To RIDE the STORM
The Story of the Airship R.101
Signed by Sir Peter Masefield
Signed on the front end paper by Sir Peter Masefield
‘With the best of good wishes from
Peter Masefield
March 1986′
William Kimber First Edition 1982. 560 pages and well illustrated with photographs.
Fine condition hardback book in a Fine condition unclipped and unfaded dustjacket. Darkening to pages 313-328 due to the paper stock, which is an issue common to most copies of this book. A smart copy in every respect.
In ‘To Ride the Storm‘ Sir Peter Masefield delivers the definitive, meticulously researched account of the ill-fated British rigid airship R.101, from its inception to its tragic crash in 1930. Part historical record and part technical detective story, the book examines the political pressures, engineering compromises, and the driving ambition of Lord Thomson that doomed the imperial project.
Masefield pairs his expert aerospace background with archival discoveries to reconstruct the airship’s final moments over France. The result is a gripping, authoritative masterpiece of aviation history that balances technical forensic detail with human drama. The author concludes that: ‘over the course of sixteen months from June 1929 to October 1930, thirteen separate and cumulative factors can be recognised as adding together to build up to disaster like the inexorable tide of a Greek tragedy. Without any one of them – right to the end – the disaster to the R101 would not have happened…’
Sir Peter Masefield (1914–2006) was a towering figure in British aviation, blending engineering brilliance with visionary executive leadership. His career began on the design team at Fairey Aviation then he became Technical Editor at ‘The Aeroplane’. During World War II, he transitioned to vital civil servant roles, advising on post-war civil aviation policy through the crucial Brabazon and Beaverbrook committees.
Masefield was Chief Executive of British European Airways (BEA) from 1949 to 1955. Under his guidance, BEA introduced the revolutionary Vickers Viscount, the world’s first turboprop airliner, transforming modern commercial flight. He later became the first Chairman of the British Airports Authority (BAA) in 1965, orchestrating the modernization of major UK hubs. Knighted in 1971 for his immense services to aviation, Masefield also served as President of the Royal Aeronautical Society. His profound legacy bridges the heroic piston-engine era and the dawn of modern commercial jet aviation.
An important aviation book and an undedicated signed copy in top condition is a rare find.