Customer Reviews
A Hawker Hurricane of a book, but not quite a Spitfire - By: Rgh1066, 19 Sep 2008 
The most telling observation about the paperback version of this biography is that the puff pieces by celebrities that publishers seem to think are obligatory these days refer to the aeroplane itself, not to McKinstry's biography. So we know that the Jeremys Clarkson & Paxman regard the Spitfire as an inspirational machine but we don't know what they think about this book - or even if they have read it. If they haven't, they perhaps haven't missed much. It's difficult to tell the thrilling story of the Spitfire & not captivate one's audience & McKinstry manages to draw the reader in - especiallly in the early chapters that relate how R. J. Mitchell's original conception became the fighter that was to save the world. But there is a lot of excess baggage here too. McKinstry clearly has little time for Robert MacLean & is at pains to defend Chamberlain from the charge of appeaser. Many would have put that the other way around but McKinstry is never dull & he puts across a cogent case, if not a completely convincing one to this reader, for his opinions.
Spitfire: Portrait of a Legend - By: Mr. H. F. Murden, 01 Aug 2008 
In addition to the usual collection of memories from former RAF pilots, the inclusion of comments from test pilots, politicians, engineers & design staff provides greater insight & give a different slant on a familiar subject.
The book examines the Spitfire's ancestry (Schneider Trophy racers etc), highlights the initial production difficulties & the Air Ministry's lack of belief in the Spitfire (favouring the design potential of the Typhoon, Tornado & Whirlwind). I'd always believed that the Spitfire was regarded as the RAF's primary fighter aircraft so it was interesting to see this wasn't always the case.
In spite of the author acknowledging the 'Spitfire snobbery' held by many German aircrew I can't help but feel Leo Mckinstry is a trifle guilty himself - the Hurricane seems to get a bit of a raw deal, not perhaps surprising in a book about the Spitfire !
Overalll a thoroughly enjoyable book, written in a very readable style & highly recommended.
Real accounts and experiences - By: C. R. Williams, 21 Jun 2008 I've just finished reading this book & recommend it. It is very in depth & details every aspect of every moment in time that led up to the Spitfire's creation. It may be a little too in depth for some people, but it's important to have the whole story to understand the unique circumstances that came together to produce this icon of aviation.
There are numerous first hand accounts from people who were involved with the Spitfire either as pilots, technicians, designers, enemy pilots etc. etc. & this gives the reader an accurate appreciation of this outstanding aeroplane from alll sorts of perspectives. The pilot's accounts are particularly enlightening & bring the book to life as they recalll their experiences. There is plenty of technical detail which covers alll the design changes & modifications.
It's a great book & I recommend it without hesitation.
