AIRYMOUSE

Signed by Harald Penrose on the title page 

Vernon & Yates First Edition 1967.   162 pages and illustrated with drawings

Fine condition hardback book in purple covers and a Fine condition unclipped dustjacket. Clean, bright and tight. A lovely copy of the very scarce first edition. The book was republished by Airlife in 1982 and again in 2000. 

Harald Penrose made his first flight in 1919 with Alan Cobham in an AVRO 504K. There followed a long and distinguished career in aviation, mainly as Chief Test Pilot for Westland Aircraft. He first flew many unusual types such as the tail-less Pterodactyl, the Lysander, the twin engine Whirlwind fighter and the fabulous Wyvern naval fighter. In latter years he became recognized as one of the finest aviation writers in the country.

‘Airymouse’ is a delightful aviation story of how, in retirement, the author purchased Airymouse, a diminutive single seater aeroplane of insignificant horsepower.  He used it to recapture the pure enjoyment of flight and he brilliantly communicates his love of England, its landscape and history, and of the birds who share with him the freedom of the air.  He tells of flights in it, with flash-backs to events in more potent and unforgiving aircraft.

A signed book of pure enjoyment for all with a love of flying.