This is the gripping story of two of the best fighters produced in World War I as they duelled in the skies above the trenches in the closing months of the war. The Fokker D VII earned a reputation as the most formidable fighter of the war, yet the SPAD XIII's greater speed, especially in a dive, and its outstanding durability proved a fearsome rival. Never before published artwork, including fascinating cockpit illustrations, reveal several dramatic clashes from the two foes, whilst diary entries and first hand accounts from the pilots bring this classic World War I duel to life with intimate detail.

. Introduction . Chronology . Design and Development . The Strategic Situation . Technical Specifications . The combatants . Combat . Statistics and analysis . Aftermath/conclusion . Bibliography/Further Reading . Glossary

Jon Guttman, a resident of Leesburg, Virginia, is currently research director for Historynet.com. Specialising in World War I aviation, he has written eleven titles for Osprey including the popular Aircraft of the Aces 66: Balloon-Busting Aces of World War I.