The Last Enemy [Illustrated Edition‪]‬

Includes the Aerial Warfare In Europe During World War II illustrations pack with over 200 maps, plans, and photos.


The Last Enemy, is an autobiographical book by Spitfire pilot Richard Hillary. Hillary was born in Sydney, Australia in 1919 but was educated at Shrewsbury School in England and Trinity College, Oxford. He joined the Royal Air Force at the start of World War II.


The book, written in New York whilst recovering from surgery, covers his training and his experiences in the RAF, the Battle of Britain and his ordeal after suffering severe burns to his face and hands after a crash. He underwent plastic surgery, by the famous pioneering surgeon Archibald McIndoe and returned to flying at RAF Charterhall in November 1942. He was lost on night training when his Blenheim crashed on the 8th January 1943.


"The Last Enemy rapidly acquired the aura of a book that says something vital, whose importance goes beyond what it literally describes"—Sebastian Faulks


"This slim volume of Hillary's seems to have a weight which makes it sink into the depths of one's memory, while tons of printed bulk drift as flotsom on its surface"—Arthur Koestler


"One of the classic books of World War Two"—Philip French, London Review of Books


"Rivetingly well told...It will still speak to anyone who cares for the romance and tragedy of a lost hero."—Godfrey Smith, Sunday Times


"Elegantly affecting memoir"—David Horspool, The Times