brought to life, such as Roy Chadwick the designer, who taught himself engineering at night school and Sir Arthur Harris, the austere head of the Bomber Command. This is a rich saga, a story of triumph over disaster and the history of an iconic plane.
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Reviews
Convincing...excellent book
This thorough, engaging new history seeks to draw together all aspects of the bomber and its career...and the controversies which still surround it today
'Brilliantly researched and sharply written'
'The saga is one of courage, tragedy and drama...all the more fascinating because of its rich cast of characters'
'Fascinating...rich cast of characters..the definitive record'
(Leo McKinstry) describes the Lancaster as a heavy machine rendered graceful by its elegant design. The same description might be applied to his own book
'Impressive...storytelling. [McKinstry] describes the Lancaster as a heavy machine rendered graceful by its elegant design. The same description might be applied to his own book'
'Brilliant'
'This is one of the most interesting wartime books that I have read for many a day. I recommend it to others'
Extremely readable...rich narrative
'Meticulously researched . . . a first-rate account of a unique British creation whose success and brave crews helped to keep Europe free'
'There were a good number of high-quality books on military history published last year but none were better than LANCASTER by Leo McKinstry...this is a meticulously researched story ... a first-rate account of a unique British creation whose success and brave crews helped to keep Europe free'