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Rating: 
Summary: A one of a kind history book
Review: Massive amoumts of research were obviously put into this book.UNDER THE GUNS OF THE RED BARON recounts every single one ofRichtofen's eighty enemy kills, and, the death of the Baron himself. It also contains a short biography of the pilots who were shot down, and what plane the victims were piloting. Although this may not be your typical history book, it should be in every aviation enthusiasts bookshelf.
Rating:
Summary: An in-depth look at each of Richthofen's victories
Review: This book is not only a treasure trove of historical information, it also manages to evoke the humanity of the Great War. The authors have tracked down tons of information on Richthofen's victims - where and when they were born, some tidbits of their lives, where they were buried and who they left behind (or what became of them after the war if they survived). The book seems to reveal two sides of Richthofen, too - sometimes, a cold-blooded hunter, other times, more of a sportsman who delighted in meeting his adversaries after defeating them.The authors have also very, very carefully investigated each confirmed 'kill' to try to determine which Allied loss, if any, it was - and in the process exposed the difficulties and inconsistencies in identifying enemy aircraft, determining what happened to them, and recording all the information correctly. Not surprisingly, their research has revealed that some of the 'victims' may have made it home after all - and that perhaps Manfred did not claim every enemy he shot down. The book is packed with wonderful photographs, of victims and aircraft and, of course, Richthofen himself. There are color paintings of ten of the victories, along with the artist's comments on some of the historical accuracies and liberties he took. The only problem - and one that is easily overlooked - is some sketchy editing. Some of the text is not as clear as it could be, and some of the text is not well organized.
Rating:
Summary: An in-depth look at each of Richthofen's victories
Review: This book is not only a treasure trove of historical information, it also manages to evoke the humanity of the Great War. The authors have tracked down tons of information on Richthofen's victims - where and when they were born, some tidbits of their lives, where they were buried and who they left behind (or what became of them after the war if they survived). The book seems to reveal two sides of Richthofen, too - sometimes, a cold-blooded hunter, other times, more of a sportsman who delighted in meeting his adversaries after defeating them. The authors have also very, very carefully investigated each confirmed 'kill' to try to determine which Allied loss, if any, it was - and in the process exposed the difficulties and inconsistencies in identifying enemy aircraft, determining what happened to them, and recording all the information correctly. Not surprisingly, their research has revealed that some of the 'victims' may have made it home after all - and that perhaps Manfred did not claim every enemy he shot down. The book is packed with wonderful photographs, of victims and aircraft and, of course, Richthofen himself. There are color paintings of ten of the victories, along with the artist's comments on some of the historical accuracies and liberties he took. The only problem - and one that is easily overlooked - is some sketchy editing. Some of the text is not as clear as it could be, and some of the text is not well organized.
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