This is the definitive book on the Macchi Mc.200.202 & 205. With over 650 photos, color artworks, detailed art and line drawings contained in its 224 pages.

The book is divided into twelve sections. The first covers the development of the Aeronautica Macchi company founded by Guilio Macchi in 1913 up through modern times. It also covers the sleek and fast Macchi seaplanes designed for the times air races. Chapter two covers aspects of production and is the shortest chapter in the book at only two pages. Chapter three covers how the monoplane fighter evolved in Italy. Ouching on the Fiat G.50 and IMAM Ro.51 but concentrating on the Mc.200. Chapter four covers the Mc.200 Saetta(Lightning) of which over 1100 were built. Due to production limitations at Macchi, license-built aircraft were also produced by Breda and SI Ambrosini. At 58 pages, it is the largest chapter in the book. The reader is treated to detailed information on production, armament, and engines, concluding with the Saetta in service. Chapter Five covers the Mc.202 Folgore (Thunderbolt) which was powered by the German DB 601 engine most of which were license built in Italy. As with the chapter on the Saetta, we are given an in-depth analysis of the aircraft, engine, and armament. A good part of the chapter is devoted to the Folgore in service, including pilot impressions of combat with allied aircraft. Chapter Six covers the Mc.205 Veltro (Greyhound). This was the ultimate Macchi fighter powered by the German DB 605 engine. This chapter follows the same format as those on the Mc.200 and 202.

Chapter seven discusses operational variants as well as planned developments of all three models. Chapter eight covers operations after the 1943 armistice with the allies. The armistice caught the Regia Aeronautica completely by surprise and lack of direction from high officers led to early confusion until the needed information finally got through. Macchi aircraft served with Co-belligerent Italian forces, ANR Italian forces loyal to Nazi Germany and the Luftwaffe. The end of WWII did not spell the end of the Macchi’s service. Chapter Nine details their service in the post war Italian Air Force and the Royal Egyptian Air Force. Chapter Ten gives us the never before published service accounts of two wartime Regia Aeronautica pilots. This is a priceless section filled with good firsthand information. Chapter eleven covers camouflage and markings of all three aircraft types with 79 color profiles and three views. Chapter twelve covers the eight surviving airframes in museums around the world. This also includes the Mc.205 that flew from around 1980 to 1986.

This is an excellent book that you will be glad to own. The numerous photographs, many in color, are alone worth the price of the book. It is thoroughly researched and presents an in-depth look at the three aircraft. I can recommend this to modelers, aviation, and WWII historians/enthusiasts alike. Buy it! You will not be disappointed! I only hope the author will also write a companion volume like this one on the fighters of Reggiane. My thanks to IPMS/USA for the review opportunity and to Casemate for the book itself.