Good introductory German WW1 Aviation book?

[Whiteknuckles]

Hello all,

as the subject states, is there a good (i.e. fairly in depth/comprehensive), introductory book on WW1 German Aviation?
Not so much on the Aces and their antics, but things such as the structure of the force leading up to and during WW1, descriptions of the terms used (i.e. Jasta, Jagdstaffel, etc) and the aircraft, etc.
I know a lot is on the internet but I like having good reference materials/books at hand

Thanks in advance,

Andrew

[Whiteknuckles]

- Bump -
 

[GAJouette]

  Andrew,
Sorry I'd missed your question earlier. I believe I have a title for you that fits your quest. The book is " German Aircraft of the First World War" by Peter Gray and Owen Thetford . I have no idea as to it's current availability but perhaps a search on Amazon would turn up something for you.I've had my copy since the late 70's while aboard. I hope you can locate a copy it will be worth it to you.

Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[pepperman42]

Osprey's Airwar series that spanned WWI and II in 24 soft covers was reprinted a few years back. I believe it was 2 volumes on the German units.

Steve

[Whiteknuckles]

Thanks gents, will see what I can find

Andrew

[Flyjunkie]

try this site to hunt for the Book (or any book you seek).. it's AddALL Book Search. they search all the online book search sites and give you a listing of the available  copies of the book from the various search sites... 

http://used.addall.com/

I have used this Site for a number of years and have found plenty of books to add to my every growing library of various subjects I like...

[GAJouette]

  Dean,
Thanks for the excellent link my friend. An excellent resource for used books.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[Whiteknuckles]

Thanks Dean, that's a very useful site....

Andrew

[Flyjunkie]

Gregory & Andrew, You are both very welcomed...
 
it is a very useful site.. at draining one's bank account..

Glad to assist where and when i can.....

Dean ~~~

[lcarroll]

Dean,
   Great link you provided. I had a quick look, found a book I've been considering for some time, and got it for $30 vice the best price of over 100 everywhere else I tried............ Thanks for sharing this little gem!
Cheers,
Lance

[Chris Johnson]

This might not be news to you fellows, but I recently discovered that I don't necessarily have to pay the asking price for books on secondhand book sites like Abebooks, etc. I found a lone copy of William Fry's excellent autobiography Air of Battle listed with a private retailer on Biblio.com for $75.00. I checked the listing periodically for a month and it never sold so I offered the bookseller $50.00 and they accepted the offer. It never hurts to ask.

Cheers,

Chris

[Whiteknuckles]

News for  me Chris, so thanks for the tip

Andrew

[ta152c]

There is a book called "The History of the German Airforce" by Bryan Philpott, you get it on ebay for about £5. Basic info and some nice illustrations.

The Osprey books are worth getting though, but don't get ripped off, only 48 pages long so don't pay more than £6 each.

Regards

[IanB]

If you're looking for a book describing the structure and operations of the German Air Forces in WWI I would recommend one I'm reading at the moment:
"Germany's War in the Air" by General Ernest von Hoeppner (subtitled "The Development and Operations of German Military Aviation in the World War").

It's a fascinating book, going into great detail (but not monotonous) about how the air arms developed, both in command structure and weaponry. It covers all aspects including aircraft (the different types and their changing roles), dirigibles/spotter balloons, anti-aircraft artillery, communications, etc in a logical format, following the war rather than a particular branch at a time. A real eye-opener on how and why things developed the way they did and from an expert, on-the-spot source. Also an interesting glimpse into the thoughts of a Senior officer at the time, it includes many thought provoking comments on how well the Allies (particularly the French!) were perceived to be doing!

A little hard to read in places due to translation/proof reading errors, but very well worth picking up.

Ian

[Whiteknuckles]

Thanks for the tip Ian - that sounds ideal!
Funds are a bit tight at the moment but I'll keep my eyes out for this one.
Cheers.

Andrew