Books I've Owned Since I was A Kid. Part 9.

[poliphilo]

The title of the book is Death in the Air, the War Diary and Photographs of a Flying Corps Pilot. Heinemann published it in 1933. It has no name attached to it- not even that of an editor. My copy cost me 8/6d off a book stall at a Scout jamboree- and nurtured me in my desire to fly Sopwith Camels when I grew up.

There was always a certain aura of "this is too good to be true" about it.  In 1984 experts at the Smithsonian proved it to be the creation of one Wesley David Archer- a model-maker for the film industry.

So, these pictures are fakes, but...  well... judge for yourselves...

Comments

[huskyteer.livejournal.com]

Oh, fab! The title isn't in my collection but I believe I've seen some of the photos since their exposure as fakes.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

The picture of the burning Albatross is particularly amazing. I'd love to know how he did it.