Aircraft of the Aces: Legends of the Skies (General Aviation)

Following the enormous success of ‘Aircraft of the Aces: Legends of World War 2’, this book celebrates the achievements of some of the world’s most remarkable Aces. Thirty full-colour paintings from Osprey's best selling Aircraft of the Aces series have been reproduced here for the first time, and new text by Aircraft of the Aces series editor Tony Holmes introduces the ace pilot featured in each painting and describes the action depicted. From World War I to Vietnam, this gripping and visually spectacular volume brings together some of the greatest and most daring feats in the history of military flight. Colour aircraft profiles and aircraft specifications complete each one of the book's thirty chapters. This volume showcases the outstanding artwork produced by Iain Wyllie and Mark Postlethwaite exclusively for Osprey Publishing's Aircraft of the Aces books, featuring 33 action-packed paintings from the most successful aviation series of the past decade. Each of these specially commissioned artworks is accompanied by a detailed discussion of the action depicted in the painting itself.

The full spectrum of air combat is presented within the covers of Aircraft of the Aces - Legends of the Skies, from aerial duels over the trenches in 1917 between Albatros fighting scouts and Sopwith Pups, to near-supersonic clashes above the Sinai in 1973 that pitched Egyptian MiG-21s against Israeli Nesher interceptors. Using first-hand accounts, combat reports and eyewitness statements wherever possible, series editor Tony Holmes has pieced together the stories behind all 33 actions depicted in the artwork. Supporting the full-colour paintings are 33 aircraft profiles and over 100 colour and black and white archival photographs.

One of the most prolific aviation artists working in the business today, Iain Wyllie has cemented his reputation for technically accurate artwork through his partnership with Osprey over the years. One of the cover artists for the acclaimed Aircraft of the Aces and Combat Aircraft series, Wyllie has created more than 60 artworks for Osprey since 1994. First 'infected' with an interest in aeroplanes by his mother at the tender age of one, he trained as a naval architect before working as a design draughtsman and technical illustrator in the field of die-cast models and plastic kits. Iain won prizes for his aviation art in his early twenties and much later he took up airbrush illustration, while still working in oil and gouache. Today, he works in gouache and acrylic, producing artwork for prints, book jackets and private commissions. Specialising in aviation, marine and wildlife, Iain Wyllie lives in Crossgar, Northern Ireland.

Born in Leicester, England, in 1964, Mark Postlethwaite GAvA started to paint aircraft on canvas as a hobby. A lifelong interest in flying and aviation history, together with his professional knowledge of light through his career as a photographer, soon combined to produce work of the highest standard in this exacting field. In 1987 he became the first-ever Artist in Residence at the Royal Air Force Museum, mounting the first major exhibition of his work. At the age of 27, Mark became the youngest Full Member of the Guild of Aviation Artists, and shortly after this he left photography to make a full time profession of his aviation art. Since then, Mark has become firmly established as one of Britain's leading independent aviation artists in the global fine art print market, and many of his limited editions have now sold out. His award-winning originals can be found in many aviation museums and collections around the world.

Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) Flight Commander Roderic S Dallas DSC of 1 Naval Squadron flew Sopwith Triplane N5436 between late January and May 1917, achieving ten victories with the fighting scout.