Customer Reviews

Boeing B-29 Superfortress : American Bomber Aircraft in World War II Vol. II

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I have no doubt that this book was indeed a labor of love for its writer as he claims. Further he has achieved his stated intention to help preserve and honor the memory of the B-29 and, more importantly those who took it to war, through the publication of previously unseen photographs the writer painstakingly assembled. That said the book's text (including captions) reads like a first draft and its format is rather awkward. The editor must have either been very busy or asleep at the switch when this was run past him.

The primary subject of the book's photos is B-29s serving in the Pacific in WW-2, with lesser coverage of the bomber's earlier service in the CBI theater and little on its extensive (and important) post WW-2 career. It is also not a book which seeks to detail the B-29, its history, or the tactics it's crews employed in war - though it makes no claim to that end.

Physically the book is well made and well printed - important to we old timers who still seek to archive our interests with physical artifacts! Of course it is thus also a bit pricey.

In spite of its failings and limitations, if you are a B-29 or a 20th Air Force enthusiast you will want to add it to your collection.

Probably the most valuable thing I can do for prospective purchasers of this book is to explain exactly what it is. This book consists almost entirely of photographs and captions, most of which are nose art. Most chapters are dedicated to a specific bombardment wing, and start with a short (< 1 page) description of its activation, group and squadron make-up, and eventual deactivation. After that, what follows is a listing of each individual aircraft in that wing by name, serial number, group/squadron, markings, and final disposition. Sometimes there is also a short description of an event of particular interest to that aircraft.

This is not a book for someone who wants to read about the history or operations of the B-29 Superfortress. This is a highly-illustrated reference book. However, it is an very comprehensive collection of wartime B-29 photographs, and that's where I think this book's true value lies. If that's what you're looking for, then this is the book for you. If you want to read history, however, look elsewhere.