This is another colorful book (in a larger series) by the well-known aviation artist, Richard J Caruana. I recommend that you review one or more of the biographical sketches of Mr. Caruana, who was born and resides in Malta. The well-known artist has the distinction (amongst other aspects of his life) having published a 15-volume history of the Italian Air Force, numerous Scale Aviation Modeling, Scale Models, and Osprey books (amongst others), and has designed 89 stamps for the country of Malta.

This Bookazine Collection: 2 is richly packed with 48 pages of full-color illustrations and the inside cover B&W drawings of the Hawker Hart and Hawker Siddeley Harrier in 1/72^nd scale.

The full-color profiles include: the Morane-Saulnier Type N, the U.S. Nieuport Ni 28, De Havilland D.H. 88 Comet, Hawker Hart, Messerschmitt Bf109D & E-3, Kawasaki Ki-61, Hawker Siddeley Kestrel FGA and AV-8A, and the AMX Ghibli and A-1 series. To fully appreciate the color profiles, you may get some idea of them with my paltry image captures following these brief notes.

Additionally, Mr. Caruana includes a great amount of related text in support of his artwork. These notes include his discussions of “America Joins In”, “A Japanese Swallow – The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hein”, “Birth of the Jump Jet – The Harrier”, and the “Ghibli AMX The Hot Wind from the Desert”. Each of the textual notes adds to the reader’s knowledge of the aircraft and its concept, development, and actual combat service and markings, all of which add to any model builder's background and markings.

Recommendation

I recommend this book to both anyone who enjoys Mr. Caruana’s beautiful artwork as well as any modeler looking to acquire ideas for the colors and camouflage patterns exhibited in this paperback book. You will not be disappointed. Thanks to MMP and Casemate for enabling this review—your contribution to IPMS/USA is appreciated.