Customer Reviews

Arab-Israeli Air Wars 1947-1982 (Osprey Combat Aircraft 23)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

An outstanding review of the wars in the Middle East, the book focuses primarily on the Israeli Air Force during the 1947-1982 time frame. 16 color profiles and many previously not seen photos (11 in color) as well as 4 campaign maps, make for a well-rounded addition in the Combat Aircraft Series by Osprey. Much new information recently declassified by the Israelis makes for an interesting read. Gone are the 'aliases' many authors were forced to use in the past in other Israeli Air Force books, e.g. Lt. Y, Capt. X, etc, etc. Now the reader will actually learn who these men were! I would highly recommend this book to students of the Middle East as well as the IAF.

I admit my experience with Osprey aviation titles is slim. This volume is entitled " Arab-Israeli "; in reality it deals with the Israeli side. That being said, it is a worthwhile book. The anecdotal quotes are illuminating. Lush sideviews are included for most of the aircraft mentioned. If, however, you are looking for coverage of the Arab air forces, I would highly recommend the Squadron title " Arab Air Forces " by Charles Stafrace. This title covers the development of Arab air power from their earliest appearences and also has great artwork. Put these two titles together and you will get a much more balanced picture of Middle Eastern air campaigns.

An excellent review of the actual air-war. It is a pity that it wasn't printed in larger type. The additional charge would have been well worth it. I don't believe there is another book with as good information.
Robert X. Leeds

This covers exactly what it's title describes. The author takes an indepth look at the conflicts surrounding Israel's creation and up to the early 1980's. A must have for any IAF/IDF or military aviation enthusiast.

As other reviewers have pointed out, this book presents the Israeli side only. The book includes only two pictures of Arab aircraft and in both cases the planes are shown being shot down; there are no pictures of Arab pilots or discussion of the Arab side. I felt duped by buying this book (it was shrink wrapped in the store so I couldn't examine it before the purchase), so I wrote to Osprey about how disappointing it was. They were sympathetic to my dislike of the book and they sent a replacement title. This book is primarily a pilot's personal memoir, not a study or survey of the Arab-Israeli air wars.

though the book is interesting, it's obvius that is biased far beyond the truth. there are certain things that must be respected if someone wants to talk about history. sadly, the author didn't do that, and presents maps of the partition of Palestine wich are not only inaccurate, but fake and aimed to change the past. that way, he crossed the line that makes the diference betwen history and propaganda.