What is going on with the Italian Secret Projects Book?

It was never completed, last date suggested for publication was December 2023. If Crecy have pulled it from their own website, they may not have confidence in that date.

Other vendors' information will just be out of date.
 
The manuscript has never been delivered to Crecy. You cannot publish a book that has not been supplied by the author.

The author has suffered some serious health challenges. He hasn't visited this forum since December 2022. Hopefully, he is still out there working on the book.
 
overscan (PaulMM) said:
The manuscript has never been delivered to Crecy. You cannot publish a book that has not been supplied by the author.

The author has suffered some serious health challenges. He hasn't visited this forum since December 2022. Hopefully, he is still out there working on the book.
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My dear PaulMM,

we hope a good health and quick recovery to my dear Skybolt,he is one of greatest members in this amazing forum.
 
Just in case anyone might need to hear this, I'd like to repeat myself (as I stated some years ago) and say once more that if anyone, anywhere is working on an Italian Secret Projects book, I'm more than willing to help in any way, shape or form and completely pro-bono to help make it a reality.
I'm willing to provide 3D artworks, 2D drawings, to translate from Italian to English, to proofread, etc., anything for zero economic compensation, as long as ISP can hit the presses.
So, if there's anything I can help with, please hit me up.
 
If I had known that it was going to take so long, I would have written it myself in 2010

How are the works against acqua alta going?:)
 
Justo Miranda said:
If I had known that it was going to take so long, I would have written it myself in 2010

How are the works against acqua alta going?:)
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You need very deep access into Italian government and industry archives (not speculative technical extrapolations).
 
Circumspect said:
You need very deep access into Italian government and industry archives (not speculative technical extrapolations).
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I'm not really interested in gossip about political corruption, I'm sure my country is the world champion, and I don't need to know what's going on elsewhere. My intention was to compare the long gestation period between the book on Italian secret projects and the different technological solutions that are being tried against acqua alta in Venice. I sincerely hope that after such a long time both projects will be successful.

corruptiondata.eu

DATA STORIES: The MOSE scandal in Venice

Stefano Pirani Venice, the Italian city known for its romantic canals, carnival celebrations and over-tourism, is sinking. It has been battling the rising tides of the Adriatic Sea for centuries, and its own weight is pushing it down. In a desperate attempt to safeguard its “palazzi” along the...
corruptiondata.eu corruptiondata.eu
 
Justo Miranda said:
I'm not really interested in gossip about political corruption, I'm sure my country is the world champion, and I don't need to know what's going on elsewhere. My intention was to compare the long gestation period between the book on Italian secret projects and the different technological solutions that are being tried against acqua alta in Venice. I sincerely hope that after such a long time both projects will be successful.

corruptiondata.eu

DATA STORIES: The MOSE scandal in Venice

Stefano Pirani Venice, the Italian city known for its romantic canals, carnival celebrations and over-tourism, is sinking. It has been battling the rising tides of the Adriatic Sea for centuries, and its own weight is pushing it down. In a desperate attempt to safeguard its “palazzi” along the...
corruptiondata.eu corruptiondata.eu
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Btw: I have your excellent book: "Fighters of the Dying Sun: the Most Advanced Japanese Fighters of the Second World War." The book left nothing out: from background to foreground. You left no stone unturned: all conceivable technical possibilities were described and amplified.
 
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Justo Miranda said:
If I had known that it was going to take so long, I would have written it myself in 2010

How are the works against acqua alta going?:)
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Mr. Miranda:
If I may be so bold, why don't you write a book on Italian Secret Projects?
It is not like there is a plethora of books out there on the subject.
A dearth of books is a more apt description.
Jonathan Thompson's book is the only one that come close and that was over 60 years ago!
Some others like the books I have by Luigino Caliaro, Stefano Sappino and William Green touch on a few of the projected models, but not in great detail.
Your books on US, Japanese and German lesser-known types are part of my library, so you are an experienced author, but I was admittedly more than a tad miffed that Italy was not mentioned at all in your Enemy at the Gates (which I also own). Khalkhin Gol made the cut but not Italy?
If / when Mr. Comelli's book comes out, so much the better and I'll buy that one too!
So apologies if my suggestion is out of line or untoward.
Have a good day.
 
typhoon said:
Mr. Miranda:
If I may be so bold, why don't you write a book on Italian Secret Projects?
It is not like there is a plethora of books out there on the subject.
A dearth of books is a more apt description.
Jonathan Thompson's book is the only one that come close and that was over 60 years ago!
Some others like the books I have by Luigino Caliaro, Stefano Sappino and William Green touch on a few of the projected models, but not in great detail.
Your books on US, Japanese and German lesser-known types are part of my library, so you are an experienced author, but I was admittedly more than a tad miffed that Italy was not mentioned at all in your Enemy at the Gates (which I also own). Khalkhin Gol made the cut but not Italy?
If / when Mr. Comelli's book comes out, so much the better and I'll buy that one too!
So apologies if my suggestion is out of line or untoward.
Have a good day.
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I'm not a serious researcher who works with original sources; I only sell drawings. I would have liked to publish something about the Series 5 of Italian Fighters, but I think that with what published the Bancarella the subject is already well defined. As for the rest of the less-known projects, my level of knowledge is only that of a good fan and like all other fans I have been waiting for thirty years for the great book of Italian projects that was never published. Since my article on the Reggiane Re 2007 was met with disdain on January 15, 2008, I have lost much interest in the subject.

