Initially formed to assist in the defence of the city of Metz against French bombing raids, Royal Prussian Jagdstaffel 17 would go on to become one of the most distinguish German fighter units of World War 1. Its first victory was scored by the pilot whose story is inextricably interwoven with that of his unit - the 'Blue Max' recipient Julius Buckler. He was largely responsible for inspiring the unit's unique Esprit de Corps, expressed in its famous and unique 'battle-cry' of 'Malaula!' Indeed, in its final days the unit gained the nickname Zirkus Buckler, or the 'Buckler Circus'. Besides Buckler, Jasta 17 boasted such aces as Karl Strasser, Alfred Fleischer and Christian Donhauser. In addition, the roster included colourful characters like the successful Jewish airman Jakob Wolff, who at over 48 years of age was the oldest German fighter pilot of the war. The story of this illustrious unit is told with many first-hand accounts by Buckler, Fleischer and others, as well as dozens of rare archival photos of the unit's beautifully decorated fighter aircraft.

Greg VanWyngarden has had a lifelong interest in World War 1 aviation and has been particularly active in gathering information on the colours and markings that decorated the various German fighters. He has written or co-authored over 12 titles for Osprey, including Aces of Jagdstaffel 17 in the Aircraft of the Aces series, and Richthofen's Circus - Jagdgeschwader Nr I and Jagdstaffel 18 - The Red Noses in the Elite Unit series.

Origins in Metz /Air action on the Aisne /Fights over Flanders /Cambrai and Beyond /Final Days / Appendices