The WWI French Aces Encyclopedia: Volume 4: Fraissinet to Hérisson
By Matt Bittner
Author: David Méchin
Publisher: Aeronaut Books
ISBN: 978-1-953201-33-1
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 254
Now I'm halfway in my reviews of The WWI French Aces Encyclopedia, this one being Volume 4, Fraissinet to Hérisson. Fraissinet was very well off and ironically friends - and flat mates - with Hérisson, whom was also well off and both survived the war.
The French WWI Aces Encyclopedia, broken up by the aces' last name in alphabetical order (with exceptions in Volume 8, which will be reviewed at a later date) consists of eight volumes. I will be reviewing each one.
The break out of each ace's section includes name, birthright, and other biographical information at the top, along with a graphical representation of the awards given. Then there's a photo of the pilot, followed by narrative for that person. Most aces also have color profiles of the "crates" they flew during the war, something this modeler relishes. Also included is a chart breaking out each "kill" with detailed information when known.
Volume 4 starts out with a narrative life in "gay Paree" during the war. The narrative makes it sound like life in Paris wasn't difficult. In fact, it makes it sound like there were parties usually thrown because of the airmen when they arrived in town.
Because this is an 'F' through 'H' book, one of the highest scoring French Aces, Guynemer, is in this Volume and commands a large portion of the book. This is to be expected given his remarkable life and career.
Huge, HUGE thanks to Aeronaut Books for sending this review copy. Watch for reviews of the rest of the series in the near future. Contact them direct for ordering information.