Aviation of Japan 日本の航空史: They Flew Regardless

Friday, 22 November 2024

They Flew Regardless

Something of a book review theme at AoJ recently. The Aviation Heritage Archive of the Japan Aeronautic Association's 'They Flew Regardless - Pictorial Mementos of Aviation in Japan 1909-1940' is an exceptional book. With only 124 pages it is nevertheless a substantial book of quality printing with a full page, sepia tinted and very clear photograph on every page. Detailed captions are indexed in a separate section at the rear of the book which is a little awkward but they are in Japanese and English, as is the forward by Hiroshi Fujiwara of the Aviation Heritage Archive. This method of captioning permits the photographic images to be reproduced to the largest size possible on each page. The book is a rectangular 10.5 x 10.5 inches and the photographs are sized accordingly. The publication date is 2013 but it has only recently become available in the UK via the Aviation and Military Book Centre. It retails here at £44.90 but payment can be made in three interest-free instalments of £14.97, less than the current price of many kits.

There are plenty of military related images of both aircraft and personnel, many showing fascinating details. For large scale modellers of early aeroplanes they will prove both informative and useful, for example the close-up image of a clear doped Nieuport 24 taken from its rear, showing clearly how the wings and tailplane appear, soaked and stained with castor oil but with the ribs starkly pale. The book perfectly compliments two other Aviation Heritage Archive books, in soft cover and 'Model Art' size with 192 and 208 pages respectively: 'Baron Miyahara His World of Aircraft - Civil Aircraft 1920-45 A Photographic Memoir' and 'Baron Miyahara His World of Aircraft - Civil and Military Aircraft 1910-70 A Photographic Memoir'. Also captioned in Japanese and English (Model Art take note!) both books are available from the Aviation and Military Book Centre at £32.90 each, again with the option to pay in three instalments.

Wonderful, quality books, well worth the investment and highly recommended to all who are interested in Japanese aviation history, civil and military.

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A Member of PAHWA

PAWHA is an international organisation representing a collective of researchers and authors from all walks of life, who collaborate with each other on their niche expertise in all areas and specialties of the Pacific war. Its alumni include about 50 members, mainly recognised authors and researchers. As multinational historians PAWHA members preserve a unanimous desire for objectivity and veritas. The PAWHA insignia represents the Southern Cross, signifying the skies of the Pacific. It was designed by Don Marsh.

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