Smith's book is divided into three parts: Theory and Practice, Aircraft and Experiments, Combat and Crews. The first part covers the period up to World War II. The second part deals with the many famous and familiar aircraft types, but also covers lesser known aircraft of the Soviet Union, Sweden, Bulgaria, Italy, France, and Rumania. The third part describes the combat operations during World War II in Europe, North Africa, and the Pacific. The book is profusely illustrated with black and white photographs throughout.

Joachim Helbig flew Ju 88s and was awarded the Knight's Cross with Oakleaves and Swords. During the attack on Poland he served as an observer in He 111s with II./LG 1. In April 1940 he became a pilot and his unit converted to the Ju 88. He was the commander of 4./LG 1 during the invasion of Holland, Belgium, and France, and he was wounded on 28 May 1940 during the fierce air battles over Dunkirk. He served during the Battle of Britain and was awarded the Knight's Cross on 24 October 1940. He was then transferred with his unit to Sicily from where they launched raids against Malta, Benghazi, Greece, Crete, and British shipping. Helbig participated in the attacks which heavily damaged the British aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious in January 1941. In November 1941 he was given command of I./LG 1, and on 16 January 1942 he was awarded the Oakleaves after 210 sorties. On 10 May 1942 Helbig led fourteen Ju 88s against four British destroyers and fatally crippled HMS Lively. Later that same day he led seven Ju 88s against the remaining three and sank HMS Kipling and HMS Jackal. Scoring hits on fast and maneuverable destroyers was extremely difficult, and Helbig was awarded the Swords for his feat. He ultimately rose to command LG 1, and finished the war commanding Mistel attacks against bridges on the Eastern Front. He flew a total of 480 sorties. Helbig died in 1985.

This book was a part of the amazing collection assembled by Greg Dortch over the course of about thirty years. He is a member of the American Fighter Aces Association, British and Canadian Fighter Pilots Associations, Gemeinschaft der Jagdflieger, Battle of Britain Association, and various unit associations. He personally met many of the veterans, and he sent labels to those he could not meet in order to obtain their signatures. David Armstrong, Powells.com