Tempest Books | Messerschmitt Me 262
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
Publisher: Tempest Books
Author: Dan Sharp
Publishing date: 2024
ISBN: 978-1-911658-27-6 (Hardcover)
Pages: 326
My first impressions of this volume on the Messerschmitt Me 262, were very favorable indeed. Hardcover, good quality paper, excellent photos and illustrations, as well as gobs of technical drawing excerpts.
I've been a long-time fan of the Me 262, as far as I am aware, the first operational jet fighter in history, so this book seemed quite a natural for me to take a look-see. Used primarily as a high speed interceptor/fighter aircraft, the '262 served well, though too late in the war to make any difference against the industrial might of the west..
This book obviously places its entire emphasis on the twin jet Me 262, and contains a pretty cool array of technical information on the design and development of the aircraft, as well as political aspects within Germany that only hindered its production and best purpose implementation, a "bridge too far" as it were.. Text is generally informative and interesting.
Numerous publications have been produced over the years dealing with the excellent Messerschmitt designed and built Me 262, and this volume adds quite nicely to that body of work.
Photo Samples
Lots of data is offered up here; from initial design concepts and philosophy through derivatives and there were quite a few, but those that did, as well as those that did not ever see production. All in all, the '262s served their nation well enough, being flown by some of the Luftwaffe's best and brightest pilots, but it was too little, too late to really be of any consequence to the outcome of the war.
For those of us with a taste for larger scale aircraft models, currently the Revell (newer versions) and Trumpeter kits are pretty much all we have, but each certainly can, with a little work, be built into quite superb replicas.
For those with a passion for the iconic and revered Me 262, I can highly recommend this volume. Buy a copy, you will not be disappointed.
Summation
On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate this book as a solid 10, no question about it. Topping out at a very respectable 326 pages of fascinating Me 262 data, it is highly recommended.
My review copy compliments of Casemate Publishers. Thanks a ton to Casemate, it's truly a wonderful reference book on this outstanding aircraft, really top-notch stuff.
© Kevin Williams 2024
This review was published on Wednesday, October 16 2024; Last modified on Wednesday, October 16 2024