SPITFIRE THE LEGEND

The Spitfire is an aircraft whose fame has grown steadily over the years, to the point where it has become the defining aircraft in the history of aviation. It distinguished itself in several landmark battles of the Second World War, including the Battle of Britain, the siege of Malta, and the defence against the V-1 flying bombs. It equipped the reborn air forces of various countries, France among them.

Today, the Spitfire is the subject of a passion whose flame shows no sign of dying out. Thanks to the efforts of numerous collectors, the Spitfire takes part in many airshows, where it never fails to stir a moment of intense emotion among the crowds who come to see it.

This book aims to tell the story of this aircraft and its exploits — some of which have become legendary — through a narrative illustrated by more than 250 photographs, complemented by some one hundred illustrations, maps and diagrams.

Alain Pelletier has been passionate about aviation history for several decades. He is the author of some twenty works on aeronautics, published in France, Great Britain and the United States. With La légende Spitfire, he signs his sixth title with éditions ETAI, following Boeing, géant de l'aéronautique de 1916 à nos jours, Histoire mondiale des avions de ligne depuis 1908, Haute voltige, histoire de l'acrobatie aérienne, Courses aériennes, l'âge d'or de l'aviation et Les filles d'Icare, histoire mondiale des aviatrices.