Air Aces of the 1914–1918 War – Bruce Robertson, 1959 Harleyford

Offered here is a highly regarded aviation reference work, Air Aces of the 1914–1918 War, edited by Bruce Robertson and published in the summer of 1959 by Harleyford Publications Limited, Letchworth, Herts. This first edition volume remains one of the cornerstone studies of WWI aviation history, presenting detailed biographies, statistics, and operational context for the fighter pilots who became known as the "aces" of the Great War.

The book is divided by national sections, each authored by leading historians of the time:

• British by J. M. Bruce, M.A.

• French by D. A. S. McKay, D.F.M.

• American by Capt. E. F. Heyn, U.S.A.F.

• Italian by D. A. S. McKay, D.F.M.

• Belgian by Major V. Houart

• Russian by Miss J. Alexander

• German by H. J. Nowarra

• Austro-Hungarian by W. M. Lamberton

The coverage is both narrative and statistical, featuring:

• Military backgrounds for each nation’s aviation efforts

• Individual biographies of the principal aces (e.g., Manfred von Richthofen, René Fonck, Albert Ball, Eddie Rickenbacker, Francesco Baracca, and many more)

• Comprehensive ace lists with confirmed and unconfirmed victory tallies

• Appendices with award information, rank equivalencies, and honor rolls

Physical Details:

• Hardcover, orange cloth binding, gilt spine lettering.

• 1st edition, 1959, Harleyford Publications.

• Approximately 260+ pages with numerous photographs, portraits, aircraft images, and appendices.

• Binding remains firm; covers show only light shelf wear. Pages clean, with crisp photographs and text.

Condition:
Very good overall. The orange cloth cover remains solid with only minor edge wear. Interior pages are bright and well-preserved, with no major markings noted. A tight and complete example of this classic reference.

Historical Significance:
This work remains an essential resource for collectors, aviation historians, and WWI enthusiasts, offering a systematic study of air combat and its most notable personalities across all combatant nations. Harleyford’s publications are prized for their scholarly depth and photographic content, making them collectible in their own right.