By Stephen Bungay
Hardcover, 9.7 x 11.55
272 pages, 25 color, 100 b/w photos, 15 diagrams, 10 maps
ISBN-13: 978-0-7603-3936-79
$40.00 / $44.00 CAN
BUY NOW!
"...quite simply the best single volume treatment of the battle to have appeared in 70 years."
Hardcover, 9.7 x 11.55
272 pages, 25 color, 100 b/w photos, 15 diagrams, 10 maps
ISBN-13: 978-0-7603-3936-79
$40.00 / $44.00 CAN
BUY NOW!
"...quite simply the best single volume treatment of the battle to have appeared in 70 years."
—Aviation History
Almost seventy years since Spitfires, Merlins and Hurricanes fought to protect Britain’s skies, it is surprising how little is publicly known about the Battle of Britain. Many people may not even be aware that the RAF’s triumph in this battle was integral in saving Great Britain from German invasion in the Second World War. What collective memory exists at all undoubtedly features a soaring Spitfire as the hero of this epic battle, with little more detail than the faint sound of air-raid sirens. However, in the 1980s and 90s, scholars began to counter this image, publishing works which devalued Churchill’s leadership and the quality of the Spitfire’s engineering. Not sure who to believe, Stephen Bungay set out to discover the truth behind these myths. The result was The Most Dangerous Enemy: A History of the Battle of Britain, a tome described as “the most exhaustive and detailed account of the Battle of Britain.”
To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Battle, this classic work has been transformed into a new, large-format, fully illustrated edition. With over 150 photographs (including rare color photos), full color maps, and diagrams, and numerous sidebar features, it brings this dramatic story to life in a fresh and exciting way. Archival photographs of the planes, pilots, and key military leaders, many of which have never before been published, are accompanied by fascinating three-dimensional diagrams illustrating dogfights and battle tactics on both sides.
The Most Dangerous Enemy brings to light stories of first-hand experience, compiled from extensive research and interviews, one of which reveals how oblivious some fighter pilots were about the significance of their actions. Outnumbered, and with little previous experience of air warfare, it appears that British pilots managed an astounding victory. Bungay also explores how the Battle of Britain may not have happened, had Churchill not have been elected as Prime Minister, and how Churchill’s military confidence and sense of moral obligation stood alone against government and public calls for peace.
For the avid historian there is still much to learn about the Battle of Britain, and Bungay weaves his newfound knowledge into an exciting and compelling narrative. This new edition of The Most Dangerous Enemy is a fitting way to mark the Battle of Britain’s anniversary and will bring this most remarkable of stories to a whole new group of readers.
About the Author
Stephen Bungay is a renowned military historian and author. In 2004 he was featured in the documentary television series about the Battle of Britain, Spitfire Ace. His other books include Alamein, which has been praised as “a brilliant balance between lucid analysis and piquant detail.” Bungay lives in England.
Reviews of The Most Dangerous Enemy
"This coffee table book has some incredible photos and maps detailing the nearly four-month long air campaign commonly referred to as the Battle of Britain. Unit designations, types of aircraft, leaders, strategies and the combat itself are all discussed."
—WWII History
"This remarkably concise and cogent rendition of larger events also offers clear explanations of strategy and tactics, and precies characterizations of leading and lesser figures. In revisiting this oft-told tale, Bungay seeks a middle way between over-reverence an over-revisionism. By and large, he succeeds, telling his tale with accuracy and verve. The 150 pictures, diagrams, and maps make the package pop."
—World War II
"...an outstanding book and likely to become the definitive account of the Battle of Britain."
—Armchair General.com
"...the most detailed account in print of the Battle of Britain, and offers first-hand experiences, historical debates, and more. Highly recommended as a key acquisition for any military history collection."
—Midwest Book Review
"The Most Dangerous Enemy would be a great addition to history enthusiasts of all types. The rich content made it a valuable source of the battle, the many photographs created a good visual storybook, and the glossy print even allowed it to be somewhat of an entertaining coffee table book. This would definitely be a book that I would keep on the shelf for ready reference."
—World War II Database
"The Most Dangerous Enemy is a great book and unique—a coffee table book with excellent illustrations and a first-rate narrative history of the battle....It would be an ideal gift for anyone interested in World War II or fighter aircraft.”
—The Daily News
"For those interested in what really happened at the Battle of Britain, this product from Zenith Press is smashing. Not only are the principle players examined in detail, there are 25 color and 100 black and white photos, 15 diagrams and 10 maps to accompany the text....this must be in your library."
—Pacific Flyer
