The Spitfire and the Lancaster were the two RAF weapons of victory in the Second World War, but the glamour of the fighter has tended to overshadow the performance of the heavy bomber. Yet without the Lancaster, Britain would never have been able to take the fight to the German homeland. Highlights the scale of the bomber's achievements, including the famous Dambusters attacks. With its vast bomb bay, ease of handling and surprising speed, the mighty Lancaster transformed the effectiveness of the Bomber Command.

Whilst addressing the political controversy surrounding the bombing offensive against Germany, Leo McKinstry also weaves individual tales into this compelling narrative. Rich characters are brought to life, such as Roy Chadwick the designer, who taught himself engineering at night school and Sir Arthur Harris, the austere head of the Bomber Command. This is a rich saga, a story of triumph over disaster and the history of an iconic plane.

A comprehensive history of Britain's greatest bomber plane.

About the Author
Leo McKinstry writes regularly for the Daily Mail, Sunday Telegraph and The Spectator . He has also written six books including Spitfire and a best-selling biography of the footballing Charlton brothers. Born in Belfast he was educated in Ireland and at Cambridge University.

Reviews
Convincing...excellent book * The Daily Telegraph, Phillip Addison *
This thorough, engaging new history seeks to draw together all aspects of the bomber and its career...and the controversies which still surround it today * The Spectator, Daniel Swift *
'Brilliantly researched and sharply written' * News of the World *
'The saga is one of courage, tragedy and drama...all the more fascinating because of its rich cast of characters' * Kent Messenger / Kentish Gazette Group *
'Fascinating...rich cast of characters..the definitive record' * Driffield Leader *
(Leo McKinstry) describes the Lancaster as a heavy machine rendered graceful by its elegant design. The same description might be applied to his own book * The Literary Review *
'Impressive...storytelling. [McKinstry] describes the Lancaster as a heavy machine rendered graceful by its elegant design. The same description might be applied to his own book' * Literary Review, Keith Lowe *
'Brilliant' * International Express *
'This is one of the most interesting wartime books that I have read for many a day. I recommend it to others' * Dover Express / Folkestone Herald *
Extremely readable...rich narrative * Kent on Sunday *
'Meticulously researched . . . a first-rate account of a unique British creation whose success and brave crews helped to keep Europe free' * Sunday Express *
'There were a good number of high-quality books on military history published last year but none were better than LANCASTER by Leo McKinstry...this is a meticulously researched story ... a first-rate account of a unique British creation whose success and brave crews helped to keep Europe free' * Sunday Express *



Book Information
ISBN 9780719523632
Author Leo McKinstry
Format Paperback
Page Count 592
Imprint John Murray Publishers Ltd
Publisher John Murray Press
Weight(grams) 422g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 131mm * 37mm