There are times when a book comes out that can rightly be called a tome (a large and heavy book). This is one. With 512 pages full of images of every sort from photos to profiles and drawings, there is everything you ever wanted to know about the MiG-29 from the glimmer of an idea up to its current status. Right here in one book. No need for other sources as nothing has been left out.

Written by one of the world's authorities on Soviet/Russian aviation, Yefim Gordon, this book starts out looking at the reason that the MiG-29 was developed in the first place. If you think it was a response to the F-15, F-16 and F-18 then you are quite correct. As with all responses, it was important that this aircraft be more than as good as, it had to be better. After all, some five or more years had transpired since the American fighters first flew and technology had advanced. It was important to the Soviet Union that they develop an aircraft that would be the best in the world, and this is the story of that fighter.

I could easily go into a long discussion of the book, but perhaps it would be best to give you the chapter titles, as they will tell as much about what is here as anything.

1. Taking shape
2. Learning to Fly
3. The Family starts Growing
4. The New Generation
5. Pushing for the Navy
6. New Lords, New Upgrades
7. The 21st Century Generation
8. The MiG-29 in Action
9. The MiG-nificent Displays
10.The MiG-29 in Detail
11. The MiG-29 vs the Competition
12. The Operators

As an appendix, there is a full production listing that includes to whom the aircraft was first sent.

The book is full of high quality images, superb profiles and outstanding drawings. The detail into which the we see the design, construction and operation of the aircraft is second to none. Not only that, but it is not a boring, plodding book, but the story is told in such a way as to keep your interest. I know it kept mine.

If you don't get the idea by now, this one makes all your other references obsolete. Take them to the flea markets, sell them off, and buy this book. It is that good.

March 2007

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