9 Books for your library or coffee table.

◗ D. Nicolle with A. Gabr; and Amos Dor

◗ Helion (2021); and RN Publishing (2021)

◗ £19.95; and £55

◗ 96 pages (softback); and 239 pages (hardback)

◗ ISBN:9781913336325; and 9788895011202

◗ helion.co.uk; and mpublishing.com

‘Air Power’ covers the period 1918-36 and describes in three parts: the Spanish, French and Italian air operations in support of land campaigns against native forces; and the use of airpower in policing territories. The emphasis is of course on the use of aircraft, but with outlines of the land/amphibious operations. For the wargamer, these are often interesting and challenging conflicts, and in some ways a more rounded campaign analysis would have benefitted those wishing to refight the campaigns as a whole – but there’s plenty here to whet the appetite.

The second title is truly a ‘glossy’, with superb quality colour photos of the F-16 in Israeli service; the blend of aircraft camouflage against the terrain backdrop is impressive. Around 40 pages are text, with vivid accounts of air combat from the 1980s onwards, squadron by squadron. The combat descriptions are riveting: one pilot shot down three MIGs in 45 seconds. The controversial ‘Operation Opera’ against the Iraqi nuclear reactor is also included.

Expensive (and rather‘current’ Ed.), but great material for modellers and air enthusiasts.