Customer Reviews

In the Company of Eagles

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

 

 

Although I am a fan of Ernest K. Gann I had not heard much about this book before I found it at a used book store and decided to read it. It is a very enjoyable book about WW1 aviation. A fictional work centering on the experiences of two fighter pilots, one French the other German. Written by Gann during his halcion days as a best selling author (1965) it is an excellent read. It was a book of the month club selection when it first came out and is therefore rather plentiful at used book stores and book sales. If you want a hot tip on another of Gann's books that has been pretty much forgotten try Soldier of Fortune. One of his best even though it is not about Flying. Also made into a pretty good movie staring Clark Gable.

Seems that's true of most of Ernest K. Gann's works. Gann is perhaps the finest writer of the early history of American commercial aviation. From the first mail pilots, to the DC4, Gann brings it alive either in historic fiction or actual histories. However, In the Company of Eagles is not about Gann's actual flying experience, but about World War I fighter pilots -- one French the protaganist and his German protaganist. Gann's description of WW I air combat is exciting and realistic, and this short book is a real page turner. I have read it twice and will read it again some day. You may find the story to be improbable, and surely it was, but certainly these type of incidents did happen.

This was the second book I have read by Ernest Gann and while I don't think any book could be better than Fate is the Hunter, this had to come in as a close second. The book tells the story of two fighter pilots in World War I and while fictional work, Gann uses factual evidence of the aviation battles in the Great War to back up his story. The author can make even those who have never flown feel the power of being in the cockpit and makes the skies sound as majestic and dangerous as they can be in real life. Gann's ability to draw the reader in makes for another great book that is hard to put down and is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I have read this one many times. It is a personal favorite of mine. If you have any interest in WWI aviation this is the one novel to read. Brings both the gallantry and the despair of this war to the reader. Loved it.

I loved it! Great characters. The story made me think. It provided new insights to a topic I love. And I couldn't put it down! What more does a book need to do?