Ernst Udet | Akateeminen Kirjakauppa

Ernst Udet was the second-highest scoring German air ace of the First World War after Manfred von Richthofen, managing to survive the war, and leading a colourful and adventure-filled life between the wars. He became disillusioned with his unhappy relationships with Goring, Erhard Milch and the Nazi Party in general, however, and committed suicide in 1941, shooting himself in the head while on the phone with his girlfriend. Udet had a natural aptitude for flying, and became a skilled pilot, favouring attacking his victims from out of the sun and picking off the rear aircraft. Richthofen invited him to become a member of his 'flying circus', Jagdgeschwader 1, and Udet was soon commanding Jasta 11, Richthofen's own former squadron. He later commanded Jasta 4, and ended the war with 62 confirmed victories. Between the wars Udet had many jobs, often working as a stunt pilot in Hollywood, took up air racing, flew in an expedition to Africa, and had countless adventures. In the late 1930s Udet penned his memoirs, mostly focusing on his First World War exploits, but also including many fascinating details of his interwar career. Ace of the Black Cross is a riveting and exciting read.
Udet takes the reader up in the cockpit with him when writing about his duels over the skies of the Western Front, when racing planes in Depression-era America, or flying over Africa whilst evading lions. If you are looking to read a book that gives a real flavour of the highs and lows of the early days of flying, then look no further than Udet's account. This superb aviation title is being published in a strictly limited edition hardback run of just 500 copies, each copy individually numbered.