This book is an update of one of the very first Naval Fighters titles. It covers the early F2H models, the -1 and -2 variants and the various subvariants. The "big Banjos", the -3 and -4 models will be presumably covered later.
The format is familiar - 8-1/2" x 11", square bound, 192 page card cover with color restricted to the front and rear covers. The typical Naval Fighters treatment is in evidence with detailed photographic coverage of all versions. Both close up/interior shots and complete aircraft shots are well represented. Contemporary technical manual drawings are in evidence and there are reviews of the few plastic model kits of the early F2Hs. The service use is very well illustrated.
The book does have some weaknesses though. First and foremost, is author (and publisher) Steve Ginter's uninspired text. The development portion is particularly weak. The unit histories are much better and one suspects that this is where Ginter's interests and expertise lies. The sloppy editing which plague Naval Fighters titles is here as well. Standing out are instances where ventral and dorsal and left and right are confused.
Some of the fairly crude black and white finish and markings sketches from the first edition are repeated in this book. They look badly out of place in this newer title. Although obviously better than nothing, standards have improved tremendously in the 25 odd years between the two books. Readers today expect full color profiles. The Naval Fighters series really needs to include color beyond the front and rear covers.
But the good really does outweigh the bad. References on early F2Hs are not thick underfoot. No one in need of a reference on or an interest in this aircraft will be horribly disappointed.