Book Description
Alex Henshaw spent the early days of World War II at Eastleigh, England, testing the immortal Spitfire fighter with Jeffrey Quill before being appointed Chief Test Pilot at Supermarine's new factory in Castle Bromwich. Thousands of Spitfires were tested and manufactured at this site throughout the war, by the end of which 37,000 test flights had been made with Alex Henshaw flying an estimated ten percent of all Spitfires ever built. Often landing without aids of any kind, his breathtaking aerobatic style and complete mastery of the aircraft were to save his life on several occasions.
Customer Reviews:
The best book on flying the Spitfire.......2006-08-24
You will not read a better book about flying the Spitfire than Alex Henshaw's "Sigh for a Merlin"! Although no combat sequences are included as would be expected of a Spitfire book, the testing of so many aircraft leads to as much tension and action as any of the best combat-based stories.
Alex Henshaw writes as well as he flies. I was reluctant to put this book down as Mr Henshaw regularly shares the flying with the reader. You are right there as he tests new aircraft and escapes from tricky situations due to aircraft failure.
For anyone who has heard a Merlin engine on any aircraft, you will understand the title. You'll make the same sigh of satisfaction/awe as you read the last page of this book...if you haven't done so already while reading the book!
I read this book several years ago but it still has an affect on me. There are some good Spitfire books out there, but this is the best.
A nation at war brings the cream to the top - A great read.......2003-01-30
A nation at war, all hands to the tiller. Henshaw, already renowned as a young solo long distance record-breaking pilot, after a brief spell twiddling his fingers at Vickers, Weybridge meets Geoffrey Quill - another talented young flier, already chief test pilot of the Spitfire. In no time at all, he is offered and accepts the post of production test pilot at the massive, barely finished Castle Bromwich factory in the heart of the Midlands, with its Black Country weather.
By the end of the war, Henshaw had flown over 3,000 Spits straight off the line, barrel rolled Lancasters and flown upside down along ....!
Excelling in inverted flight, Henshaw's required to demo the Spit at the drop of a hat, flight test them in appalling conditions and keep a large team of disparate pilots working foir the common good. His sheer professionalism, commitment and outstanding flying skills shine through. Modestly written, a superb account of a great plane and great pilot.
stunning war time exploits of legendary pilot alex henshaw.......1999-11-19
The exploits of Alex Henshaw are done some fine justice in this book. It highlights testing of dangerous airplanes during WWII and how so many people contributed without mention. any flying fan will trully love this one! A must for aviation fans.
Amazon.com
Bad seeds, belles-lettres, rule breakers, shrieking violets, bar belles--how could any collection of impudent sketches that celebrates and lampoons the American Southern belle go wrong? Most of the women on these pages are instantly recognizable. Among those whose exploits or imagination vaulted them to fame are writers Carson McCullers and Anne Rice; emancipator Harriet Tubman; actress and one-time town owner Kim Basinger; ex-Black Panther Angela Davis; '30s outlaw Bonnie Parker; and mascara maven Tammy Faye Baker. A few little-knowns and relative newcomers have elbowed their way on stage, too: Dorothy Allison, author of Bastard out of Carolina; Anna Edson Taylor, the first barrel-rider over Niagra Falls; and women's basketball star Luisa Harris-Stewart.
Customer Reviews:
Don't Be Fooled By Scarlett O'Hara on the Cover.......2006-02-14
I bought this book because I loved the cover. Admittedly, I didn't do much research about it, but wish I had. This book is anything but about true Southern Belles. There are a few women in this book who might fit the real description, but even they are marred by the author's insistence on revealing all the negative and dark side of these women. Don't be fooled..this book is not about true Southern Belles. I was born, and raised partially, in the South and was taught that a true Southern Belle is a woman who embraces her feminity, is proud of her heritage, passes on traditions and always conducts herself like a lady. That definition seems to upset the author because she includes many women who are anything but Southern Belles. Just because a person was born in the South doesn't make them a Southern Belle. The author seems to think that just by virtue of being Southern born, that makes one a "Belle." Her book proves just the opposite. Then when I finished the book, I saw that the publisher is located in Berkeley, CA (surprise!) and is associated with a group called The Wild Women Association, also out of Berkeley. If you are looking for a book about true Southern Women, a.k.a, Belles, I suggest you read Ronda Rich's book, "What Southern Women Know (That Every Woman Should)" or Deborah Ford's "G.R.I.T.S. - Girls Raised in the South."
