Fighter: The True Story of the Battle of Britain.

DEIGHTON, Len.

$1,250.00

Item Number: 147644

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1978.

First American edition of this historic battle for the skies over Great Britain. Octavo, original half cloth, gilt titles to the spine, illustrated with 33 maps and drawings, and 68 black and white photographs. Presentation copy, inscribed on the front free endpaper, “I’m proud to add my signature to such a page – Len Deighton July 1994.” Signed by eleven World War II fighter pilots from both Britain and Germany on the front free endpaper: Macky Steinhoff, Johnnie Johnson, Geoffrey Page, Gunther Rall, Adolph Galland, Fritz Oblesser, Walter Krupinski, Dietrich Hrabak, Alan Lopez, Hugh Dundas, and Peter Townsend. Accompanied by an autograph note from the author and list of the fighter pilots laid in. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Introduction by A.J.P. Taylor. Jacket design by Robert Aulicino. A unique example.

Len Deighton's Fighter is a detailed and evocative exploration of aerial combat during World War II. The book combines historical narrative with technical analysis, providing an in-depth look at the design, development, and operational use of fighter aircraft. Deighton uses his signature blend of storytelling and factual accuracy to illuminate the experiences of both pilots and ground crews, while also exploring the broader strategic and technological developments of the war. Fighter stands out not only for its comprehensive treatment of aviation history but also for its insight into the human aspects of warfare, offering a nuanced perspective on the courage, fear, and endurance of those involved in aerial battles.