This history is fortunately written in English alongside the original Bulgarian, and tells the story from the early days of balloon ascents in 1892, to the end of World War II. The first two parts cover our period of interest to 1919, and all are copiously illustrated with excellent photographs and maps, which must be new to nearly all of us. In Part II a couple of captions require correction: page 51 top right shows an FK8, B3339; the other captured British machine pictured earlier is the FK3, and that is a downed BE12a on page 52.

Bulgaria had a fledgling aircraft manufacturing industry of their own between the wars, but generally flew French and latterly German machines. I found this well researched set a joy and learned a great deal about the Air Force in what had, to me, been a mysterious eastern country, perhaps the most important thing being that Bulgarians look and behave pretty well like the rest of us.

Available from the Aviation Bookshop, London. and other  specialist bookshops, variously priced.