The Typhoon was the RAF's chosen heavyweight fighter-bomber to support the British and Canadian Armies during the invasion of northwest Europe in World War II (1939-1945). A specialist in the aircraft (his father flew them in WWII); author Chris Thomas has done much research on the Typhoon's operations with 2nd TAF during this crucial period of the war. His research reveals for the first time the extent; and chronology; of the struggle to equip 18 RAF and RCAF squadrons in time for D-Day; and how this feat was only narrowly achieved. These 18 squadrons (later increased to 20) were organised into highly mobile; self-supporting wings that provided devastating close support for the British and Canadian armies in their advance across northwest Europe. Thomas' book analyzes the tactics employed by the Typhoon squadrons during these epic events; supported by the words of the pilots themselves. These battles were by no means one-sided; with the Typhoons' nemesis - the highly effective German flak units - exacting a terrible toll on 2nd TAF units. Indeed; some 400 aircraft and 150 pilots were lost during the Normandy campaign alone. Losses such as these led Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst; Air Officer Commanding 83 Group (which controlled more than half of 2nd TAF's Typhoon squadrons); to remark 'I suppose that flying one of these aircraft was the most dangerous task the Air Force has ever asked anybody to do'. Along with photographs and diagrams; the book includes artwork by the author as well; making for a comprehensive and authoritative guide.
#2229004 in Books Bloomsbury Academic 2008-04-15 2008-04-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 233.93 x 10.44 x 6.14l; .68 #File Name: 1845202856224 pages
Review
2 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Islam AnthropologyBy William Garrison Jr.For anthropological students of Islam; the author opines: "I shall suggest that emotions and feelings should be at the centre of our studies of Islam" rather than over-emphasizing the concept that the Islamic religion defines what a Muslim is (p.6). The author rebukes the idea that there is a `Muslim mind theory' - it is a fallacy that argues "that religion induces Muslims to believe; behave; act; think; argue and develop their identity as Muslims despite their disparate heritages; ethnicities; nationalities; experiences; gender; sexual orientations and; last but not least; mind." Essentially; the author argues that the environment influences the development of a Muslim; rather than the Islamic religion. The author notes that there have been few `Islamic anthropologists' (some the author acknowledges to be include: Geertz; Gellner; Gilsenan von Grunebaum -- amongst others). To get some idea regarding the split between anthropologists; the author wrote: "Gellner is not interested in understanding Muslims; rather; like Geertz; he believed he had provided the ultimate explanation of Islam as a cultural system (p.38)." The author argues that Islam is not monolithic. The author implores that anthropological students study the different methodologies used in the sociological analysis of Islam in seeking answers to `what is the anthropology of Islam?" -- just studying the Quran or undertaking fieldwork; too ? The author contends that: "Asad has proposed the blueprint that this discipline lacked" (p.41) - I won't give away Talal Asad's proposal [his 22-page book is available as a free download from Georgetown Univ.]. Can there `properly' be Muslim lesbians? (p.131) -- based on Islamic culture or Islamic religion? One really isn't going to learn anything about Islam within this paperback; it is more about how the author urges students of Islamic anthropology to understand the different anthropological approaches in studying Islam. A good thought-provoking book; but I believe the author downplays how the Islamic religion influences the `Muslim mind.' The author notes Daniel Pipes but ignores Robert Spencer.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent read! This is definitely more personal than the ...By LavenderFieldsExcellent read! This is definitely more personal than the other books I've read on the same topic.
