This work compares the development of the British and French air forces between the world wars and during the early years of WWII, investigating the reasons behind the failure of the French to prepare for air war and the factors contributing to the success of the Royal Air Force. There is special attention to the geographic, social, political, economic, and technological base of the French air force and its military policies. Appendices list French and British political and military leaders and also provide documents and a glossary. Higham, a former RAF pilot, has written other books on the history of military aviation. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)