Plagued by technical and financial problems, along with political infighting within the German Government, the development of what was to become the famous Bf 109 fighter did not go smoothly.  Despite these obstacles, the Bf 109 ultimately became the "backbone" of the German Luftwaffe with over 30,000 produced of all variants between 1937 and 1945.  No other fighter aircraft has ever been produced in greater numbers.  Even at the conclusion of World War II, Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters found their way into the air forces of Spain, Czechoslovakia and Isreal with some examples still flying as late as 1967.  The book, Messerschmitt Bf 109 covers all the variants of the fighter and highlights its different uses as an interceptor, fighter-bomber, night fighter and escort to the flying bombs developed late in the war.  Full performance specifications are included along with many illustrations showing the aircraft from all points of view.  Also included are many black and white photographs, scale drawings, cockpit layouts and full color squadron insignia.  Large fold-out pages detail the Bf 109 in outstanding detail with authentic markings.  Overall this book is recommended to all airplane enthusiasts, military historians and modellers.  This book is 48 pages and is in very good condition with only a small tear in the upper left and right hand corners of the front dust cover.  The author is Robert Grinsell with Rikyu Watanabe (illustrator).  Edition published in 1980.