The WORLD of WINGS & THINGS

Hurst & Blackett First edition 1939.  270 pages and well illustrated with photos.

A Very Good condition hardback book in blue covers.  The book is clean, bright and tight with no foxing and has a brief, faded previous owner inscription on the front end paper. The dustjacket is a reproduction in a protective cover which makes the book look very smart on the shelf.

Sir Alliott’s autobiography, published on the eve of WWII, tells the story of his formative years, his early experiments and hazards with home-made machines, of air races in which prize money was essential to his personal solvency, and later his endeavour and success which made such a decisive impact on air history in two world wars.  He also adds in some thoughts and reflections on the future of aviation and the world in general.

Sir Alliott Verdon-Roe (1877–1958) was a pioneering British aviator and aircraft designer, widely regarded as one of the key figures in the early development of aviation. Born on April 4, 1877, in Patricroft, Lancashire, Roe demonstrated an early passion for engineering and flight.

In 1907, Roe founded the A.V. Roe and Company, which later became famous as Avro. He achieved historical significance by becoming the first Englishman to construct and fly an all-British aircraft. In 1909, his triplane, the Roe I, took to the skies for its maiden flight at Brooklands, marking a significant milestone in British aviation history. Continuing his innovative work, Roe designed and piloted several successful aircraft, including the Roe II Triplane and the Roe IV Triplane. In 1910, he established the Avro School of Aviation to train pilots, contributing to the growth of the aviation community. He also played a crucial role in the first British seaplane and hydroplane flights, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of aerial technology.

During World War I, Avro, under Roe’s leadership, played a vital role in producing military aircraft for the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. The Avro 504, one of his notable designs, became a versatile and widely used aircraft during the conflict.

Post-war, Roe continued his contributions to aviation, focusing on civilian aircraft development. His dedication to advancing air travel culminated in the Avro Aldershot, a long-range bomber designed for long-distance flights. Although the Aldershot faced limited success, Roe’s pioneering spirit remained evident in his commitment to exploring the potential of aviation.  Knighted in 1929 for his outstanding contributions to the field, Roe’s legacy lives on as a visionary aviator and aircraft designer who played a pivotal role in shaping the early landscape of British aviation.

An exceptionally scarce book and the dustjacket (even a repro one) is even harder to find with not another DJ currently available anywhere.