The Sky on Fire: The First Battle of Britain, 1917-1918 (Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight Series) [Paperback]

Raymond H. Fredette (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Smithsonian (April 17, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560980168
• ISBN-13: 978-1560980162
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,533,331 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly detailed and written book on a forgotten subject., December 20, 1999

By 

DMF - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sky on Fire: The First Battle of Britain, 1917-1918 (Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight Series) (Paperback)

Have you ever bought a book because you were interested in the subject matter, only to realize upon reading the first chapter that the writer does not know how to entertain? If you have, then brace yourself, because this book is NOT like that. The author filled each chapter with relevant insights into the characters that make up the events. Not once was I overpowered by facts alone. I have read highly praised novels that lacked the emotion, suspense, etc, that this book displays. To top it off, the author writes with unbelievable knoweldge of a subject that is too often overlooked: the implications of the First Battle of Britian.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Career fighter pilot loved it., March 16, 1998

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sky on Fire: The First Battle of Britain, 1917-1918 (Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight Series) (Paperback)

As an air defense pilot 1954-1970 with a hobby of military history I thought the book well researched and detailed and instills in the reader what it was like back then in a hostile sky. I have read the book several times and still find it fascinating. Walt (BJ) Bjorneby Lt/Col, USAF, (Ret), pilot F86/F102/F104/F4

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical volume on WW1 heavy bombing, October 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sky on Fire: The First Battle of Britain, 1917-1918 (Smithsonian History of Aviation and Spaceflight Series) (Paperback)

I have the original hardback edition of this book, and found it to be very well researched and written. Besides the history of the great German biplane bombers, it explains the frustration of England in developing a defense against this new type of warfare. Also, the fight in the English government to establish an independant Air Force is also discussed. An interesting read for history students or aviation enthusiasts.