Air Power and the Arab World 1909-1955

Volume 2 - Military Flying Services in the Arab Countries, 1916-1918

by David Nicolle

Series: Middle East@War

Imprint: Helion and Company

72 Pages, 8.25 x 11.7 in, 100 b/w photos, 15 color profiles, 6 maps

Paperback
9781913118761
July 2020
In Stock

$29.95

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At a time when multiple wars are raging across much of the Middle East, it is almost forgotten that it was Abu al-Qasim Abbas ibn Firnas ibn Wirdas at-Takurni – an Andalusian inventor, physician and engineer – who was the first person to undertake experiments in flying with any degree of success. That was back in the 9th Century A.D. Nigh on a thousand years later the Arab World's critical strategic location made it almost inevitable that these regions would be drawn into the imperial rivalries of the leading European powers, while the Ottoman Empire struggled to maintain its existing position in the area. This in turn meant that the first bombs to be dropped by military aircraft fell on Arab soil. Not surprisingly, as the Arab countries slowly achieved their independence, they too wanted to have air forces. In 1948 the first such Arab air forces were thrown into battle in an ill-fated attempt to keep Palestine as a primarily Arab country.

Based on decades of consistent research, but also newly available sources in both Arabic and various European languages, and richly illustrated with a wide range of authentic photography, Volume 2 of the Air Power and the Arab World, 1909-1955 mini-series continues the story of the men and machines of the first half century of military aviation in the Arab World.

Dr. David C Nicolle is a British historian specializing in the military history of the Middle Ages, with special interest in the Middle East and Arab countries. After working for BBC Arabic Service, he obtained his MA at SOAS, University of London, followed by a PhD at the University of Edinburgh. He then lectured in art history at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan. Dr. Nicolle has published over 100 books about warfare ranging from Roman times to the twentieth century, mostly as sole author. He also co-authored the Arab MiGs series of books which covered the history of the Arab air forces at war with Israel from 1955 to 1973. Furthermore, he has appeared in several TV-documentaries, and has published numerous articles in the specialized press.

"Nicolle seasons virtually every section with riveting revelations on combatants, equipment, and clashes." ~Cybermodeler

"Enjoyed it." ~Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

"Further adding to the rich history are the multitude of photographs presented throughout the book, which show not only the variety of aircraft utilized but also some of the more unique markings worn by the planes in the field." ~Internet Modeler

"If this is your initial entry into this series, you will be quite pleased." ~IPMS/USA

"The level of detail regarding the operations and units of the time is quite remarkable and you are provided an interesting look into how these units functioned. Add in some very nice color profiles and excellent maps and you have a fascinating book on early aviation." ~ModelingMadness.Com

"I learnt a lot in here. The images of some fascinating period aircraft, some rather ugly and others with some beautiful, stylish designs. […] An interesting part of the overall story, I look forward to seeing future volumes in this series." ~Military Model Scene