On December 17, 1935, the first of a ground-breaking aircraft that ushered in a new era of passenger flight: the immortal DC-3, which needs no introduction and is still a common sight 90 years on; the illustrious DC-3, about which so much has been written for 90 years; the glorious DC-3, which holds a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts across the globe.

Every 10 years, someone releases a book titled “Douglas DC-3: [X] Glorious Years." First, it was Arthur Pearcy with his 40 Glorious Years, 50 Glorious Years and 60 Glorious Years. This year, it’s Fonthill Media’s turn with their new book Douglas DC-3: 90 Glorious Years. This is a reprint of their previous book Douglas DC-3: 80 Glorious Years, printed 10 years ago.

The 90^th Anniversary edition is a straight reprint of the 80^th Anniversary edition, except that, curiously, it apparently has at least 30 less pages that the earlier edition, is about 1 inch smaller in both dimensions and is a softcover rather than hardback. I was unable to find an inexpensive copy of the earlier book to be able to make a direct comparison and had to rely on descriptions online. The publishers, to their credit, do note that the book is not changed and that the author unfortunately died some years ago. One hopes his estate is getting royalties.

Geoff Jones was a pilot and author with a passion for the DC-3 and this shows in his writing. The book starts with a potted history of the origins of the type, the state of US airlines in the early Thirties that led to the Douglas Commercial series, and discussion of some of the personalities involved.

Further chapters outline the DC-3’s service in the United States and Europe prior to WWII, then picks up the story after the War and it’s use around the World in a number of geographically-divided chapters. The type’s military service is largely absent from the book which really concentrates on its civilian usage. There are also chapters on DC-3 conversions, bug sprayers, and one on missionary work in Africa, a subject for which Jones appears to have had a particular fondness. The book ends with a ‘state of type’ summary, current to 2014.

The book is well illustrated with around 200 black and white photos and a center section of 70 full-color photos. These are mostly of very good quality, though it is a pity some of them are not larger.

Jones writes well and fondly and is not afraid to use some pleasant stories to supplement the facts. It makes for a well-rounded text that’s easy to read. It is unfortunate that the publishers didn’t take the opportunity to ask someone to update the final chapter, which is regrettably out of date – some of the aircraft which were then airworthy are no longer so, and some of the air companies mentioned have long since shuttered their hangar doors. It feels a bit cheap.

Nevertheless, this should not detract too much from Jones’ work, which is still worthy of consideration; this is a competent potted history of the type and it is pretty good value for money, especially given the frankly outrageous prices being asked for the original online. Though again, if you have the original, don’t buy this one as there’s nothing new here.

My thanks to Casemate for providing the review sample.