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The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Spitfire: The history of Britain's most iconic aircraft of World War II, with more than 250 photographs Paperback – April 16, 2012

by Nigel Cawthorne (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 92 ratings
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The history of Britain's most iconic aircraft of World War II, with more than 250 photographs.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    256 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Southwater
  4. Publication date
    April 16, 2012
  5. Dimensions
    6.38 x 0.71 x 8.85 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1780190344
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1780190341
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Southwater (April 16, 2012)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1780190344
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1780190341
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.3 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.38 x 0.71 x 8.85 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 92 ratings

About the author

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Nigel Cawthorne

Nigel Cawthorne

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Nigel Cawthorne is a journalist turned book writer and specialises in history and crime stories, several of which have become bestsellers. His recent biography of Nikola Tesla has sold more than 200,000 copies. He has appeared on The Joan Rivers Show and in front of a Senate Select Committee.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
92 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

thebuyer
5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Spitfire
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2014
Verified Purchase
If you are an admirer of the best looking and fastest airplane in it's time then it has to be a spitfire AND this book is one you need. Broke the sound barrier in dives. No wonder the Germans and other Enemies feared this plane. Saw a film based on real life about the Heroic job of removing the British and Allies troops stranded on the beach under trying weather. Hitler ordered His planes to destroy those still alive, As the German planes approached the beach to fire on defenseless soldiers out of a fog bank flew 1 single spitfire and the German air force turned and fled fearing there were more Spitfires coming . There was only one who flew that day. Wish I could find that film again.
One person found this helpful
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Pedro P.
2.0 out of 5 stars not impressed
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2013
Verified Purchase
Literally half the book is content on things other than spitifire. Sure it may be background, but you leave it wondering what it adds to the story. This is especially true with the photos, some examples include WW I biplanes, a ship yard, even a tank? There are a bunch of photos of various factories, staff, offices, etc.. somewhat interesting to see that, are more cogent to the spitfire story than a us civil war gun emplacement that takes up two pages.... yes seriously.
3 people found this helpful
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SOREN KLOKHOJ
1.0 out of 5 stars This book is a mess
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2014
What first and deepest hits you is the fact that the cover photo of the book is not a Spitfire, although painted up as one. It is a kit plane with a 6 cylinder engine that nowhere near has any resemblance to a Supermarine Spitfire. How can this happen? Mitchell will gyrate in his grave at top speed, first left, then right.
It is downhill from there. Don't even think of purchasing this monster. It is dead duck.
Søren Klokhøj, Danmark
PS: The star rating of zero or a negative rating is not possible, although relevant. The single star is the access to the rating system, not a rating.
3 people found this helpful
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Mike O'Connor
2.0 out of 5 stars And the Subject of This Book Is What Again??
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2013
There have been many wonderful books written about the legendary Spitfire. This ain't one of 'em! Nigel Cawthorne's SPITFIRE, which bills itself as THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE SPITFIRE, is one of the most disorganized messes of a book I've ever seen.

First off, Cawthorne's book is not an "encyclopedia" in any way, shape or form. The book is divided into chapters on 'Its Finest Hour,' 'The Redoubtable Mr. Mitchell,' 'Vickers-Armstrong,' 'On the Drawing Board,' 'The Spitfire Emerges' and so on. Judging by that line-up, you'd think you'd get a straight-through history of the Spit. Yet Cawthorne throws in so much material/photographs of marginal interest or importance to the Spitfire story that the book meanders all over the scene.

The book's 250+ b&w and color vintage and contemporary pix/illustrations are its biggest selling point. It's a pity all that imagery wasn't directly tied into telling the Spitfire story (i.e. a shot of naval turrets under construction at the Vickers plant, multiple shots of the Gloster Gladiator, etc.).

Sad to say, THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE SPITFIRE, published by Anness Publsihing in 2011, is a major disappointment. Not recommended.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Bethany
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book and good value for money
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
Great product, really good value for money. Great size for children and adults. I have just purchased a 2nd book. I would recommend this product to others.
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D. Starkey
5.0 out of 5 stars Spitfire
Reviewed in Canada on November 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
Great book with alot of information
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Uttara Devi
5.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing for those interested in Defence
Reviewed in India on November 23, 2016
Verified Purchase
This was for my husband who is a Defence enthusiast.He seems engrossed with the book and spent many hours going through it.I presume from this that the book is good.
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Rink
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Product!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 19, 2019
Verified Purchase
The best aircraft magazine I have ever read. Complete, well laid out and just wish other magazines/books would look and learn. BRILLIANT!!
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MN9130
3.0 out of 5 stars Could be better!
Reviewed in Canada on July 11, 2013
Verified Purchase
The problems with this book start right on the front cover. Look at the photo closely and you will see that it is a photo of one of those two thirds scale model aircraft some people build in their garages and not an actual spitfire.

This book is largely a collection of old information and photos which have been patched together to make a new book. There is nothing new here in terms of information that cannot be found in other books.

I would recommend this book for someone who has just taken up an interest in World War Two aircraft, but I also recommend that this person also purchase other books on the subject - including the history of Spitfires - to obtain better information.
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