Dear Readers,

Hans and I would like to provide an update on the status of the "A Breathtaking Spectacle" book series.

The first thing to address is the situation with the book publisher. Some time ago now, we revealed that we had agreed with Flying Pencil to become the publisher of the book in the USA and continental Europe moving forward and that the existing Publisher, Overlord Publishing, would continue to Publish the book in the UK. This was because distribution to America and Europe had always been an issue for us, with the rising cost of printing in the UK and the extortionate cost of shipping, it made Vol 1 unaffordable to many. Flying Pencil provides a solution to this by having distribution both in Europe and America, meaning that shipping costs are kept to a minimum, and the risk of a book arriving damaged is reduced.

Since that was announced, we have had to make the incredibly tough decision to make Flying Pencil the exclusive publisher for the book and the subsequent volumes for many reasons, some of which will become clear. The decision was difficult for us, as Overlord Publishing and their owner, Ben Major, have been immensely supportive from day one of this project, and without Ben's support, the first edition of Vol 1 simply would not have been what it was. We owe a lot to Ben and thank him for his support and understanding of our decision and continued support in making that change as seamless as possible.

We also revealed that Vol 1 had been removed from sale and that a revised version of the book would become available in due course. I covered the reasons for this in my blog (https://www.agrberry.co.uk/post/update-on-our-books), but we're pleased to say that Vol 1 is now available for pre-sale at www.flyingpencil.nl and will be available on the US page very soon.

Now, we will address what will no doubt be a question on everyone's lips after visiting the page. Why the cost?

Hans and I have added significantly to the original version, with new sections, dozens more images, and an improved layout/appearance. We have also rectified an alarming amount of spelling and editing errors from the first version that slipped through in our rush to get it ready back in 2019.

Moreover, as you will see the Volume is now 2 books, sold as one, each of which are printed to a greater quality, with a dust jacket (which the originals did not have) and a bookmark ribbon in each. We feel that not only has the quality of the content been improved, but also that the quality of the product has improved, and that these books will become as much collectors items as points of reference.

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And the most exciting bit. There's now an index! I know that will please some of you reading this.


Now, Vol 2.

Vol 2 is nearly complete. It has been an extremely arduous process but I cannot tell you all how proud we are of how it looks so far. The content is, if we do say so ourselves, a superb collection of material pertaining to the 53rd Troop Carrier Wing. The quality of the pictures as well, is second to none.

As it stands, the book is set to exceed 1,000 pages, and it's likely that the number of pictures will be similar. The book will again be printed in two parts, sold as one, with dust jackets and a bookmark ribbon. Additionally, there will be something on the spine of all three Volumes that will make them look great together on your shelf. But that's for you to find out!

Vol 2 is due for release in September, and I will be traveling to Holland for the 80th Anniversary of Operation MARKET GARDEN, where we anticipate Hans and I will be signing copies of the book at the Ginkel Heath event on the 21st.

So, for now you can pre-order copies of the revision of Vol 1 with Flying Pencil NL, and you'll soon be able to pre-order from the US website. We also anticipate the book will be available at museums in Normandy, Belgium and Holland, as well as the UK.

Please feel free to contact me here if you have any questions, or alternatively get in touch with Flying Pencil.

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Regards to all, 
Adam