Lewis, Jon E. (ed.), — SPITFIRE - The Autobiography.

Robinson, London, 2010, trade paperback original, [vi] 328pp, coloured photo pictorial upper wrapper, an account of the birth and debvelopment of the Supermarine Spitfire, designed by R. J. Mitchell, from its conception as an entrant for the Schneider Trophy in the 1920s through the early development as a front-line fighter for the Royal Air Force, first seeing service with 19 Squadron in August 1938 there were just 9 squadrons by the outbreak of WW2 in 1939. The demand for increased production and the continuing development of the marque saw over 20,000 produced before the end of the war. This narrative is based on the first hand accounts, combat reports, flying logs, interviews, diaries and letters of those who built, flew, repaired and serviced the machines, fine,