Eagle Editions | Black Cross Red Star: Air War Over The Eastern Front Volume 3: Everything For Stalingrad
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
Eagle Editions
Black Cross Red Star: Air War Over The Eastern Front
Volume 3: Everything For Stalingrad
11” x 9” Hard Cover
280 Pages
ISBN 0-9761034-4-3
Eagle Editions has just released the third installment in the Black Cross Red Star series. Volume 3 details the summer and fall offenses on the Eastern Front and the huge air combat over Stalingrad.
This is a collaborative effort by Christer Bergström, Andrey Dikov and Vlad Antipov. Claes Sundin provides the illustrated color profiles.
The book begins with forwards by German fighter ace Generalleuntnant Günther Rall and Soviet Air Gunner/Radio Operator Vasiliy Vasil’yevich Kurayev. Both men participitated in the conflict at that time and as such can provide a unique perspective into this time in history.
As with all Eagle Editions books, the printing of title is of the highest caliber. It is printed on thick, high quality bond paper. Photo reproduction, with some in color, is excellent.
The text is well written over 19 chapters and provides the reader with invaluable details of this era of air combat. It also includes four color maps and nine extensive appendixes of supplemental information.
The book is lavishly illustrated throughout with many photos that appear to be previously unpublished. The photos are not limited to German aircraft as numerous Russian aircraft are also showcased. This is one of the hallmarks of the Black Cross Red Star series as they glimpse back in time from the perspective of both opposing sides. Detailed captions also accompany each photograph.
Claes Sundin provides his usual superb color profile artwork. Thirty-seven profiles depict Russian, German and Italian aircraft. Some examples include Bf 109s, Bf 110s and Fw 190s from the German side. Opposing them look for LaGG-3, P-40 and 1-16 Rata views, just to name a few. There is also a profile of a Macchi C.202 representing one of the twelve to see service in the campaign.
The Black Cross Red Star series has proven to be very popular. Volume 1 currently demands very high prices in the used market. All reports are that Volume 3 is also a very strong seller. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in WW II air combat. I consider this book a “must have” for any credible reference library. It is packed with information that I’m sure will provide many hours of reading pleasure.
I would like to thank Eagle Editions for the review sample and the permission they granted me to share two of the profiles from within the book.
© Marl Proulx 2007
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This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Wednesday, May 18 2016