Schiffer Publishing

Schiffer Publishing produces illustrated books on aviation, military history and several other subjects. Founded in 1974, the publisher is based in Atglen, Pennsylvania, United States. Its Schiffer Military History division covers aircraft, pilots, aircrews and military operations. Aviation readers can find books about individual aircraft types, historical missions and the people involved in military flying.

Military Aviation History Books

Schiffer Military History publishes illustrated and narrative books on aviation and military subjects. Its aviation selection includes aircraft histories, accounts of combat flying and studies of air force operations.

Titles and subjects listed by the publisher include:

• North American Aviation in the Jet Age, Vol. 2
• The 406th Fighter Group
• The US Air Force Air Rescue Service
• Books about the PBY Catalina flying boat
• Books about the P-61 Black Widow night fighter
• Books about the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird

These books cover different parts of aviation history. Some examine the development and use of individual aircraft. Others follow military units, rescue services or the work of aircrews during wartime.

The range includes both technical subjects and stories about the people who flew.

Aircraft and Their History

Schiffer's aviation books examine several aircraft with distinct roles.

The PBY Catalina was designed and produced by Consolidated Aircraft, with additional production by Boeing Canada, Canadian Vickers and the Naval Aircraft Factory. It became the most widely used flying boat of all time.

The publisher also covers the P-61 Black Widow, the first purpose-built American night fighter, and the Grumman F8F, a carrier fighter developed for the Pacific Theater.

Other subjects include the Boeing 747 and the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. As of 2023, the SR-71 was the fastest manned jet aircraft ever produced.

These subjects allow readers to explore aircraft designed for very different purposes.

Stories From Military Aircrews

Schiffer also publishes accounts of aviation through the experiences of pilots and crews.

One book follows former US Army officer and helicopter pilot Joshua Havill, including his deployment to Afghanistan and experience flying a Blackhawk in combat.

Another examines American aircrews who carried out tactical reconnaissance missions from World War I to the Gulf War.

The publisher also covers air rescue operations, from World War II through later conflicts and operations.

Such books focus on the people and missions behind military aviation, rather than aircraft alone.

The Publisher's Background

Schiffer Publishing began in 1974 by reproducing and distributing historical books. Its early work included bringing out-of-print books about antiques back into circulation.

In 1992, the company built a new facility in Atglen, Pennsylvania. Today, it has more than 7,000 titles in print.

Alongside military history, its publishing areas include craft books and illustrated nonfiction activity books.

For pilots and aviation fans, Schiffer's military history collection brings together aircraft studies, operational histories and personal accounts. It is a source of reading for those interested in how aircraft were used and what their crews experienced.