Avonmore Books | Pacific Adversaries, Volume Four
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
Publisher: Avonmore Books
Author: Michael John Claringbould
Publishing Date: 2021
ISBN: 978-0-6489262-2-1
This series was an unknown entity (to me) prior to the arrival of this particular volume, but is very well presented, all printed on nice quality gloss stock, with quite a few very nice illustrations of chosen and representative subjects, along with a choice few color photos as well. I'll probably have to seek out the companion volumes as well, as coverage of the air campaigns in the Pacific, is something that I find fascinating, but don't seem to have much of.
This particular book (Volume Four in the series), depicts the rather well known Pacific combatants, and it’s chock full of representative material; live in air shots, as well as many photos on the ground (sometimes wrecked all to heck), Rounding out this volume, is a rather nice collection of plan and profile color illustrations.
They're all represented here; F4U Corsair, G4M Betty, A6M Zero and Rufe, F4F Wildcat, B-24 Liberator, P-40 Warhawks and Kittyhawks, TBF Avenger F1M Pete, PBY Catalina, etc., all from the Solomons campaign of 1943-44.
Not having been previously familiar with the author, it seems that he has penned numerous other aviation titles over the years, and it's a rather prolific listing. As it turns out, he's also authored two Osprey "Duel" books (P-47 vs Ki-43 and Airacobra vs Zero) that I actually have in my own stash!
Typical Photo Quality to be Found Throughout
To me, the high point of this volume, is the overall appeal of the subject matter, combined with numerous interesting facts about the campaign, all packaged in a smooth, attractive presentation.
I'll have to say that, to me, this book is very good value, given the overall intensity of the content.
Even if you have just a passing interest in the pacific air war, you can’t go wrong with the purchase of this book. You may just become a fan.
(Not a selling point, as such, but the cover has a nice tactile "feel" to it, reflecting, in my opinion, a dedication to overall quality of presentation that I very much like.)
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate this book as a 10, no question about it.
My review copy compliments of Casemate Publishers. Thanks a ton to Casemate, it's truly an outstanding reference book for the Pacific theater of war, really top-notch stuff.
© Kevin Williams 2021
This review was published on Wednesday, December 01 2021; Last modified on Thursday, January 13 2022