Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain [Paperback]

Peter Townsend (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2001

Group Captain Peter Townsend - himself a Battle of Britain pilot - traces the background to the conflict from the defeat and destruction of the Kaiser's air force to the long days of 1940 when Spitfires and Messerschmitts fought their battles to the death over England. Dogfights in the sky, ruthless political manoeuvres, legendary heroes of the air like Richthofen (the 'Red Baron') and Douglas Bader - Duel of Eagles combines all of these in a colourful, dramatic and evocative account of the furious air conflict that saved Britain from German invasion.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Dogfights in the sky, ruthless political maneuvers, legendary heroes of the air like Richthofen (the "Red Baron") and Douglas Bader, this book combines all of these colorful, dramatic, and evocative accounts of the furious air conflicts that saved Britain from German invasion.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Peter Townsend was himself a Squadron Leader during the Battle of Britain and later fought in Night-fighters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Phoenix Press (June 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842122118
• ISBN-13: 978-1842122112
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,145,564 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 'You Are There' Aerial Warfare History, January 4, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain (Hardcover)

English Ace Peter Townsend's reconstruction of the Battle of Britain. This spirited rendition, written by a pilot who flew and fought during the struggle, follows the career of the author and German counterparts amidst the looming backdrop of WWII. This account moves from the defeat of the Kaiser's air force in 1918 to 1940 when Hurricanes, Spitfires and Bf-109s (Messerschmitt) dueled over English skies. The history of the fledgling Luftwaffe and RAF during their formative years is terrific. Also of interest is the general characterization of the RAF, which during the Battle of Britain was a multicultural force comprising British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders as well as squadrons from most of the European countries Germany had conquered as well...plus a handful of Americans. Belongs on a bookshelf with Brickhill's 'Reach for the Sky,' Forrester's 'Fly for Your Life,' Deere's `Nine Lives,' Galland's 'The First and the Last' and Richard Hillary's work...classics all!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Battle of Britain Masterpiece, February 22, 2010

By 

D. Banning "USAFA '09 Grad" (Georgia, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Duel of Eagles: The Struggle for the Skies from the First World War to the Battle of Britain (Hardcover)

The cover of the book says, "The greatest book on the Battle of Britain ever written", and I think it lived up to the review. A very well organized look at the entire situation leading up to the battle, as well as the simultaneous events across the pond (i.e. Hitler's Operation Sealion), the profound impact that the RAF pilots had on history, and just how close Hitler came to launching an amphibious invasion of England. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the subject.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars duell of eagles, September 9, 2004

By 

Giuseppe Clemente "spitfire" (Norman, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Duel of Eagles (Hardcover)

extremely good in details, very professional view from a fighter pilot point of view, very good background history about the origin of the Battle of Britain and the battle itself. just an excellent book.