Forthcoming November 2011
Imprint Publications, Chicago
ISBN 978-1879176-47-8 (Paper) $29.95
Into the Sun: Novels of the
United States Air Force
Phillip S. Meilinger
In the century or so since its invention, the airplane has forged an increasingly pivotal role in America’s global national security, with the United States Air Force as a key player. The story behind its operations and personnel is one of courage, dedication, and innovation. War novels, especially those dealing with aviation, are a popular genre, but there is no reference work on novels dealing with air warfare. This anthology, based on the author’s meticulous research and reading of over 400 fictional works related to the USAF and its antecedents—the Air Service, Air Corps, and Army Air Forces—identifies and reviews the most important with historical commentaries that reflect the unique character, culture, and achievements of the Air Force.
Retired Air Force Colonel Phillip Meilinger, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, served thirty years as a command pilot, staff officer, and educator, especially in air power theory and practice. With a Ph.D. in military history, Meilinger is a seasoned writer of eight books and scores of articles. This unique reference guide is a contribution to the literature of Air Force heritage and provides the readers—veterans, the general public, and students of military history both in and out of uniform—with a deep understanding of air warfare.
Into the Sun: Novels of the United States Air Force is organized into nine segments, each with an introduction: (1) World War I; (2) Europe: The Bombers; (3) Europe: Fighters and POWs; (4) The Pacific: Fighters and Bombers; (5) World War II: The Home Front; (6) The Korean War; (7) Vietnam: Fighters and Bombers; (8) Vietnam: The Other Wars; (9) The Cold War and Beyond.
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“No one but the noted historian Phillip Meilinger could have delivered this urgently needed book, which gives incisive samples of the best novels concerning the U.S. Air Force and its predecessors. Meilinger, a veteran pilot and educator, evaluates his selections rigorously, showing how they truthfully portray the nature of air warfare in an entertaining manner. He does not skirt the grave issues of death and destruction, nor does he overemphasize the heroism implicit in the story. Instead he shows us how we can spend the best hours of our lives reading the best Air Force literature. This is an immensely valuable book—a classic about classics—and is long overdue.”—Walter J. Boyne, Aviation Writer, Enshrinee of the National Aviation Hall of Fame (2007)
“In this impressive work, Phillip Meilinger, one of aviation's leading proponents of air power, shows that his grasp of military aviation fiction is no less secure. Readers who have read the numerous works analyzed in this thoughtful and reflective book will have their appreciation of them enhanced, while readers who have not read them will find reason to seek them out. Long overdue, this is a substantial contribution to understanding the connections between authors, aviators, and the way reality and fiction come together to inform us about military aviation and the diverse kinds of people who routinely take to the sky in the cause of national security.”—Dr. Richard P. Hallion, Aerospace Historian
“Just when I thought I had seen about all the ways to present the subject of air power and aviation history, a new and fresh approach comes along. Phillip Meilinger has established a solid reputation as an air power historian, however, in this book he does something that makes a real contribution to the history of the Air Force and at the same time takes the reader into a new realm. His ‘flight plan’ divides the history of U.S. air power into nine ‘route segments’ primarily defined by the major conflicts and eras in which aviation played a role during the 20th century and beyond. He introduces each segment with a concise contextual historical summary of the role played by air power. The new twist is that he uses this summary to introduce the relevant novels that flowed from the historical experience. The result is a great read, providing new and different perspectives on the people behind the history. I strongly recommend Into the Sun for both aviation history buffs and readers looking to be introduced to the body of literature spawned by the coming of age of air power in warfare.”
—General Ronald Fogleman, USAF (Ret.), Former Chief of Staff of the Air Force
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