French Aircraft of the First World War

Flight Journal, Aug 2002 by DeGroat, Robert S

French Aircraft of the First World War

by James J. Davilla and Arthur M. Soltan. Flying Machines Press, Gunbarrel Tech Center, 7077 Winchester Cir., Boulder, CO 8030: www.flyingmachines.com. 618 pages; illustrated; $124.95.

WW I-the "war to end all wars." It is hard to visualize the aircraft in use then-just 14 years after the Wright brothers' first flight and about 10 years before Lindbergh's transatlantic crossing. It is important to understand France's international status in those early days; it was one of the leaders in aviation technology. In fact, the French supplied all their allies with planes-an almost unimaginable feat.

Not until you read this scholarly effort, "French Aircraft of the First World War," does it become evident how pervasive the influence of French aviation has been. This complete reference work covers all 400 aircraft types that constituted allied air power during the Great War. The authors certainly did their homework and include extensive operational details, orders of battle and maps.

The hundreds of blackand-white and color images-many never seen before-are enthralling. These are complemented by detailed line drawings that will be useful to modelers.

Though the book is a good reference work for those who are interested in the early French "kites," it is very expensive, and the amount of information is almost overwhelming. It is, however, the most comprehensive volume on WW I aircraft ever presented. This marvelous book is essential for enthusiasts and historians alike, who will see that the quality and quantity of information provided justifies its high price.