Hells Yea!.......2003-02-06
I picked this book up at the Margaret Mitchell Museum in Atlanta. Being a southern woman I found the title and the subject matter interesting. Boy am I ever glad I read this little book! It was pretty intriguing to read 2-3 page summaries about historical and current southern women who've made an impact or just made there presence known. I'd recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It's a quick and enlightening read.
Fun.......2002-12-19
This is a great little find. There are some great quotes and it's just plain fun. Who ever knew that there were pirate belles or native american belles, American revolution and confederate spy belles.
In Praise of Southern Women.......2002-09-17
A glorious book - a celebration of southern women, and all that they stand for, from their notorious southern charm to their unique and equally-infamous 'darker' side. They're all here - Tallulah Bankhead, Scarlet O'Hara, Priscilla Presley, as are many lesser-known but just as 'potent' southern belles. Photos, tributes, anecdotes, photos. The entertainment quotient is high and what a history lesson!!!
Parochialism? No, just good fun.......2000-07-16
I admit it, the enchanting cover photo of Vivien Leigh (Scarlett O'Hara) compelled me to buy this book..but I was also intrigued by the sales-pitch blurb on the back cover. Inside, I was pleasantly surprised, with many of my favourite southern gals featured, including Selena, Anne Rice, Margaret Mitchell, Carson McCullers. Hell's Belles is written in exuberant tabloid style (witness the title!)and contains interesting anecdotes and fascinating accounts of Southerners, most of whom I've never heard of but leave me wanting to know more..luckily, Ballenger provides a list of references. The only thing that left me feeling a bit miffed is some blatant Women's press advertisment at the back - as if we need reminding of 'role models' and 'empowerment'and other genderist stuff to feel good about ourselves! Subtle it is not. And one question - drag queens are belles, yes? but Truman Capote?
Product Description
Former award winning Triumph driver and engine preparer has written a sequel to his earlier "Kas Kastners Triumph Preparation Handbook". More stories about the Triumph Competition Department; How the TR-250K came to be; The Fabulous 1147 cc Spitfire; Around the World with Triumph Owners; Visits to Carillo Industires, JE Pistons, The Cam Grinder and The Gasket Works; Special Spitfire section; 280 photos and drawings with lots of how-to-fix-it stuff.
Average customer rating:
- Not a likeable heroine (or hero for that matter)
- I could spit on it...it belongs in the fire!
- ok
- Small's Most Intriguing Heroine?
- Well.........
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Spitfire
Bertrice Small
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Small, Bertrice | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:
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Avon ANEW CLINICAL 2-Step Facial Peel
ASIN: 0345375653
Release Date: 1992-01-13 |
Book Description
"Realistic, appealing characters and an entertaining tale."
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The year is 1483. Just as beautiful Lady Arabella Grey, the young cousin of England's King Richard III, speaks her wedding vows to Sir Jasper Keane, the Scotsman Tavis Stewart, Earl of Dunmore, abducts Arabella as payment for Jasper's murder of his fiancee. Irresistibly, deliciously, Arabella surrenders to her enemy with fierce abandon--knowing that there may be only one way to get what is rightfully hers....
Customer Reviews:
Not a likeable heroine (or hero for that matter).......2006-12-20
She abandons her child and the man she loves for her run down, practically abandoned family home. She cheats on him with his nephew and others. He feels guilty for not getting her family home back for her sooner and forcing her to "sell" herself to get it back. Please! your choices; A: rich gorgeous, titled husband & infant daughter or B: small, barely profitable keep & lands. The choice would be clear to me. But not our heroine.
I could spit on it...it belongs in the fire!.......2005-06-27
Geez, this is has to be the slowest Small book I've read. I love Scottish historicals and even enjoy the historical political detail, but this is way too drawn out. The heroine loves her plot of land more than her hunky hubby. Ans he is way too good for her, too understanding to put up with her antics. She is a spoiled, selfish little girl (Was anyone else repulsed that she is like...12...when Jasper the villain seeks to betrothe her? And only 14, when the hero, Tavis, seeks to wed her? Both men were old enough to be her dad!! i know its histroical, but she could have been 16 that would have been more comfortable for today's reader)
And how does she go from being all virginal and moral to committing adultery on her husband with a few men, whoring for the crown, and having a threesome with twin brothers? (I have to admit that scene was hot, but not worth buying the book. It is much too brief and you have to slog through 3/4 of the book to get there---seems like Small was trying to make up for how sexually tame and politically dry all the preceding chapters were.)
