The Men Who Gave Us Wings: Britain and the Aeroplane 1796-1914 - Hardcover

Reese, Peter

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 184884848X ISBN 13: 9781848848481

Publisher: Pen and Sword Aviation, 2014

Synopsis

Why did the British, then the leading nation in science and technology, fall far behind in the race to develop the airplane before the First World War? Despite their initial advantage, they were overtaken by the Wright brothers in America, by the French and the Germans. Peter Reese, in this highly readable and highly illustrated account, delves into the fascinating early history of aviation as he describes what happened and why. He recalls the brilliant theoretical work of Sir George Cayley, the inventions of other pioneers of the nineteenth century and the daring exploits of the next generation of airmen, among them Samuel Cody, A.V. Roe, Bertram Dickson, Charles Rolls and Tommy Sopwith. His narrative is illustrated with a wonderful selection of over 120 archive drawings and photographs which record the men and the primitive flying machines of a century ago.

About this title

About the Author:

Peter Reese is well known as a military historian with a particular interest in Scottish military history. He concentrated on war-related studies whilst a student at King's College London and served in the army for twenty-nine years. His other books include a biography of William Wallace and a study of the Battle of Bannockburn. He lives in Aldershot.

Review:

"contributes to the body of knowledge of aviation history of this time. It is recommended for those who want to know more about how Britain’s aviation evolved in the formative years prior to the war" (Over the Front, Autumn 2015)

About this edition

• Publisher: Pen and Sword Aviation
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 184884848X
• ISBN 13: 9781848848481
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272