The elliptical shape and mighty roar of the Supermarine Spitfire continues to inspire people all over the world. During the Second World War, the Spitfire became the icon of Britain's defiance of Nazi Germany in those dark days of 1940 when Britain stood alone. Today it remains a symbol of great national pride - and the fascination in R. J. Mitchell's little fighter shows no sign of diminishing. Dilip Sarkar has spent a lifetime researching and publishing on the Spitfire, becoming a leading and internationally recognised authority on all aspects of the aircraft's history. This remarkable collection of wartime photographs is largely drawn from the personal albums of veterans and charts the history of the Spitfire from first design to its wartime career, in all theatres. As such it represents a unique collection and window through which, all these years later, we can glimpse the Spitfire in her element.