The Spitfire and the Lancaster were two RAF weapons of victory in the Second World War, but the glamour of the fighter has overshadowed the performance of the heavy bomber. Yet without the Lancaster, Britain would never have been able to take the fight to the German homeland.

Leo McKinstry's Lancaster: The Second World War's Greatest Bomber highlights the scale of the bomber's achievements, including the famous Dambusters attacks. Whilst addressing the political controversy surrounding the bombing offensive against Germany, he weaves individual tales into this compelling narrative. Rich characters are brought to life, such as Roy Chadwick the designer, who taught himself engineering at night school and Sir Arthur Harris, the austere head of the Bomber Command.

Details: Non-fiction, published 2009.

Format: Soft cover, illustrations (photographs), 592 pages.

Dimensions: 19.7 cm (h) x 13.1 cm (w) x 3.9 cm (d) / 430 grams.