Shooting the Front: Allied Aerial Reconnaissance and Photographic Interpretation on the Western Front - World War I (Paperbound)

Provides a pioneering study of the impact of aerial photography on America's air force during WWI.

Although photography was already a well-established fixture of 19th century society, it was the marriage of photography and the airplane that created the new military art of aerial observation during World War I. Shooting the Front is a pioneering study of the impact of aerial photography on America's fledgling air force during its baptism of fire above the trenches of the Western Front. This comprehensive history from the Defense Intelligence Agency highlights aerial photography's ability to command the high ground and provide a concise view of a battle area, both tactically and strategically. It is an authoritative account of aerial reconnaissance and the interpretation of photographs as they evolved into the most important sources of intelligence along the entire Western Front during the Great War.

This original and important resource will interest military history and aviation enthusiasts, as well as students of the history of intelligence. The numerous illustrations, many never before published, include images of aircraft, cameras, and people, authentic official aerial photos, and maps in varying scales, all designed to help the reader relive the exhilarating and dangerous experience of aerial observation during World War I.

Photographers, pilots, members of the military, and others interested in military and aviation history would enjoy this publication.

AIR FORCE RESEARCH INSTITUTE, Article: Shooting the Front: Allied Aerial Reconnaissance and Photographic Interpretation on the Western Front—World War I by Dr. James Titus

"Shooting the Front is a vast storehouse of useful information and cogent analysis on a long-neglected subject. It is well written throughout and graced by numerous period photographs, maps, and drawings. Especially worthy of note is the author’s skill at rendering the more arcane aspects of his study comprehensible to nonspecialist readers. Shooting the Front is highly recommended to anyone seriously interested in the evolution of air intelligence or World War I aviation history. Other students of modern warfare will find it a useful reference source."

http://www.au.af.mil/au/afri/review_full.asp?id=378

Featured on Government Book Talk blog shown here: 
https://govbooktalk.gpo.gov/2013/09/18/happy-66th-or-106th-birthday-us-air-force/
https://govbooktalk.gpo.gov/2017/04/05/the-100th-anniversary-of-the-united-states-entry-into-world-war-i/