 
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Received this from Crecy today (Friday, 1 August 2025) in regard to when Italian Secret Projects by Marco Comelli, ISBN #9781910809358 will be published:

[email protected]
From:[email protected]
To:Isobel,[email protected]

Fri, Aug 1 at 11:46 AM

Greetings,

Thank you for the update on your new website.

What is the status of "Italian Secret Projects" by Marco Comelli ISBN #9781910809358, which is now past the promised publication date of 2021? What is the holdup? This leaves a glaring gap compared to the others in the series for America, Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and the Soviet Union/Russia. Let's get it out there already!

You may also want to include Sweden, Argentina, Switzerland, Netherlands, Australia, Spain, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia, China, and Brazil in this series. Yes, you have "Wings of Argentina," and that can be adapted for the "Secrets" line.

Sincerely,

Zane R Nobbs

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Zane,

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, we do not currently have plans to print this title. If we do one day, we shall make sure to include it in the newsletter!

Kind regards,

Isobel Edmondson
Publishing Assistant

Crécy Publishing
1a Ringway Trading Estate
Shadowmoss Road
Manchester
M22 5LH
Tel: 0161 499 6121 (direct dial)
Tel: 0161 499 0024 (main office)
 
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Aside from some Italian aviation publisher (which could happen!): Mushroom Model Publications/STRATUS Books seems the only conceivable (English-language) 'hope' (to 'still' realize such a project). Short of some skullduggery vis a vis its 'authors' (SKYBOLT and PELZIG) and CRECY, Ltd (smoke-filled rooms) -- s-o-m-e-t-h-i-n-g 'happened' three years ago. So, let's all start 'probing' IPMS/Italy's sponsors (e.g. ItalianKits)-- too sniff what might be up? Hmm.
 
It is becoming more expensive to publish in print and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find publishers who take risks by publishing about World War II aviation. In any case, there could be someone interested in taking a risk with American aircraft, but the editors I know consider European aviation a certain loss.
 
Justo Miranda said:
It is becoming more expensive to publish in print and it is becoming increasingly difficult to find publishers who take risks by publishing about World War II aviation. In any case, there could be someone interested in taking a risk with American aircraft, but the editors I know consider European aviation a certain loss.
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I couldn't agree more Justo. Shouting the odds on here about what books get published won't help nor will demanding publishers produce certain books. That will merely annoy folk. If someone is so exercised by the need for a book on a specific subject, there remains another avenue to pursue: DIY.

Chris
 
CJGibson said:
I couldn't agree more Justo. Shouting the odds on here about what books get published won't help nor will demanding publishers produce certain books. That will merely annoy folk. If someone is so exercised by the need for a book on a specific subject, there remains another avenue to pursue: DIY.

Chris
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The interests of publishers who must pay taxes rarely coincide with those of Secretprojects fans.

I can only add that my book "Enemy at the Gates" was the worst seller.

From my point of view, Italian aircraft are the most difficult to draw, many of the bombers had three radial engines with strange protrusions. The fighters are simpler, but their V-12 engines are coated with ventilation slots. That means between 15 and 20 percent more professional work, with no guarantee of profitability.

There is also the attitude of the readers, when at the end of the eighties I began to work on a book, exclusively technical, about the Italian planes that participated in the Spanish Civil War, I received advance criticism that even reached verbal threats and the Silex publishing house decided to cancel the project. Also, at that time he was gathering documentation on French aircraft in collaboration with Jean Cuny and Patrick Laureau, but it was not possible to find publishers to finish the Spanish Civil War series.

Justo.
 
One could argue the existence of this forum fills the gap. There can't be that many unknown Italian projects which have not been covered at some point by the members here.

Also, fads come and go. Secret Projects as a concept is approaching 25 years old, times move on. Readers want different things these days. There is massive upswing in Cold War interest now in magazines, books, airshows and even museum exhibits. WW2 is a long time ago now. The aviation cultural zeitgeist only really lasts 50 years or so - for example WW1 aviation was still a massive draw in the 1960s but tailed off thereafter. Once you get past aircraft your relatives or great-relatives flew the personal connection is gone. By 2050 everyone will be mooning over F-22s and Typhoons and tales of womping Hiluxes in Afghan valleys and the memoirs of Predator operators.
 
From Tony Buttler
Dear All.

Italian Secret Projects never came out because the manuscript was never delivered.

You cannot blame Crecy when they have nothing to publish!

If the book was delivered tomorrow then I am sure it would still go ahead.

