Spitfires Over Israel: The First Authoritative Account of Air Conflict During the Israeli War... [Hardcover]

Brian Cull (Author), David Nicolle (Author), Shlomo Aloni (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1994

This is an account of the air conflict during the Middle East war of 1948-49; it also traces the roots of civil and military aviation in the Middle East back to the early days of the 20th century, and includes the region's involvement in both World Wars. This book is the result of extensive collaboration between three authors of differing backgrounds and sympathies.Brian Cull represents the "British" point of view, as well as that of the many dozens of American, Canadian, South African and British volunteers who flocked to Israel's aid. Shlono Aloni, an Israeli historian, naturally reflects his country's attitude and position. David Nicolle, however, has been a staunch supporter of the Arab cause since the early 1960s, and lived in Jordan from 1983 to 1987. The authors have produced an account which, by combining their various specializations and differing viewpoints, is as accurate and unbiased as possible. Although certain information has been made available to the respective authors from official sources, sadly few of the Arab agencies approached responded favourably, if at all. Therefore, "Spitfires Over Israel" should be regarded as an authoritative account rather than an authenticated history. The book includes extracts from interviews/correspondence with a number of American, Canadian, South African, British and Israeli volunteer pilots; and extracts from interviews/correspondence with former Egyptian Air Force personnel and with former RAF pilots who found themselves involved in the 1948-49 conflict.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Grub Street; First Edition edition (January 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0948817747
• ISBN-13: 978-0948817748
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,391,199 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly excellent book!!, May 10, 1999

By 

Samy S El Semman - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spitfires Over Israel: The First Authoritative Account of Air Conflict During the Israeli War... (Hardcover)

This book definitely delivers what it promises, namely, a well-balanced and detailed account of the air battles of the 1948-49 Arab/Israeli War. The three authors have cooperated to produce a brilliantly well-balanced account of that war, a rare achievement in the touchy topic of the Arab/Israeli Wars. Gererously illustrated with a plethora of photographs from the conflict, backed up by extensive and accurate research, and written in a clear and emminently readable style, I dare say that this is THE definitive account of the Air Operations of the 1948 War. I can't recommend this book enough.