Aviation Books

[Robbo]

I've recently started collecting (and reading) the excellent Putnam series of books about aircraft manufacturers (eg. Bristol Aircraft Since 1910) I've found them a great source of reference about some pretty obsure planes as well as the more familiar types. The second-hand book sites and ebay are pretty good sources of these books and I've managed to acquire 18 of them over that past month or so. Many of the books I've bought have been brand new - old stock at prices well below the original (very high for the time) cover price.

If you've not come across them before I can heartily recommend them.

I've also got hold of the first of the series of RAF in Camera books (1903 to 1939) and there are some superb photos in there. It's available for a bargain price from the abebooks site.

Does anyone else out there have any interesting book recommendations?

Rob

[Mike]

Does anyone else out there have any interesting book recommendations?

Rob

I can recommend the Putnams on Miles Aircraft, Rob.

Also Warbird Directory, Wrecks & Relics (UK and European editions) and Bob Ogden's 'Aircraft Museums and Collections of the World' series. Didn't we do this on a thread here a couple of weeks back?

[Robbo]

Much as I'd love a copy of the holy grail of Putnam books, Mike, people tend to put a higher value on it than I'd like to pay. I could quite easily put a bid on the copy that's available at the moment, but it's too much to pay for a book.

Ask me about it in a year and I'll probably have paid that much for a copy.

Rob

[Andrew-O]

Yes, I'd agree with that Mike.

You're not a serious book collector unless you've got that one Rob

[Robbo]

I'm not a collector, I'm a reader.

I've not been diagnised as a Putnamaniac yet.

[Mike]

I'm not a collector, I'm a reader.

I've not been diagnised as a Putnamaniac yet.

....says the man who's just admitted to acquiring 18 in the past month!

[Robbo]

Says the man who had 20 land on his doorstep yesterday morning?

I'm taking it slowly - I have purchased other books inbetween my Putnam purchases and besides paying £39 for a mint copy of "Captive Luftwaffe" I've not spent silly money either.

[Mike]

Says the man who had 20 land on his doorstep yesterday morning?

Ah, but they weren't all for me

And at an average of just over £10 per copy............an offer I couldn't refuse.

[Robbo]

My name's Mike and I'm a Putnamaniac

[Manonthefence]

I have a few Putnams, all of which cost me nothing because I got them from the books distributors when they were being thrown out. They are in boxes along with the rest of my books. I shall have to have an unpacking party!!

[Robbo]

Free Putnams?

Got any going spare? A suitable SVAS donation could be made in return.

[Manonthefence]

No sorry, I only have six or seven of them myself and my suppier has now retired (you should see his library though!!)

[Andy in Beds]

Putnams, Putnams--I only wished I owned a few!!

Are they any good then Rob?

[Andy in Beds]

I can recommend the Putnams on Miles Aircraft, Rob.

I'll match your Miles Aircraft and raise you 'British Aeroplanes 1914-1918' by JM Bruce.

Cheers
Andy

[JBoyle]

I agree. The early Putnums were world class...though I was disappointed in a few of their later efforts.

Favorites include the De Havilland and Boeing titles.
And for anyone interested in USAAC/USAAF/USAF planes, Swanborough & Bower's "Military Aircraft since 1909" can not be beat. It's been my "bible" since I found one at a library 40 years ago...I was 9 at the time.

Please see my posting on the Aviation Flea Market Board....I'm looking for some and willing to sell or trade some duplicates.
Thanks.