Clash of Wings: World War II in the Air

Boyne, novelist ( The Wild Blue ) and aviation historian ( Silver Wings ), here offers a stimulating overview of air power in WW II. While intended primarily for general readers, the account will attract specialists as well. Boyne argues that air power succeeded only when applied on a large scale, and that quality was as important as quantity. The Allies' air forces eventually numbered in the tens of thousands, with aircraft better than almost anything in the Axis arsenals. By 1944, air superiority became the necessary condition for victory in Europe and, by 1945, the decisive element in the Pacific. The author provides some surprising conclusions, among them that the Germans almost won the Battle of Britain. Photos not seen by PW. (June)