Baldrick62
09-23-2012, 01:06
Submit a Book ReviewBook Title:
Hermann Goering: Fighter Ace Author:
Peter Kilduff ISBN:
978-1-906502-66-9 Category:
Biography Format:
Hardback Summary:
Subtitled 'The World War I Career of Germany's Most Infamous Airman', this 192pp work examines Goering's life from childhood through to the end of 1918. Well-written and drawing on numerous sources including the man himself, contemporary official reports, his wartime comrades and post-war acolytes, Kilduff paints a picture of a man difficult to find affinity or affection for. This is not a revisionist history to excuse Goering's later actions due to a troubled upbringing, though his early life obviously coloured his character, and brought him into contact with ideas and concepts which he would maintain for the rest of his life. Vain-glorious and manipulative, Goering was nonetheless able to cultivate influential patrons, so must have had some charismatic quality, and was both fearless and a highly experienced airman, both as observer and later as a pilot. Unfortunately, his true leadership ability, as a pilot, Jasta CO and eventual leader of JG.I, is clouded by his own apparent 'liberty' with the truth and the propaganda value of post-war commentaries. The book contains appendices on Goering's victory claims along with his squadron comrades, casualties suffered in the units he commanded, and a handy glossary of terms. Well-illustrated with photos throughout, the rear cover features 3 Ronny Bar profiles.
60894
Hermann Goering: Fighter Ace Author:
Peter Kilduff ISBN:
978-1-906502-66-9 Category:
Biography Format:
Hardback Summary:
Subtitled 'The World War I Career of Germany's Most Infamous Airman', this 192pp work examines Goering's life from childhood through to the end of 1918. Well-written and drawing on numerous sources including the man himself, contemporary official reports, his wartime comrades and post-war acolytes, Kilduff paints a picture of a man difficult to find affinity or affection for. This is not a revisionist history to excuse Goering's later actions due to a troubled upbringing, though his early life obviously coloured his character, and brought him into contact with ideas and concepts which he would maintain for the rest of his life. Vain-glorious and manipulative, Goering was nonetheless able to cultivate influential patrons, so must have had some charismatic quality, and was both fearless and a highly experienced airman, both as observer and later as a pilot. Unfortunately, his true leadership ability, as a pilot, Jasta CO and eventual leader of JG.I, is clouded by his own apparent 'liberty' with the truth and the propaganda value of post-war commentaries. The book contains appendices on Goering's victory claims along with his squadron comrades, casualties suffered in the units he commanded, and a handy glossary of terms. Well-illustrated with photos throughout, the rear cover features 3 Ronny Bar profiles.
60894