Air Aces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, 1914-1918

Rating:
Summary: The most complete work available on a little known topic.
Review: This book is the result of many years of personal research and several trips overseas by Marty O'Connor, and culminated in what is arguably the definitive work on the subject of Austro-Hungarian aces. The writing in this book is neither eloquent nor poetic, but the information is priceless. O'Connor gives a biographical outline of each ace known within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, including the number of victories (and the victory lists of several major aces), any personal background available on the pilot in question and as much postwar information as possible. Where no information exists regarding such things as a pilot's birthplace, photo, or postwar occupation, O'Connor specifically makes note of it so the reader is left with no question marks. His work is thorough and his penchant for facts will quickly win the reader's trust. Spanning the language barrier and what in many cases is an almost total lack of official records, O'Connor does a brilliant job of piecing t! ogether enough information to acquaint even a WWI novice to life in the Austro-Hungarian air service. Several appendices trace vital details such as locations of airfields, maps of battle areas and color schemes of many aces' planes. This book is the most complete work I have seen on Austro-Hungarian aces and aircraft, and includes extensive interviews with several of that country's famous aces. Although written more as a reference book than a masterpiece of prose, this book is still highly recommended.