Customer Reviews

War in Pacific Skies

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The best painters are capable of capturing events with more realism and excitement than any photograph or movie ever could. Thanks to the great Jack Fellows, War in Pacific Skies is more of an adrenaline rush than any Hollywood movie on the subject. You can stare at a single one of his paintings for practically an hour and feel transported back in time to the event it portrays. The text is also rich with historical detail, but buy this one for the paintings. First rate!

A large selection of stunning paintings by Jack Fellows.
I like his style, very dynamic and close to Michael Turner's art.
Book is well printed and the not-so-often seen photos are a nice bonus.

The description somewhat misrepresents the contents of the book. It is PRIMARILY a vehicle to present Fellows artwork, wrapped in some uninspired text and often-seen photographs. I could not find anywhere the "personal insights" referenced. If you like Fellows art and buy the book for that ALONE you will like it. The text is boring and rehashes common ground with nothing new or "insightful".

I just received my copy of War in Pacific Skies.The first thing that popped out at me was how hard it is to read the descriptions by each picture. The print is small and very light making me have to strain my eyes to read the words. Please remember that the buyers of this book are generally going to be older people with an interest in aviation history. My main interest in reading is the aviation war in the Pacific so I've read a lot of different authors, seen a lot of artists and photographers work and the age of 77 I wear glasses to read. Even with my glasses on the type was hard to decipher. Another problem I found with the book is the use of the glossy paper. The reflection of light made reading harder, making me shift the book around just to see the words easily. Finally, I don't agree with the Forward written by My. Boyne. I didn't find the book full of new material. The book is basic in information, most of which has been published befor in print or on film. I did find the prints made the book worth having for a reference book but the text didn't ad much to any library. I have an extensive library of the aviation war in the Pacific and if I had seen the book befor I bought it I doubt I would have bought it. I served in Naval Aviation during the Korean fiasco, restored a Navy PT13, traveled to many military air shows and museums around the U.S. and Europe so I have a fair knowledge of militay histoy in the air. I also worked for a major U.S. publisher which gives me a pretty good insight into what constitutes a well produced book.

Charlie and Ann Cooper provide a comprehensive history of the Pacific air war in this 2010 Zenith Press softcover release. (The hardcover came out in 2003). The book's main selling point is the 100 dramatic and evocative paintings done by master artist Jack Fellows that compliment the text. While the text is informative enough, Fellows' artwork takes the book to a whole different level.

After an introductory 'Prelude to War' unit, the Coopers detail the PTO air war in chapters entitled 'Imperial Japan Seizes the Offensive,' 'The End of the Beginning,' 'Moving on Moresby,' 'Cactus Air Force,' 'Pacific Strategy' and so on. The text accurately if rather dispassionately describes the various battles, campaigns and missions flown during the war. Though the cover promised "Personal Insights" by combat veterans, I didn't see nary a one.

Fellows' artwork, though, is simply wonderful. His paintings - whether they portray a P-38 locked in a dogfight, B-25s strafing Japanese airfields at zero feet, a P-47 rolling in on a target, an SBD attacking a Japanese BB or a B-24 going mano-a-mano with an Emily flying boat - knock your socks off. His paintings are as technically accurate as they are dramatic and appealing. I couldn't begin to list my most favorite painting in WAR IN PACIFIC SKIES if I tried. They're just too many top-notch scenes.

At $27.99, WAR IN PACIFIC SKIES is a bargain. The text is adequate; the artwork, superb. Air war buffs will want to pick up a copy of this gem. Recommended.

Nice summary and excellent supporting art. But where are the P-51s? Very good example of this type of book, would have 5 stars if the Mustangs were included!

This is a quality book. I am completely satisfied and have learned a lot from it about aspects of this theatre I didn't know concerning the men and aircraft who were there. This is one of my studio books that I don't lend out to anyone. Well edited and represented by several artists and styles of depicting aviation history. You won't be disappointed.