I understand that there might be (tentative) possibilities for the future, but the staff dealing with correspondence would not be involved and so would be unable to answer any of your questions in any detail.

I agree that this is the one title missing in the SP series, but I would suggest that you all assume the project now as dead, and then if anything does appear in the future look upon it as a bonus!

Tony.
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Hood said:
One could argue the existence of this forum fills the gap. There can't be that many unknown Italian projects which have not been covered at some point by the members here.

Also, fads come and go. Secret Projects as a concept is approaching 25 years old, times move on. Readers want different things these days. There is massive upswing in Cold War interest now in magazines, books, airshows and even museum exhibits. WW2 is a long time ago now. The aviation cultural zeitgeist only really lasts 50 years or so - for example WW1 aviation was still a massive draw in the 1960s but tailed off thereafter. Once you get past aircraft your relatives or great-relatives flew the personal connection is gone. By 2050 everyone will be mooning over F-22s and Typhoons and tales of womping Hiluxes in Afghan valleys and the memoirs of Predator operators.
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I totally agree with you, except for the prediction for 2050, I don't think piloted fighters will have an epic future, if any. As you have said: times move forward.
 
Distresingly sad news one of the books I was looking forward to, but as Tony Buttler says if there is no manuscript from the author then Crecy has nothing to publish. My only wish and fingers and toes crossed that the book does see the light of day at some point in the future.
 
Well, if someone can advise me on this, I can write the book. If it needs to be published under an Italian name, my wife is from Milan, Italy. We have several books on Italian aircraft in Italian, and she translated these so we could produce our IRMA Kit No.11 Caporni-Campini C.C.7 (C.S.11) Toscana. That and I know Daniel Uhr, who provided illustrations for it. I can reach out to Tony Butler on how to go about it, then ask Crecy. At least then it gets done. 475067938_10162266093156422_3133352944784163129_n.jpg 507024289_1313542200775003_3821150621523816987_n.jpg
 
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zanenobbs said:
Well, if someone can advise me on this, I can write the book. If it needs to be published under an Italian name, my wife is from Milan, Italy. We have several books on Italian aircraft in Italian, and she translated these so we could produce our IRMA Kit No.11 Caporni-Campini C.C.7 (C.S.11) Toscana. That and I know Daniel Uhr, who provided illustrations for it. I can reach out to Tony Butler on how to go about it, then ask Crecy. At least then it gets done.
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Plenty of folk who are happy to advise and give encouragement on here. Just ask.

Chris
 
zanenobbs said:
Well, if someone can advise me on this, I can write the book. If it needs to be published under an Italian name, my wife is from Milan, Italy. We have several books on Italian aircraft in Italian, and she translated these so we could produce our IRMA Kit No.11 Caporni-Campini C.C.7 (C.S.11) Toscana. That and I know Daniel Uhr, who provided illustrations for it. I can reach out to Tony Butler on how to go about it, then ask Crecy. At least then it gets done.
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Consulting books may give you a framework around which to build, provided they are themselves well researched, but do not overlook the need to do a serious amount of primary research yourself, or to work with someone who can provide material of that type.
 
Can anyone put me in touch with Tony Butler on here? I interacted with him several years ago, but I have been unable to locate him. I want to get his perspective before going back to Crecy. Furthermore, I want to get a feel for how to deal with them. Once this gets started, it will be completed! So many people shouldn't have to wait so long for anything. There are also many original drawings in various museums in Italy! Should be interesting and fun! Any help, suggestions, ideas, or materials will be most appreciated!
 
zanenobbs said:
Can anyone put me in touch with Tony Butler on here? I interacted with him several years ago, but I have been unable to locate him. I want to get his perspective before going back to Crecy. Furthermore, I want to get a feel for how to deal with them. Once this gets started, it will be completed! So many people shouldn't have to wait so long for anything. There are also many original drawings in various museums in Italy! Should be interesting and fun! Any help, suggestions, ideas, or materials will be most appreciated!
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He lurks on the forum, but best way is email. If you give me your email I can pass it on.
 
zanenobbs said:
Can anyone put me in touch with Tony Butler on here? I interacted with him several years ago, but I have been unable to locate him. I want to get his perspective before going back to Crecy. Furthermore, I want to get a feel for how to deal with them. Once this gets started, it will be completed! So many people shouldn't have to wait so long for anything. There are also many original drawings in various museums in Italy! Should be interesting and fun! Any help, suggestions, ideas, or materials will be most appreciated!
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Without wishing to steal Tony's thunder...

If you're previously unpublished, I would recommend writing the book first (or at least one full chapter of it), as well as gathering the images and getting permission to publish them, then approaching prospective publishers. If you can get to, say, 50,000w and 200 images, you probably have the bare minimum amount required to get a book made. Ideally, for a big Crecy hardback, you'd want something more like 80,000w and 300 images.

Once you've done that, you can approach Crecy with a synopsis and chapter list - maybe a Word doc including a full sample chapter - and a selection of the images you have to illustrate it. If your work looks good, Crecy are more likely to want to publish it.
 

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