The Blue Max – Jack D. Hunter – Bantam S5792 – WWI German Aces War Novel

This vintage mass-market paperback edition of The Blue Max by Jack D. Hunter is a gripping portrayal of World War I aviation, dramatizing the ambition and moral descent of fictional German fighter ace Bruno Stachel. First published in 1964, this novel remains one of the most powerful works to explore the psychology of aerial combat and the cult of militaristic heroism.

This copy is Bantam S5792, priced at 75 cents on the cover, and features bold red cover art by artist James Bama, which was also used for movie tie-in editions when the story was adapted into the 1966 20th Century-Fox film starring George Peppard, James Mason, and Ursula Andress.

The back cover describes the haunting panorama of aerial warfare and societal decay as Germany nears defeat, touching on class conflict, lust, and ambition among “the knights of the air.” A vivid slice of mid-century war literature, this copy shows age-appropriate wear but retains strong spine integrity and legible interior pages.

Condition:
Good vintage condition overall with edge and spine wear, rubbing to the cover, and some page yellowing. No writing or inscriptions. This is an unsigned reading copy, perfect for fans of historical fiction or collectors seeking variant cover editions.