TBF/TBM Avenger in Action Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | April 2012 | Title | TBF/TBM Avenger in Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | David Doyle | Publisher | Squadron/Signal Publications |
| Published | 2012 | ISBN | 978-0-89747-656-0 |
| Format | 80 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $18.95 |
Review
If you haven't noticed lately, Squadron/Signal Publications has revised their 'In Action' series format. The titles include 30 more pages than the original series, they have many more color photographs included, and all for a suggested retail price of $6.00 more than the original series.
The first TBF/TBM Avenger in Action title was published by Squadron/Signal Publications back in 1987. That title was in the original 50-page format. This 'In Action' is written by a different author in the new format. This title provides deeper coverage of the development and deployment of the Avenger during World War II. The title has a number of nice interior shots of the different compartments and cockpits from period photographs and not from restored museum pieces.
Coverage jumps into the aircraft in squadron service aboard aircraft carriers and shore stations with the US Navy as well as allied operations. These photos will provide some nice insight into the aircraft and how it appeared at different stages of the war, how they appeared on deck during fueling, arming, launch, recovery, and sometimes rescue. Each photo has a nice caption explaining what you're seeing which helps provide context for these shots. As mentioned previously, this title includes quite a few more period color photos than the original series.
The print and binding quality is excellent and as the publisher's block indicates, this title was printed in the USA rather than overseas.
If you're looking for a good operational/historical reference for your library, here is one to add.
This title is definitely recommended!
My sincere thanks to Squadron/Signal Publications for this review sample!