Do not be mislead by the title. This book covers far more than just how the Spitfire fought during 1940. The title could more easily be interpreted as the attitude of the British people, almost defiant to the thought that an enemy could be just across the Channel ... waiting to invade. The author uses excerpts from memoirs of airmen, soldiers, seamen, and general public to great effect in portraying life from all perspectives. Interspersed with enough time lines so as to make sense, it portrays a very colorful image of how life was for everyone during that period of time. It is an easy book to read and gives such details that are often omitted from the books of history ... how people really felt. The Spitfire ... a tenacious fighter that was put up against all odds, and came out victorious.