Marked for Death: The First War in the Air - Hardcover

James Hamilton-Paterson is the author of Empires of the Clouds, the classic account of the golden age of British aviation. He won a Whitbread Prize for his first novel, Gerontius. His most recent book was Marked for Death, a history of aerial combat during World War 1. He lives in Austria.

“Marked for Death tells its inherently vivid story with more sheer comprehensive energy than any previous English-language history has ever done. Hamilton-Paterson’s book traces the rackety youth of human flight and its initially sloppy and largely undirected adaptation to the field of warfare, and his storytelling skills are on point and gratifyingly varied―there isn’t a dull page in this book.”
- Open Letters Monthly

“Supremely readable. ”
- Washington Times

“The account is enlivened by quotes from pilots' journals and letters home. Best of all, the author―who has a solid body of fiction to his credit―is a consummate storyteller; not only does the book tell a fascinating story, it is nearly impossible to put down.”
- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Penned by one of Britain’s most prolific and highly regarded authors, this book exhibits a clear, engaging prose so generously adorned with anecdotes and descriptive quotes that readers will want to keep on reading. This expertly written and nicely illustrated book is highly recommended.”
- Over the Front

“A terrific story, which Hamilton-Paterson tells with tremendous relish, elegance, and attention to detail. An acclaimed poet and novelist, he is excellent at capturing the sheer courage of the pilots who ran risks that almost defy credibility.”
- The Sunday Times (London)

“An exhilarating book. By turns, thrilling, joyful, wistful, and provocative.”
- Rowland White

“Marked for Death is as interesting as it is scholarly. It is an authentic and comprehensive history of air war as well as the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force. Both experts and laypeople will find it highly readable.”
- The Washington Book Review