The First Air War: 1914-1918 [Paperback]

Lee Kennett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 30, 1999

"In this fascinating book, Lee Kennett tells of (World War I fliers and) their experiences on all fronts and skillfully places them in proper context" (Edward M. Coffman, author of "The Old Army"). "A welcome and long overdue addition to the literature of military aviation."--Richard P. Hallion, Lindbergh Professor, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The much-covered field of World War I in the air gains an extensively researched re-evaluation in this work by Kennett, research professor at the University of Georgia and author of seven books, including G.I.: The American Soldier in World War II (Warner, 1989). Choosing not to dwell on the desperate air-to-air combats of a few American, British, and German aces--exciting though they were, their importance was overemphasized by the media of the day and subsequent historians--he views the war in the air as a whole, reminding us that the primary purpose of air power in World War I was reconnaissance and intelligence. He provides fresh information and thoughts in many areas, including valuable chapters on the recruitment, training, and daily lives of the participants. Students of this period's air warfare should read Kennett's book first, then go on to more detailed works. Essential for all World War I collections.
- Stanley Itkin, Hillside P.L., New Hyde Park, N.Y.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Free Press (July 30, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684871203
• ISBN-13: 978-0684871202
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,011,733 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good overview of the very first true Air War of mankind, November 8, 2001

By 

Frank A. (Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The First Air War: 1914-1918 (Paperback)

Having searched for a good overview of the Air War of World War 1, I was amazed by how difficult it actually is to find anything adequate, since most books tends to focus their scope only upon certain aspects of that war.
On the other hand, Lee Kennett's book provides the reader with a comprehensive introduction into those early days of air combat.
The accounts from both sides of the front, e.g. the Central Powers and the Allies are well balanced.

This book certainly lacks some depth, so readers with more specific and detailed interests probably want to look elsewhere.
And since it is not an oral history, it might be a bit dry for some others.
But for readers who have a more general interest on the subject, I can recommend this book without hesitating.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent survey!, October 17, 2004

By 

Dr. Hypersonic (Alexandria, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The First Air War: 1914-1918 (Paperback)

This is a surprisingly good book about a subject that has been already covered in tons of ink. Kennett has written widely on air warfare, and held a visiting professor position at the National Air and Space Museum. Many other works have examined combat or industrial aspects of the war, but his is still the best overall survey: balanced, very well thought out, well-argued, and not so drenched in detail as to confuse the reader with a welter or jumble of data. I strongly recommend this for the bookshelf of anyone interested in the use of aviation and airpower in the Great War!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed this book!, May 17, 2006

By 

Duffy Sullivan (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The First Air War: 1914-1918 (Paperback)

As a life long WW1 air combat buff I have come to appreciate Kennett's account of the birth of air combat as the best on the topic I have read yet.

Both entertaining and thorough Lee focuses on the development of the air war as a whole rather than the individual exploits of a few elite aces. Chapters are devoted to subjects like aircraft design and maintenance, the structure of a nations air corps, day to day life in a flight squadron, or the general public's perception of pilots. What kind of man actually sought out this dangerous career of flight combat and how were they trained? How was this new fangled flying machine assimilated into a warring nations military and put to tactical advantage? We have all heard about the fighter pilots and their single seater scouts but what was the function of the recon squadrons and the bombers?
The book is well written. It is amazing how much information is contained in here. Every paragraph is meaningful, it is well organized, and I don't think there is a topic on the subject of the first air war that was left out. It is an historical narrative but Kennett brings it to life with personal opinions and thoughts from people of the period.
If you are looking for a great read on the subject of early aviation and the first air war, you will have to look hard to find one that tops this one!