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"Flight Gear 1942-45" by Mathieu Bianchi (Histoire & Collections)


Blue Leader
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Only enough to tell a girl that she is very pretty. What else do you need?

not a lot really in my experiance :D

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So, is the copy at Amazon US the French version or the English version?

Looks like a decent book, but considering how many other USAAF flight gear reference books I have (most of them, actually), I wonder if I'd get any new info out of it...

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We are very fortunate on this forum to have a number of published authors among our ranks. Between them, these members wrote many of the books which a lot of us use to inform our particular interests, whether it be M1 helmets, web-gear or particular units/campaigns etc., and they also bring the wealth of their specialist knowledge to open forum discussions. We now have a new addition to that distinguished group in the form of Mathieu Bianchi / aka Blue Leader, from La Belle France!

 

Mathieu has already made a big impression on the forum via his threads featuring USAAF aviation headgear and equipment. This is an indicator as to where his interests lie and to the subject of his new book!

 

“Flight Gear 1942-1945...US Army Aviators in Europe” ( ISBN 978-2-35250-302-6) published by the excellent “Histoire & Collections” of Paris, France, is about to hit the shelves! I received a copy direct from the publisher /editor (Merci Phillipe!) so am able to give you an advance review of its contents.

 

Like me, I’m sure many of you will have other “Histoire & Collections” books in your libraries? Their back catalog contains many of the best military references you’ll find anywhere. They are always beautifully produced and presented...and usually available in both their native French and English language versions.

 

Mathieu’s book continues in this tradition. It is hard-bound, approximately A4 size and comprises of 176 full-colour, glossy pages. It is lavishly illustrated in the typical “house style” of H&C. It’s the result of 15 years of collecting and research by the author and the original items featured within are drawn from no less than seven major European collections.

 

The contents are divided into six basic groups: Headwear and equipment; Flying Clothing; Protection and Survival; Navigation and Bombing; Documents and insignia; USAAF pilots and crews in Europe. Each section is full of beautifully photographed artefacts together with detailed captions and many period photographs. Any reader of the excellent “Militaria Magazine” will be familiar with this reader-friendly layout.

 

Overall, this is a superb visual reference for any collectors of USAAF militaria and indeed anyone with an interest in the history of US military aviation of WW2. I know my copy is destined to become well-used! I recommend it highly and congratulate Mathieu for his efforts!

 

The following photos will give you some idea of the contents.

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Nice review Ian !!! but as you know those pics dont do the book its justice that it deserves !! :D ive had my copy for a couple of days now and have had to get a waterproof cover for it as it just starts me drooling !!

 

10 /10 to Mathieu for a great reference book !! a must for anyone wanting to start collecting USAAF items from the ETO

 

Put it on your Xmas lists folks !!!

 

LB

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I have yet to see a bad H&C book. VERY affordable and beautifully produced.

 

-Ski

 

Couldn't have put it better myself, Eric! ;)

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Ian , as we both have a copy of the book what ,in your opinion was the best part to review of the book ?? clothing ,equipment ,etc ??

 

Blue leaders original post, was ,as you say an awarness of its publication, which in some respects was a good thing otherwise i wouldnt have got to know about its publication till everyone had got a copy barr me !!! :D

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Good question Carl. I really can't single out one particular section because I enjoyed it all. Like you, I've got quite a bit of USAAF stuff and it's always nice to see it photographed in books...gives me a nice warm glow! :D

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