PIK

This second volume covers the bloody fights over the plains of russia, including a massive 450 photos/maps, of these 100 never published before, including the german version of the title. this is where we begun to realise the pain, difficulties and death faced by these men as they attempted to stop a overwhelming enemy, never giving up, rather dying than being captured as they struggle to keep the homeland safe and away of the enemys

An excellent report on the JG53 that starts by covering the deadly combats over Italy, where Stab, I and III/JG53, try to reduce the massive allied air superiority, taking us then to the retreat and final hours of one of the most famous fighter units of the Luftwaffe during WW2

THis book is very good, but you must really be an avid reader of WW II fighter combat to expend ninety dollars ina book !! Or in three books, because this is just part One of a trilogy !!

This book is volume one out of three. The book covers the history of JG53 from the formation of the Luftwaffe through to operations in the Mediterranean againsn't Malta. Included are Sitzkreig, the French campaign, Battle of Britain and the invasion and advance into Russia.

Prien gives daily accounts of operations by JG53, including diary extracts and combat reports from some of the pilots. This along with the lavish use of photographs, recreates the reality and feel of what it must of been like fly and fight for the Luftwaffe. At the end of each chapter Prien gives a grim detailed tally of JG53's losses.( I would like to have seen the same detailed tally on its victories as well.) JG53 was probably a good choice to research and write about for although it didnt have many of the well known aces and personalities like other Jagdeschwader, it fought in practically every theatre of the war.

Prein also is able to give quick, accurate summaries of overall military situations which I found excellent and refreshing.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend to anyone with an interest in WW2 aviation and the Luftwaffe although some may find it a little expensive. Some will be pleasantly surprised at the colour photograghs at the end of the book. I look forward to obtaining the next two volumes.

The first volume of a intense work of three volumes, it covers the creation and first years of JG 53, from the peace days thru Poland 39, France 40, Britain 40-41, and Soviet Union 41-42, where the blooding of the Luftwaffe begun.... A reference and also an account of the glory days of men fighting for the pleasure of flying

It's a classic. Pratt put a lot of work and detail into it, and it does contains the basics. It also has typo's on some (bunches) of the formula's, transforms, etc. that are annoying if you know about them (hazardous if you don't). Due to the bugs, this would not be my first choice in a DIP book, but I don't know which one would, either. If you are forced into it, find an errata for this book and mark it up, then the book will serve you well.