“Plane Spotter’s Guide”, compiled by Tony Holmes

 

216 pages, Osprey Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-1780960517

I forget when, or where, or how I got Plane Spotter’s Guide by Tony Holmes, but gosh, is it neat. There are over 70 entries of classic and iconic (combat) aircraft from across the years and from around the world. Each entry consists of a piece of original artwork (sometimes more than one) featuring the aircraft in question, specifications detailing the technicalities of the aircraft, along with a brief description of the aircraft and the role it was used in. Also, there are small narratives concerning the pilots of the planes displayed (when their identities are known), which adds a special element to the book. Just a few pages of detail, so, y’know, there’s no in-depth discussion of any of the planes, just a thumbnail introduction to each. And, it’s organized alphabetically, which as good a manner as any, I guess. A word of warning, however: Plane Spotter’s Guide was released by Osprey Publishing in 2012 and, basically, is a compilation of previously-published works from the Osprey library; so if you already have one or more of their aircraft-themed books, this will look very familiar. Still, a great little book to while away the time with.