Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes Review
By Michael Turns
We read a review we enjoyed that we’re sharing here - review by Michael Turns
“The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes” (Published by Unbound in early 2023) by Joe Coles appears, on first glance, to be a conventional book on the subject of military aircraft. But there is far more going on here than first appears.
The book is satisfyingly hefty and handsome, and nicely printed and bound with a dramatic photograph of a Saab Draken by renowned Japanese aviation photographer Katsuhiko Tokunaga. Considered by many to be the best aviation photographer this is a promising start. The design is fresh and appealing, with extremely strong photography and artwork by talented illustrators (including the British artist Andy Godfrey). Some of the artworks are of extremely obscure cancelled projects, and the book contains multiple ‘easter eggs’ and arcane references hidden in the artworks and subheads (I found 9 but guessing there are more).
The contributors list is a veritable supergroup of aviation writers, including Bill Sweetman, Calum E. Douglas, Edward Ward, Thomas Newdick and of course, Hush-Kit creator himself Joe Coles. The book is largely made of expanded articles from the Hush-Kit site, a blog that has been going for a long time, and that is WELL WORTH a look.
The book features top 10s, an engaging and accessible format that does not detract from the seriousness of the research and the excellent knowledge of all the contributors. Likewise, the sharp - and sometimes absurd - wit brings the subject to life. The editor acerbically described the book as attempting to drag aviation writing from the 1950s to the 1970s, and in this he succeeds. Punk has arrived and it is a breath of fresh air. Those finding it too unconventional or misinterpreting the irreverence as silliness will miss out on what is the certainly the most interesting military aviation book in years.
The rapid changes in tone in the book are exhilarating, leaping from meta jokes about aircraft books to shocking true confessions of war crimes from Iranian air force pilots. The interviews feature pilots of some of the coolest aircraft types including the MiG-25, SR-71 Blackbird and Su-30 Flanker. As well offering personal insights, the insights into the machines themselves are often revelatory, such as the flaws in the F-35s much vaunted cockpit display.
"The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes" also goes beyond the realms of technical specifications and delves into the often weird, sometimes terrifying, stories behind the aircraft. The anecdotes and historical context provide a human touch, allowing readers to connect with the incredible men and women who flew and built these machines. It serves as a reminder that warplanes are not just mechanical marvels but exist in complex world of wider context.
In conclusion, "The Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes" is a must-have addition to any aviation enthusiast's collection. Its combination of in-depth knowledge, stunning visuals, and engaging writing make it a standout resource in the world of warplane literature. This book is a testament to the imagination and expertise of its authors, and it will undoubtedly ignite a renewed sense of wonder and admiration for these remarkable flying machines. My one worry is that it is maybe a bit ahead of the curve and some won’t get it, but for those who do - this is truly superb. Spread the word or we may not see any more books like this.
Buy your copy here.