The Spitfire turns eighty on March 5, 2016, and the passion for the Royal Air Force's best-loved fighter is running at an all-time high. There are more than fifty Spitfires flying in the world today, and John Dibbs has shot virtually all of them, “on the wing,” in his breathtaking style.

This eye-catching book combines this unique collection of stunning photos with poignant firsthand accounts of flying the airplane in combat from some of the most famous Aces to pilot the Spitfire and from some of the forgotten pilots. Chronicling the history of this most iconic of British aircraft, this book is a must-have purchase for aviation enthusiasts.

John Dibbs, the world's premier aerial photographer with access to most of the fifty-five airworthy Spitfires, has also amassed an amazing collection of Spitfire ephemera, all of it included in this book. He lives in the US.

Osprey Aviation Editor since 1989, Tony Holmes is from Fremantle, Australia. Responsible for the Aircraft of the Aces, Combat Aircraft, Elite Units, and Duel series, Tony has also written over 25 Osprey books.