Schiffer Publishing

U.S. Navy Aircraft 1921-1941 / U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft 1914-1959
Two Classics in One Volume

by  William T. Larkins
Reviewed By  Rich Marchiafava, IPMS # 39230

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MSRP: $39.95
ISBN: 0-88740-742-0
www.schifferbooks.com

The world of U.S Naval and Marine Corps aviation in the formative years is somewhat of a mystery to most. This comprehensive book chronicles these years of military aviation. The books were originally published in 1959 and 1961. These editions have been sought by aviation enthusiasts the world over and have now been reissued in this single volume. The book highlights in detail the colors, units and service duty of every aircraft flown by these two services.

I consider myself a military aviation historian but this book had me swimming in aircraft I’ve never heard of or have seen before. Have you ever heard of a Curtiss XS2C-1? I haven’t, but it’s in here. The author compiled the book so that a lot of aviation history wouldn’t be lost because of the Navy’s constant practice of renumbering and reshuffling its squadrons. This book is a "must have" for your collection. It is compiled chronologically and, with over 1000 black-and-white pictures, really makes it easy to understand and follow. This book has become the benchmark by which all other aviation research is measured and, in my humble opinion, is the most comprehensive source of this subject matter available. I highly recommend it to the younger generation wanting to learn about this golden age of aviation as well as seasoned historians.

My thanks to Schiffer Books for providing the IPMS a review copy of this valuable reference tool.

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