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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best,
By Lance M. (Brookline, MA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Fighter Pilot [Vintage Aviation Library 7] (Paperback)
In the body of WWI aviation literature there are many unappreciated gems. This is definitely one of them. William MacLanahan (McScotch) details his first experiences as a fighter pilot in the 40th squadron of the RFC. Lucky for him he joined an excellent group that included the greatest squadron leader of them all - Mick Mannock. The joy in reading the book begins immediately. He doesn't bore the reader with his life story, rather he begins with the ride that takes him to front and ends when he leaves. At the time of the story Mr. Mannock was just another pilot. As you read the book Mick begins the transformation into the legend but by the end he's not quite there, yet. In fact the book is an homage to the great man. Another treat is the beginnings of another legend George McElroy who became Ireland's leading ace. You read this and feel like you know what daily life was like in that period. You understand the hardships and the joy of their camaraderie. What separates this book from many of the others is the keen insight into the psychology of WWI pilots. You learn the qualities needed to first survive and then be successful. He doesn't explain why Mannock became the legend but allows the reader to see that greatness for him came in steps. Mannock had many issues to overcome but he did. His methods (and mistakes) are easily translated into modern life. Why Mannock's leadership methods are not more closely studied by businesses in teaching leadership is a mystery perhaps it's the necessity of knowing the era a bit. This book adds valuable insight not only to WWI history but also to the motivational techniques and the necessity of cultivating talent. Diversity makes teams better when led the right way and this book about life and death clearly shows it. I enjoyed the prose but the story is probably too narrowly focused to belong in the "classic" category. This book is probably best for the person who had read a bit about WWI aviation. A "must read" for the serious student.
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