The Messerschmitt Me 109 fighter began its career with Germany's Condor Legion in the Spanish Civil War in 1936. The aircraft served throughout World War II and some models could be seen serving in Switzerland and Czechoslovakia even after the war.

The first volume in this heavily illustrated history of the plane covers the years 1936 to 1942, when the Third Reich was at its height. Over 200 color illustrations show the camouflage and markings used on all fronts by Germany and its allies. Forty black and white photographs, most never seen before, have also been assembled for this remarkable work.