Relive the exploits of the men who served as aircrew in the British and American Bomber Commands during World War II.


Memphis Belle. Poster of the 1990 movie and cover of the book novelization
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Memphis Belle: A Novelization
Monte Merrick, 1990
movie vs book   [NOVELIZATION]
Michael Caton-Jones, 1990

In World War II, the youthful crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber known as the Memphis Belle bravely carries out 24 perilous bombing raids over Nazi-occupied Europe. Despite their tender ages, these courageous aviators take to the skies to defend their country, fully aware that the chances of one in three of them not making it back home are high. With just one more mission to complete before returning to the United States, the crew faces their most treacherous challenge yet.


Masters of the Air. Poster of the 2024 TV series and cover of the 2006 book
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Masters of the Air
Donald L. Miller, 2006
TV series vs book
Cary Joji Fukunaga, Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Dee Rees, Timothy Van Patten, 2024-

Elevated five miles above the ground and situated behind enemy lines, eleven men aboard a bomber, famously referred to as a ‘Flying Fortress,’ engage in a fierce struggle against swarms of German fighters.


Twelve O'Clock High. Poster of the 1949 movie and cover of the 1948 book, Twelve O'Clock High!
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Twelve O'Clock High!
Beirne Lay Jr., Sy Bartlett, 1948
movie vs book
Henry King, 1949

The plot unfolds around an American Bomber Group grappling with diminished morale and effectiveness following significant losses in the German skies. General Frank Savage, initially confined to a desk as a staff chief, is dispatched to the group after the removal of the Bomber Commander. Despite facing initial resistance, Savage eventually guides the pilots in rediscovering pride in their unit and inspires them to surpass the established standards of the Army Air Corps.


The Dam Busters. Poster of the 1955 movie and cover of the 1946 book, Enemy Coast Ahead
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Enemy Coast Ahead
Guy Gibson, 1946
movie vs book
Michael Anderson, 1955

An epic war story of World War II. Scientist Dr. Barnes Wallis believes World War II can be shortened by destroying the Ruhr dams, thus paralyzing the enemy’s industrial nerve center. In spite of the difficulties caused by the critical situation at the time, he works steadily to perfect a special bomb of his own invention for the purpose. Air Ace Wing Commander Guy Gibson is chosen to form, train and lead the hand-picked squadron.


The Dam Busters. Poster of the 1955 movie and cover of the 1951 book
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The Dam Busters
Paul Brickhill, 1951
movie vs book
Michael Anderson, 1955

An epic war story of World War II. Scientist Dr. Barnes Wallis believes World War II can be shortened by destroying the Ruhr dams, thus paralyzing the enemy’s industrial nerve center. In spite of the difficulties caused by the critical situation at the time, he works steadily to perfect a special bomb of his own invention for the purpose. Air Ace Wing Commander Guy Gibson is chosen to form, train and lead the hand-picked squadron.


Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. Poster of the 1944 movie and cover of the 1943 book
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Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo
Ted W. Lawson, 1943
movie vs book
Mervyn LeRoy, 1944

Following the destructive Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and a series of setbacks for the United States, Lieutenant Colonel Jimmy Doolittle formulates a bold plan for a daring raid to strike at the core of Japan. A squadron of American planes embarks on a perilous journey across the Pacific Ocean to deliver a deadly payload.


By Dawn's Early Light. Poster of the 1990 movie and cover of the 1983 book, Trinity's Child
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Trinity's Child
William Prochnau, 1983
movie vs book
Jack Sholder, 1990

A non-NATO nuclear missile is launched from Turkey towards the USSR, resulting in detonation on Soviet soil. The automatic Soviet response interprets it as a NATO missile, raising the stakes. The narrative unfolds as we track the actions of the U.S. president and a bomber crew, exploring whether continued escalation can be averted.


Command Decision. Poster of the 1948 movie and cover of the 1947 book
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Command Decision
William Wister Haines, 1947
movie vs book
Sam Wood, 1948

Army generals grapple with the dilemma of whether to prioritize the bombing of German factories manufacturing new jet fighters, despite the anticipated significant casualties that the mission would incur.


12 O'Clock High. Poster of the 1964 TV series and cover of the 1948 book, Twelve O'Clock High!
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Twelve O'Clock High!
Beirne Lay Jr., Sy Bartlett, 1948
TV series vs book
Sy Bartlett, Beirne Lay Jr., 1964-1967

This series documents the exploits of the men belonging to the 918th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Eighth Air Force, both in the skies and on the ground. Initially led by the stern General Frank Savage and later by Colonel Joe Gallagher, the son of a Pentagon General, the group is stationed in England. They undertake extended bombing missions into German-occupied Europe.


Victory Through Air Power. Poster of the 1943 movie and cover of the 1942 book
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Victory Through Air Power
Alexander P. de Seversky, 1942
movie vs book
James Algar, Clyde Geronimi, Jack Kinney, 1943

An animated documentary advocating the effectiveness of strategic aerial bombing during World War II.


The Thousand Plane Raid. Poster of the 1969 movie and cover of the 1965 book
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The Thousand Plane Raid
Ralph Barker, 1965
movie vs book
Boris Sagal, 1969

During World War II, a U.S. Air Force colonel persuades the Allies that conducting a daylight bombing raid on Germany will hasten the conclusion of the war.


Enola Gay: The Men, the Mission, the Atomic Bomb. Poster of the 1980 movie and cover of the 1977 book, Enola Gay: Mission to Hiroshima
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Enola Gay: Mission to Hiroshima
Gordon Thomas, Max Morgan-Witts, 1977
movie vs book
David Lowell Rich, 1980

The movie revolves around the historical events related to the dropping of the atomic bomb during World War II. It provides insights into the decision-making process behind the deployment of the bomb, the clandestine nature of the mission, and the individuals who were involved in flying the aircraft that carried the bomb.

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“I enjoy picturing the characters in the novel and then later, seeing them on the screen, comparing how they're different.”

CAMILLE PERRI (Writer)