Customer Reviews

Air Aces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, 1914-1918

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This book is the result of many years of personal research and several trips overseas by Marty O'Connor, and culminated in what is arguably the definitive work on the subject of Austro-Hungarian aces. The writing in this book is neither eloquent nor poetic, but the information is priceless. O'Connor gives a biographical outline of each ace known within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, including the number of victories (and the victory lists of several major aces), any personal background available on the pilot in question and as much postwar information as possible. Where no information exists regarding such things as a pilot's birthplace, photo, or postwar occupation, O'Connor specifically makes note of it so the reader is left with no question marks. His work is thorough and his penchant for facts will quickly win the reader's trust. Spanning the language barrier and what in many cases is an almost total lack of official records, O'Connor does a brilliant job of piecing t! ogether enough information to acquaint even a WWI novice to life in the Austro-Hungarian air service. Several appendices trace vital details such as locations of airfields, maps of battle areas and color schemes of many aces' planes. This book is the most complete work I have seen on Austro-Hungarian aces and aircraft, and includes extensive interviews with several of that country's famous aces. Although written more as a reference book than a masterpiece of prose, this book is still highly recommended.

I agree completely with the previous reviewer, but just wanted to add a couple points.

1. This book has a surprising number of photos of "in flight" planes, including planes belonging to the men being written about. It even has a couple "in flight/in fight" photos. Unusual.

2. The detail on the planes and paint jobs is excellent.

3. It was originally printed by "Champlain Press," connected with a wonderful "Fighter Museum" in Phoenix which went out of business. Their outstanding collection went to the Seattle Museum of Flight. Anyway, first printing is out.
The version shown on Amazon comes from "Flying Machine Press," which has picked up a number of titles to reprint and made some fine books of their own. They made minor changes to the cover but it looks like the same (excellent) book inside.

3. Flying Machine Press shows the book as "out of print." I don't know how much we can count on the "one left, more ordered" note that is on the Amazon book listeding as of this date (10-18-05), so if you want this, you'd better order it or go for a used one soon. I don't think this is going to get any cheaper or easier to find in the near future.