The five aircraft described in this book – the Spitfire, Lancaster, Messerschmitt, Mustang and Flying Fortress – emerged from World War II as the truly outstanding designs of that period. This book examines the course of these planes' construction, development, introduction into service and subsequent career in action. Each aircraft is described in detail, with a cutaway drawing to show its interior parts. Combined with numerous eyewitness accounts from pilots and more than 500 identification photographs, the book provides a fascinating insight into the nature of air combat during the most innovative period in wartime history. Dr Alfred Price served as an aircrew officer in the RAF and then became an aviation historian and writer. He is acknowledged as a leading authority on the Spitfire. Mike Spick has written over 40 books on military aviation, including Luftwaffe Bomber Aces, Allied Fighter Aces and Luftwaffe Fighter Aces