Arabella's mother is an airhead, and has way too many scenes in the beginning. The hero and heroine do not even meet till nearly half way through the book!
The story begins with a great hook--a border raid, including murder and rape, which set the plot in motion but alas, is not the stuff romances are made of.
I had to force myself to finish the book. I though Arabella too analytical, not a really passionate or romantic person, I did not beleive she ever loved Tavis and did not understand why he would love her (other than that she has ankle length platinium blonde hair and never shuts up and is half his age). Its sad when the heroine has better sex scenes with characters other than the hero. I can go on and on with what makes this book so dreary--but why bother? It is what it is.
in closing, i too found myself skimming whole sections of the book, which had no effect on furthering the plot, and several times I put the book down and left it there. I just wish i would not have wasted my time picking it back up to finsih it. Especially since the ending really sucked. The one saving grace is that Small never wrote a sequel to this tripe.
Skip it, and if you are looking for a great Small Scottish romance, read Betrayed or A Love Wild and Fair instead. Now those were terrific!!
ok.......2005-05-18
I put this author's writing in league with Virginia Henley's.
It's not a light read. Descriptions on kings, politics, etc.
- Little humor and a lacking of depth to the relationship.
- Revolved around regaining her estate (got slightly tedious).
- Need more emphasis on the main guy.
+ Great male characters
+ Good bad guy.
+ Exciting when it didn't drag.
+ Sexy
Small's Most Intriguing Heroine?.......2001-04-07
The first thing I can say about Arabella Grey is that she is unique among the hallowed halls of Bertrice Small heroines. Right from her introduction, Arabella is a different creature. She is intelligent in an academic way but also possesses a more primal and intuitive kind of intelligence. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book were the intricate paths of logic which were so central to Arabella's character. Yes, she understands things--but moreover, the reader gets into her working mind to see just how she reaches the shocking and surprising conclusions she does. Bear in mind that this is not a typical historical romance. Small's panorama of historicity is complex and detailed. Additionally, I saw this less as a tale between a man and a woman and more of the story of a brave and independent female charting her own destiny through a difficult time and social climate.
Well................2001-02-08
I'm not sure I mean this as a negative review or not. I'm not finished with the book yet. I might add I can usually finish a book in a 24 hour period but this book is giving me a bit of trouble.
Intricate is a subtle word. History and logistics are very prevelant. To me there is far too much about the King of England, the King of Scotland, politics, and who is related to who by their extramarital affairs. It is unfair for me to give an opinion before I finish the book but truthfully, I am of a mind to close the book and feel that I have not missed anything. I'm sorry to say, I'm bored with it.
This is not my first Bertrice Small book and am feeling a bit guilty for speaking my mind. At the moment, (where I am in the book) Arabella is a spy in France for Tudor. I understand Arabella's reasons and her plight but cannot help but feel it is toooooo much. She and Tavis are suppose to be in love with each other. Her determination and honor binds her to her ancestorial home and title even it if it for her daugher. I am forcing myself to finish this soon because I am curious to Tavis's reaction. I confess I have skimmed frequently and perhaps I am missing some vital events but the first and second line of the paragraph seems to explain the rest of the paragraphs intent.
To gage this review, I am partial to Stephanie Laurens, Susan Johnson, Connie Mason, Christine Feehan and I won't bore you by going on. Like most, I enjoy fiction because it is that, fiction; this however is far too detailed. The love scenes are so so. I am not one to look for many love that take up a chapter in itself describing every detail but I find them lacking in this book. The warmth and emotion are not emphasized adequately.
I apologize for my opinion before completing the book but I have read many romance novels over a 6 year period and am sorry to say this book does not hold my interest. The story and situations seem to go on forever.
I hope this has helped you. I personally rely on the reviews of other readers. I'm sorry that I cannot give this more than one star. I am not in any hurry to read any more of Ms. Small's book.
My apologies to Ms. Small and her fans. In closing, I suppose this is a negative review of this book. Sorry.
Book Description
Pen and Sword Books are proud to be reissuing this, the only book written by the legendary 'legless' ace Douglas Bader (immortalized by the film Reach For the Sky).
