Jump Jet: The Secret History of the Harrier

Drawing on his experience as an aircraft engineer, technology designer and UK government adviser, Michael Pryce explores how digital-age systems have curtailed one of humanity's oldest ambitions -- flight. With rigor and insight, The Levitation Game examines how our lives are increasingly anchored by technology even as we yearn to rise. Through a personal and technical lens, Pryce challenges us to imagine how we might reclaim real freedom in an age dominated by code and control.

Michael Pryce is an aviation-and-technology strategist, engineer, and author currently working on the book The Levitation Game for Penguin Michael Joseph.

He holds a PhD in the history of technology and has worked on aircraft projects ranging from the Harrier jump-jet to electric flying-taxis.

He also served as an independent science and technology adviser to the UK government and helped build early e-commerce infrastructure at Amazon.

Occasionally found on X (formerly Twitter) under @MichaelJPryce, he lives in the UK and balances his fascination with human flight and digital systems with everyday life as a parent.