Customer Reviews

Helmut Lent: The Lent Papers

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Peter Hinchliffe is one of my favorite authors. There are too few who have done the hard work necessary to present a fair and balanced view of selected members of the German armed forces of WW2, de-politicized. THE LENT PAPERS is typical of Peter's work, it gives you an "in the cockpit" assessment of the man who was, at the time, the top night-fighter pilot of the Nachtjagd. There is no long-winded, scholarly dissertation, just a straighforward biography. Great job Peter, great pilot, great book. Carter

There haven't been many biographies of Luftwaffe experten published that can hold a candle to Peter Hinchliffe's book on Helmut Lent. Hinchliffe's research and insights make this book a must read.

By any standard, Helmut Lent was an exceptional young man. One of the Luftwaffe's top nightfighter aces, he was a wing commander at age 25 with decorations galore. Hinchliffe recounts with much detail the exploits that led to Lent's fame.

Yet Lent was also a devout Lutheran and it's fascinating to read of the run-ins Lent had with the Gestapo over his family's beliefs. Most biographies of experten relate that particular pilot's exploits but few venture into the areas Hinchliffe does. The result is a multi-dimensional portrait of what seemed like a decent, god-fearing man who, unfortunately, fought for the most evil empire ever to exist.

Hichliffe's text benefits from access to Lent family archival material and many first-person accounts from those who served with Lent. The text is complemented by dozens of rare photographs of Lent, his aircraft, comrades and opponents.

A fascinating read!

I bought this book back in 2003; it is a special limited edition with signatures of Lents' officers from which he served with. They are all hand- written in pen, with the author's signature as well.
I paid $100.for it and it was money well spent. Mr Hinchcliff was very thorough and made this piece of history intriguing, as well, as exciting; and I will keep this book with all of my other collectables.