He tells the inspiring story of the Battle of Britain from the viewpoint of 'The Few'. Using superb illustrations he traces the development of the Spitfire and Hurricane, and describes the nail-biting actions of those who flew them against far superior numbers of enemy aircraft. As an added bonus, other well-known fighter aces including Johnnie Johnson, "Laddie' Lucas and Max Aitken contribute to Douglas's book, no doubt out of affection and respect.
This is a really important contribution to RAF history by one of the greatest - and certainly the most famous - pilots of the Second World War.
Customer Reviews:
Very Interesting and well written........2007-01-10
Most Americans probably don't hold Bader in quite the same esteem that the Brits do, but they should. He was an extraordinary person, pilot, warrior, and gentleman. I really enjoyed his discussions of the Hurricane and Spitfire. A must have for any warplane enthusiast.
Book Description
Detailed model-by-model descriptions, technical and restoration details, and invaluable reference data. Detailed photos and descriptions tell you what to look out for when buying. Includes a wealth of information from specs and production figures to competition achievements.
Book Description
The first few American volunteers flew Spitfires with the RAF during the Battle of Britain. Many more joined their ranks, often posing as "Canadians", eventually forming three Eagle squadrons who earned a fierce fighting reputation. When the United States entered the war the Eagle fighter sections were issued with Spitfires and eventually transferred to the Eighth Air Force. In just two years of service with the USAAF, 22 pilots claimed five or more victories flying the Spitfire, whilst a further two dozen aces claimed part of their total flying them, a testament to their skill and success at the controls of this legendary warbird.
Discover the experiences of a variety of American aces in their own words through first-hand accounts, interviews and combat reports, in a thrilling read that transports the reader from the Battle of Britain to the deserts of North Africa to Fortress Europe itself.
Book Description
Spitfire Pilot is the exhilarating and moving memoir of D. M. Crook, an airman in the legendary 609 Squadron--one of the most successful RAF units in the Battle of Britain. Beginning with his fond recollections of his halcyon days in training--acrobatics, night flying, and languorous days spent playing sport--Crook goes on to recount in thrilling detail the dogfights, remarkable victories, and tragic losses which formed the daily routine of Britain's heroic aerial defenders in that long summer of 1940. Often hopelessly outnumbered, the men of 609 Squadron in their state-of-the-art Spitfires committed acts of unimaginable bravery against the Messerschmitts and Junkers of Germany's formidable Luftwaffe. Many of Crook's fellow airmen did not make it back alive, and the absence they leave in the close-knit community of the squadron is described with great poignancy. Spitfire Pilot offers a unique and personal insight into one of the most critical moments of British history, when a handful of men stood up against the might of the German Air Force in defense of their country.
Customer Reviews:
Spitfire Pilot.......2007-09-03
The English have had a history riddled with war and bloodshed. In a war to end oppression and evil, one British pilot, David Crook recorded his memoirs of day to day life and illustrated the hardships of life during an era of uncertainty in a journal now published as Spitfire Pilot during World War II. This recollection of memories was some of the harshest battles the modern world has ever witnessed. From the famous Battle of Britain to the numerous long painstaking escort bomber missions over Germany, this pilot and others alike were the last obstacle Hitler had to overcome before a German invasion of England. Crook understands this and quickly learns that everyday might be his last. Overall this one mans experiences in the darkest times of humanity are both breathtaking and horrifying for any military buff.
The Best British Air Force Memoir of World War II.......2007-05-08
"Spitfire Pilot" remains the best British Air Force memoirs of World War II.
Flight Lieutenant David Crook tells the story of the British Auxiliary Air Force's 609 Squadron, which shot down 100 German aircraft during the Battle of Britain, killing some 800 Luftwaffe pilots and crewmen while losing only 13. It was units like these, from the Royal and Auxiliary Air Forces, manned with young pilots like David Crook that won the Battle of Britain, devastating the Luftwaffe.
Crook's first hand accounts of the lives and deaths of British fighter pilots in World War II are both insightful and powerful. The author, who won Britain's Distinguished Flying Cross, survived the Battle of Britain only to die in a training accident in December 1944.
Average customer rating:
- A must have for Spitfire fans
- Spitfire
- Lots of Data; Light on Organization.
- The best spitfire book, but.......
- Holy Smokes!
