René J. Francillon (1937–2018)

THE gold standard for WWII Japanese aircraft reference. As another review pointed out, not a narrative, but the perfect book for studying/learning of particular Japanese aircraft. It's size is perfect for on the go study at museums, scale modeling events, etc

An excellent book written more about the men and women who fly the Buff than another history of what will obviously be the greatest bomber the world has and probably will see.

Tracing the combat histories of Japanese Carrier Air Groups in the Pacific Theatre of World War II. The major aircraft types operated by the groups during this period are all covered, and the missions covered include Guadalcanal and Midway. Aircraft markings and aircrew uniforms are shown in full colour illustrations. Text by Renâe J. Francillon with illustrations by Terry Hadler and Chris Warner.

The most significant types of aircraft operated by the Army and the Navy immediately before and during the Pacific War are described in the two main sections of this book, while a series of appendices provides information on less important Japanese military aircraft, foreign-designed aircraft operated by Japanese forces, aircraft carriers and tenders, aero-engines and aircraft armament.