The Duke Hawkins series of books from HMH Publications are photo essays of specific planes ranging from Tornadoes to Typhoons to this book, the A-4 M/N/AR Skyhawk. The books are lavishly illustrated, in this case with over 300 beautifully done photographs of all types and details of the Skyhawk. This particular book deals with the A-4 from views such as Top Aces, Argentina, Brazil and Argentina and includes a stop on the Brazilian Aircraft Carrier Sao Paulo. This book series goes from front to back and top to bottom covering the Skyhawk with detail pictures.

Although not defined by chapters, the breakdown of this book is as follows:

• A-4 Skyhawk Types
• Forward Fuselage
• Air Intake
• Wings
• Cockpit
• Fuselage
• Front landing Gear
• Speed Brakes
• Main Landing Gear
• Brazils AF-1
• Vertical Tail
• Horizontal Tail
• Maintenance
• Aft Fuselage- Engine, Arrestor Hook
• Pylons
• In Action

Each section has multiple pictures showing detail with well written text explaining the picture. For example, if we look at the cockpit secation, there are eight full color pages with 20 photographs capturing the side walls, ejection seat, and a full 360 degree review of the cockpit. Each section of the plane is covered in the same exquisite detail with wonderful crisp photos.

I do want to mention the maintenance section- this shows panels removed all over the aircraft showing the inside of the aircraft which is a modeler’s dream.

I cannot recommend this book enough if you are building this subject. The photos are spectacular, the text is informative, and the layout is great. From a modeling perspective, this is the book super detailers need. Highly recommended,

My thanks to HMH Publishing and Casemate Publishers for the opportunity to review this book. If you are fan of the scooter, this is for you!