The North American P-51 Mustang remains one of the most famous and recognisable aircraft in the world to this day. Nimble and fast - qualities that led the Mustang to be used even today in air races - the aircraft was forged in battle. The early Mustangs, often referred to as "Razorback Mustangs," were the first of the type to be built and helped stem the tide of Axis aggression in WWII. This, the first of two volumes on this iconic aircraft, explores the early P-51s. The history of this iconic aircraft is presented through carefully researched archival photos, as well as photographs of preserved examples, thereby illustrating not only the combat use of the Mk. I, A, B, and C P-51 models, but also the details of its design and construction. Large, clear photos, coupled with descriptive and informative captions, put the reader on the airfield and in the sky with this historic aircraft. Part of the Legends of Warfare series. AUTHOR: Author of more than 100 books, David Doyle's aviation books are noted for their thorough coverage of historic aircraft and his celebrated ability to locate scarce vintage imagery. SELLING POINTS: . Photographic history of the design, development, and combat use of the early-war P-51 models during WWII . Volume 1 examines the Mk. I, A, B, and C types . Profusely illustrated with scarce archival photographs, including previously unpublished images 133 colour and b/w photographs