The Second World War triggered the greatest technological leap in aviation since manned flight began. In the short space of six years, military aircraft were taken from open cockpit biplanes on a summer's day, to fighters that were encountering the compressibility problems associated with the sound barrier, while conquering the skies of 40,000 feet plus. The necessitudes of the conflict focused the industries of the global powers, which achieved dazzling results.Represented in this splendid volume are images of these aircraft-the last of the gladitorial steeds. The award winning air to air photography of John Dibbs is complemented by a selection of breathtaking archives from the conflict, which can only truly illustrate the spirit and humanity behind these "Flying Legends".