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Spitfire: The History
Eric Morgan , and
Edward Shacklady
Manufacturer: Key Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Pictorials | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | Aviation | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Aerospace | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books | Advanced Mechanics | Aerodynamics | Aircraft Design & Construction | Applied | Avionics | Gas Dynamics | General | Heat Transfer | Propulsion Technology | Structural Dynamics
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0946219486 |
Customer Reviews:
A must have for Spitfire fans.......2007-05-30
This book is one that any Spitfire enthusiast must have. Though it does not have color photos, it does thoroughly document every aspect of the Spitfire's development- right down to listing every serial number of every make and documenting it's career.
Though it is certainly not "light reading", it is very much worth having.
Spitfire.......2004-04-19
A must have book for anyone interested in the smallest details, a great referance. This book contains so much information it will sure become your favorite!
Lots of Data; Light on Organization........2003-09-18
I was really looking for a book with detailed data on the Spitfire. The good news is that there really is lots of data in this book. The bad news is that you pertty have to read the entire book to find things.
A real strength is the reproduction of information, specifications and test result reports from both the company and the British government acceptance trials. That means that there is a wealth of high-quality primary data represented in the book. If you are curious about the effect of different propellers on the top speed and rate of climb of the Spitfire I, then there is a table showing that. Unfortunately, such information seems to be arranged chronologcially by report date rather than by topic. That makes it really hard to locate particular facts and therefore limits its value as a reference book. There is so much here that even the index can't really help out.
Recommendation: If you care about lots of real performance and nuts & bolts data you have to get the book, but it could have been much greater with a better presentation. If you are looking for a narrative history or light reading stay away.
The best spitfire book, but..............2003-06-27
No doubt, this is the single most important book to own if you are interested in the history of the Spitfire and all its variants. But, it should be mentioned that this is a rather ugly book in the visual sense. The color illustrations are among the worst i have ever seen (artwork varies from terrible to good). An endless number of pages are dedicated to listing serial numbers and the printing quality of the b&w photos is poor. The text is interesting and offers so much more than most Spitfire books. If you buy this volume, i strongly suggest you also get a book like Spitfire:Flying Legend. This way, you will have the definitive text in one volume and great photos of numerous variants in another.
For those (like myself) who are interested in line drawings of the aircraft structure, this book is splendid. Also worth noting that almost all the photos, as so-so as some may be, are of great value because they are not seen in other books. Lots of unique things in this volume. They should take this book to a graphics design bureau and let them put it together. The result wiould be a book costing $80 instead of $...but imagine what it could look like.
Holy Smokes!.......2001-09-07
"Holy smokes" is what I said when I opened the box that had this book in it. Every once in awhile, a pleasant surprise occurs when ordering by mail. This is definately one of those surprises. A huge value for your money IF you want every nuance of every spitfire ever built. A lot of good, albeit small, B&W pix of the plane, its many varients, 12 pages of color line drawings. Even the forward mentions how much detail is involved in this book, how few are ever going to be able to dispute information portrayed here as a reader is easily overwhelmed by the size of this book. Even the weight makes it difficult to read.
But it is worth it. I have enjoyed every page, learning new things at every turn. Good introduction of the development of 1930's planes & technologies that led up to the Spitfire, how it almost didnt make it into production, and the development of so many varients.
A must have for the serious collector, or anyone who wants a REALLY big book on their shelf.
Average customer rating:
- The most gorgeous aircraft graces the sky once again
- For Spitfire fun
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Spitfires and Polished Metal: Restoring the Classic Fighter
Graham Moss
Manufacturer: Motorbooks International
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
Repair & Maintenance | Aviation | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0760307415 |
Book Description
Since their formation seven years ago, the British firm Historic Flying has restored ten World War II-era Spitfires to flying condition. This full-colour chronicle follows the company's history from formation to the present, providing a blow-by-blow account of all their rebuilds and the various Spitfires involved.
Customer Reviews:
The most gorgeous aircraft graces the sky once again.......2000-07-31
I bought this book as I am a modeller, it sure was a good investment! It has great photos of the actual restoration process as well as a brief history of where these fabulous fighter came from. It also goes into great depth on the history on the spitfire and the differences between the different Mk's. So if you think your just a little bit interested, get this book and it will take the little out!
For Spitfire fun.......2000-05-21
This is an excellent book for Spitfire enthusiast like me. There are full of dreams such as rebuild and fly this world famous fighter. There are many clear photos to understand structure and detail of this elegant style plane. The explanation of rebuilding process and history of the plane is quite clear. Appendix of living Spitfire and Seafire is also usefull for your visit. If you like Spitfire, you certainly enjoy this book.
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