Philip Handleman is an award winning author who has produced a number of aviation titles: Combat in the Sky though must surely be one of his best. Using a fine selection of paintings, archive photographs and some excellent supporting text, the author charts the history of air combat from WWI through to the present day. In the book's introduction Handleman gives an in-depth analysis of the relationship between artist and flight. This knowledgeable and insightful discussion extends from as far back as the Old Testament through Greek mythology, Leonardo da Vinci, Montgolfier and ultimately to a detailed study of five of aviation art's leading pioneers, Henry Farre, Charles H Hubbell, Frank Wootton, R G Smith and Chesley Bonestell.

The main body of the book runs chronologically from WWI to modern day. A series of cameos study important aircraft, personalities and engagements, all supported with artworks, period photos and informative text. The book concludes with short biographies of the contributing artists which include William Phillips, James Dietz, Keith Ferris and Gil Cohen. Overall a high quality, attractively presented book that serves both as a fine collection of aviation art and an excellent reference volume.

Colour plates: 102    Pages: 204    ISBN: 0-7603-1468-3