Lost Archives - Pictorial History of SIAI, Chapter I - The Sorci Verdi

Books On Demand

Reviewed by Mark Davies

SAAB 37 Viggen Walk Around is available online from Squadron.com
 

I was really pleased to receive this book for review, as both the S.79 bomber and its Corsa (race) version are particular favourites of mine.

The book is the first in a planned series covering the pictorial history of SIAI. It is the result of the lead author, Paolo Miana, gaining access to the SIAI archives, and detailed cataloguing, digitizing and conservation work of the material found there. This first release in the series portrays the development and successes of the Corsa version of the famous SIAI S.79. Many aspects of the aircraft likely to be of particular interest to modellers are covered within the 72 pages. The English text is well translated and most readable, and there are about 100 photos, plus several drawings and a colour profile. The chapters of the book cover the following areas:

• External views,
• Technical details,
• The crews for the Istres-Damascus-Paris race,
• The Istres-Damascus-Paris race, and
• The flight to Brazil.

As indicated by its title, this is a pictorial history, and so is primarily a photo-essay. Do not expect to find a detailed history of the S.79’s development, or in-depth descriptions of the races the S.79C participated in; as these are dealt with only briefly. However, the pictorial content is simply superb, with many images that I am sure are previously unpublished or long since forgotten. These images are all fully captioned and describe the components or situation represented. The graphic images are also very nicely rendered.

I read my review copy cover to cover, and now find the book often accompanies me to the smallest room in the house for a further quick flick the through the pages and a more detailed perusal of the photos! It is a must-have for those planning an S.79C conversion.

An online view of the first 22 pages of the book can be seen by following this link.

The book is produced to very high standards, despite the odd proof-reading error, and is an excellent reference for S.79C enthusiasts, or those who have an interest in aviation’s golden age.

Development and race history information is briefly covered, so look elsewhere for in-depth information on these aspects. But as a most enjoyable, informative visual display of the S.79C it cannot be beaten in my opinion. This book is a must-have for those contemplating an S.79C conversion.

I definitely recommend it and look forward to more in the series.

Thanks to Books on Demand for the review sample.

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Review Copyright © 2014 by Brad Fallen
This Page Created on 1 December, 2014
Last updated 1 December, 2014

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