Malaula! The Battle Cry of Jasta 17 [Hardcover]

Julius Buckler (Author), Norman Franks (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2007

This important work was first published in German in late 1939, no doubt timed to impress the young Luftwaffe fighter pilots who were embarking on the second major air war in history.

Buckler initially served with the army when the Great War began, until he was wounded and moved to the air service to train as a pilot. Following a baptism of fire flying two-seat reconnaissance missions over France, he became a fighter pilot, joining Jasta 17 in late 1916. Despite receiving several more wounds, he continued in action, finally being awarded the highest decoration of the Pour le Me'rite, and ending the war with 36 victories over British and French aircraft. Not so much a war diary, his book is more a collection of memories told in a refreshing and entertaining manner.

Renowned air historian Norman Franks has placed these in context and added accurate and authenticated details of what Buckler achieved. However, the fighter ace's original words remain largely unchanged, and Adam Wait's expert translation gives a valuable insight into what it was like to fly over the Western Front from the other side of the line.

REVIEWS

"...fills a definite void for present day scholars and students... a wonderful insight into one of Germany's foremost fighter pilots. Its gripping narrative and numerous archival photos make it a must have for your aviation library." Aerodrome, Spring 2009

"...a well rounded, thorough investigation of a topic that would otherwise have remained unknown to most American readers...superior and highly recommended."Indy Dispatch Squadron, Volume 20, Number 2

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Adam M Wait's long-time interest in German language, literature and history culminated in a Master's Degree with honours in German from San Francisco State University. Some of his previous translations have appeared in various issues of Over the Front. He currently resides in Sacramento, California.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Grub Street Publishing (August 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1904943802
• ISBN-13: 978-1904943808
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,341,739 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Malula! Review, February 13, 2008

By 

Michael J. Clinton "quidveritas" (Spokane, Washington United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Malaula! The Battle Cry of Jasta 17 (Hardcover)

This volume was writen by Buckler many years after the fact and without the benefit of a diary or records. It is a collection of ancedotes that do not always jibe with historical fact. Commentary in the book is helpful as it confirms or takes issue with claims of the original author. This book was something other than what I was hoping to get but will be a nice addition to my WWI aviation library none the less.
mjc

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real look at Jasta people, November 8, 2007

By 

Prospector Jim "James" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Malaula! The Battle Cry of Jasta 17 (Hardcover)

Wonderful comparison between historian and a middle aged piolet's memories. Norman Franks's factual insertions to Buckler's story gives the reader a chance to understand how facts can get in the way of a good story, however it is a good antibotic for runaway romance. But, it raises some questions about both tyes of history. Life is not perfect and neither are rechords or memories. A good read!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read, April 15, 2010

By 

Michael Dunham "roowalker" (SC Coast,USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Malaula! The Battle Cry of Jasta 17 (Hardcover)

A fine read,good portrayal of life as an Imperial German Airman.It has some flaws,pointed out by the writer,and has a tinge of National Socialist propaganda about it,but these flaws did not detract from a good reading experience and a feel for the war in the air from the German side,and not about an icon like Voss or Udet,not to mention poor Richthofen!....Highly Recommend.