Introduction

Lancaster is a new "pocket" compilation from Osprey Publishing LTD. It is part of their General Aviation series. This hardback book is 144 pages long and it also available in PDF and ePUB formats.

As Osprey describes it;

Developed from the under-performing twin-engined Manchester, the Avro Lancaster was the RAF's most successful heavy bomber of World War II, forming the backbone of Bomber Command during the large-scale night bombing campaign against occupied Europe. While Britain was unable to hit back on the ground, the Lancaster enabled Britain to take the fight to Germany. Its success meant that it was produced in massive numbers with more than 7,300 built up to VE-Day.

This complete illustrated guide to one of Britain's most iconic aircraft explores its history, strengths, weaknesses and combat performance in the war that would make it legendary. Drawing on a wealth of research, stunning illustrations and contemporary photographs, this book reveals how the Lancaster became a symbol of British resistance, before going on the offensive against Germany in bombing attacks such as the famous Dambusters raid. - Osprey

Content

Lancaster is compiled from six other Osprey Lancaster titles;

Avro Lancaster (Air Vanguard 21)
Bf 110 vs Lancaster (Duel 51)
Dambusters (Raid 16)
Lancaster Squadrons 1942–43 (Combat Aircraft 31)
Lancaster Squadrons 1944–45 (Combat Aircraft 35)
No 617 ‘Dambuster’ Sqn (Aviation Elite Units 34)

Britain's iconic heavy bomber's story is presented through 144 pages with seven chapters and sections:

1. Introduction
2. Chronology
3. Design and Development
4. Technical Specifications
5. Combat Use
Appendices
Index

Lancaster became the preferred bomber for many RAF pilots with experience on other RAF bombers. It was developed from the sad Avro Manchester and eventually dropped 2/3 of all RAF wartime bomb tonnage. This book explains how that came to be.

The Lancaster was versatile and accepted modifications for special weapons, such as the huge Tall Boy and Grand Slam bombs. Special bombs and being a 'pilot's airplane' found it tasked for unique roles, such as the Dambusters. This book touches upon the various marks and variants. It also recounts the Lancaster's operational career.

This book is not as detailed as the individual titles mentioned above, and it is not meant to be comprehensive. It is meant as a concise look at Lancaster history and lore.

Photographs and Artwork

Several authors and illustrators created the previously named Osprey books about the Lancaster. While I do not have all of those titles, based on other Osprey books of this series, it appears that there are no new images in this book. There are some profiles but not the dozens of supportive images that the Combat Aircraft series are known for.

What is available is, not surprisingly, very good. Note the dramatic "in-action" centerfold of a Dambuster boring in on its target.

Conclusion

Lancaster is a good abridged compilation of a half-dozen titles about the Lancaster from Osprey. A good selection of data and information and photos and original artwork support the text.

The gallery of photos and artwork should please readers, so long as they do not expect the dozens of profiled the Combat Aircraft series are known for. Likewise, the 144 pages of this book should not be construed as a negative considering the six prior titles boast 100s of pages of Lancaster history amongst them. This book is a appetizer, not a full feast.

Modelers and historians of the Avro Lancaster should be pleased with this book. It is a good reference about the icon warplane and can cultivate a greater interest in the aircraft.

Please remember to mention to vendors and retailers that you saw this book here - on AEROSCALE.