MiG Master, 2/E: The Story of the F-8 Crusader [Paperback]

Barrett Tillman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2007

To be equally enjoyed by professional aviators and aviation buffs with limited technical knowledge, this biography brings to life the legendary aircraft that scored the highest kill ratio of any U.S. fighter aircraft in the Vietnam War. The book is filled with authentic re-creations of Crusader-MiG fights and vivid descriptions of the people and events that are part of the F-8 story, including John Glenn's 1957 record-breaking flight across the United States in three hours and twenty-three minutes. As the Navy's first supersonic aircraft, the Crusader holds an honored spot in carrier flying, and the author shows why it is called one of the most capable, versatile, and long-lived aircraft in naval aviation history. Barrett Tillman effectively combines an exciting account of the F-8's operational history with a detailed and authoritative explanation of its design, construction, and modifications. Tillman recalls the years of frustration and experimentation spent in refining the aircraft and its gunnery system, and then takes the reader through key actions in Vietnam where seasoned pilots handled their "rambunctious steeds" with scarcely a glance in the cockpit. Extensive appendixes provide further details.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

BARRETT TILLMAN is also the author of Corsair: The F4U in World War II and Korea, The Dauntless Dive Bomber of World War II, Hellcat: The F6F in World War II, and Wildcat: The F4F in World War II, among other books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Naval Institute Press; 2 edition (September 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591148685
• ISBN-13: 978-1591148685
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,082,424 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barrett Tillman (b. 1948) was born into a NE Oregon ranching family and developed an early interest in aviation history. He learned to fly as a teenager, was first published at age 15, and graduated from the University of Oregon with a journalism degree in 1971. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, book publisher, and magazine editor, but has been self employed all but seven years since graduating from college. Though best known for his histories of US naval aviation, he also has published six novels plus short stories, and has sold a screenplay.

Tillman continues writing nonfiction books and has written more than 550 articles in the US and abroad. He frequently appears as a commentator on TV documentaries in addition to his speaking appearances. The recipient of six writing awards, he lives with his wife in Arizona.

Tillman's web site and blog are found at www.btillman.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another fine aircraft history from Mr. Tillman., May 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: MIG Master: The Story of the F-8 Crusader (Hardcover)

Barrett Tillman has long set the standard for aircraft histories, and this volume is an outstanding work dedicated to a unique, often forgotten and under-rated aircraft. The achievements of the F-8 aircraft and its fliers are well covered and entertainingly rendered in this fast reading narrative. An essential work for anyone interested in jet fighters, Vietnam air combat, or air warfare in general.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good F-8 and US Navy Air Combat History Book, December 29, 1999

By 

"cobrachen" - See all my reviews

This review is from: MIG Master: The Story of the F-8 Crusader (Hardcover)

This book focus only on the F-8, thelast Navy fighter that was designed for gun air combat. You can find very detailed air combat record in Vietnam, including the time, place and names and you can really enjoy the contents and understand the other side of the stories of Navy air combat history in Vietnam

5.0 out of 5 stars F-8 Mig Master, October 3, 2011

By 

Larry L. Tracy (Costa Mesa, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: MIG Master: The Story of the F-8 Crusader (Hardcover)

This hard cover book was a great bargain! It arrived very soon after the order was placed. Its condition was far better than advertised! I love it. And my F-8 driver neighbor will also.