Description
Book SynopsisIn 1918, the RAF was established as the world''s first independent air force. To mark the 100th anniversary of its creation, Penguin are publishing the Centenary Collection, a series of six classic books highlighting the skill, heroism and esprit de corps that have characterised the Royal Air Force throughout its first century.
The Last Enemy is Richard Hillary''s extraordinary account of his experience as a Spitfire pilot in the Second World War. Hillary was shot down during the Battle of Britain, leading to months in hospital as part of Archibald McIndoe''s ''Guinea Pig Club'', undergoing pioneering plastic surgery to rebuild his face and hands.
The Last Enemy was first published in 1942, just seven months before Hilary''s untimely death in a second crash and has gone on to be hailed as one of the classic texts of World War II.
The Centenary Collection:
1. The Last Enemy by Richard Hillary
2. Tumult in the Clou
Trade Review
One of the classic books of World War Two * London Review of Books *
The Last Enemy rapidly acquired the aura of a book that says something vital, whose importance goes beyond what it literally describes -- Sebastian Faulks
Rivetingly well told...It will speak to anyone who cares for the romance and tragedy of a lost hero. -- Godfrey Smith * Sunday Times *
Elegantly affecting memoir -- David Horspool * The Times *
This slim volume of Hilary's seems to have a weight which makes it sink into the depths of one's memory * Arthur Koestler *
