Hawker Hurricane Mk I Special, Parts 1 and 2
by Mark Postlethwaite and Mariusz Lozynski. Wingleader Publishing, RRP $45 each.

The Hurricane was, and still is, probably the most under-rated fighter of WW2. Produced in basically three Marks, differentiated by engine and armament options, this early 1930's design served both on land and at sea and was still operational on VJ-Day.

Of all the Marks, the Hurricane I was subject  to a bewildering number of updates both on the production line and whilst in service. These two 72 page books explain the progression of these changes  by referencing the production blocks from Hawker, Gloster and Canadian Car & Foundry, each illustrated by 200+ period b/w photo's and six pages of colour three-views.. All photo's have explanatory captions and many also have highlighted areas to make the captions clearer. Along the way, they explain the evolution of RAF camo' schemes, including the various early-war underside colours, and markings. They also illustrate such various matters as cockpit details, exhausts, wing constructions, cockpit armour and props/spinners.

For a self-confessed "Hurricane tragic" as this reviewer, these two volumes are Christmas and birthday all in one. I can  whole-heartedly recommend these two books. And I also only hope the Marks II and IV receive the same treatment.