Stephen Bungay is a renowned military historian and author. In 2004 he was featured in the documentary television series about the Battle of Britain, Spitfire Ace. His other books include Alamein, which has been praised as a brilliant balance between lucid analysis and piquant detail. He lives in England.
WWII HISTORY MAGAZINE
"This coffee table book has some incredible photos and maps
detailing the nearly four-month long air campaign commonly referred
to as the Battle of Britain. Unit designations, types of aircraft,
leaders, strategies and the combat itself are all discussed. "With
the defeat and humiliating evacuation of British forces from
Dunkirk, German leader Adolf Hitler thought he had Great Britain on
her knees. However, the maniacal Nazi dictator failed to appreciate
the extraordinary will of the British people. Outnumbered and
outgunned, RAF pilots took to the skies and battled the experienced
Luftwaffe pilots over their homeland. By October, they had won. It
was one of the major turning points of World War II."WORLD WAR
II
"This remarkably concise and cogent rendition of larger events also
offers clear explanations of strategy and tactics, and precies
characterizations of leading and lesser figures. In revisiting this
oft-told tale, Bungay seeks a middle way between over-reverence an
over-revisionism. By and large, he succeeds, telling his tale with
accuracy and verve. The 150 pictures, diagrams, and maps make the
package pop."
ARMCHAIR GENERAL ONLINE
"In his book, The Most Dangerous Enemy, author Stephen Bungay takes
a fresh look at the Battle of Britain. In his introduction, he
recounts growing up immersed in the mythology of the battle, his
parents having lived through many of the raids during the war. His
first contact with the history of the battle came through a wartime
Air Ministry pamphlet found in his father's bookcase, which
perpetuated the legend of lone RAF Spitfire pilots fighting off
swarms of Luftwaffe bombers and prevailing against unimaginable
odds. Bungay recounts how this myth began to die in the 1980s and
1990s as "debunkers" sought to tear down the myths. However, Bungay
notes, in their zeal to dismiss, the debunkers missed the real
story--the British won the Battle of Britain. Bungay's work
captures the real story and the real people, separating fact from
myth and presenting us a fuller picture of the battle. "This
version of The Most Dangerous Enemy is an update of the first
edition published in 2000. The new version is profusely illustrated
with over 150 photographs, full-color maps and diagrams, and
numerous sidebar features. This is an outstanding book and likely
to become the definitive account of the Battle of Britain."
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
"The Most Dangerous Enemy provides an in-depth, illustrated survey
of the Battle of Britain and comes from an author who set out to
uncover the truths behind the myths of this epic battle. His is the
most detailed account in print of the Battle of Britain, and offers
first-hand experiences, historical debates, and more. Highly
recommended as a key acquisition for any military history
collection."
AVIATION HISTORY
"...quite simply the best single volume treatment of the battle to
have appeared in 70 years."
COLLECTED MISCELLANY
"Bungay's writing is superb and easy to follow. He does not get too
detailed or too broad with his descriptions. A novice of the
subject will get a lot from this book, but I think an expert will
learn a thing or two. I highly recommend this wonderful narrative
of the Battle of Britain."
BOWLING GREEN DAILY NEWS
"The Most Dangerous Enemy is a great book and unique--a coffee
table book with excellent illustrations and a first-rate narrative
history of the battle. Arranged topically within a chronological
context, it provides detailed information and excellent pictures
and illustrations of everything from drawings of the workings of
the various aircraft to some of the best diagrams of World War II
fighter tactics I have seen. It would be an ideal gift for anyone
interested in World War II or fighter aircraft."
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