Scientific Books

Flying Pianos: The Eccentric Birth Of British Aviation Charles Spicer Oneworld Publications

From string-and-canvas deathtraps to sleek metal machines – relive the dawn of British aviation

‘Gripping, exuberant, racy and deeply researched, here is the amazing tale of the flying machines.’ Simon...

From string-and-canvas deathtraps to sleek metal machines – relive the dawn of British aviation

‘Gripping, exuberant, racy and deeply researched, here is the amazing tale of the flying machines.’ Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The World: A Family History

In the first few decades of the twentieth century British aviators went from gliding a handful of yards...

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  • Language English
  • Number of pages Number of pages 368
  • Cover Cover Hardcover
  • Year of publication Year of publication 2026
  • Publisher Publisher Oneworld Publications
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Description & Specifications

From string-and-canvas deathtraps to sleek metal machines – relive the dawn of British aviation

‘Gripping, exuberant, racy and deeply researched, here is the amazing tale of the flying machines.’ Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The World: A Family History

In the first few decades of the twentieth century British aviators went from gliding a handful of yards to crossing the Atlantic. Journeying from perilous ‘cotton-and-hope’ prototypes to the Spitfire, Flying Pianos surveys the transformation of flight from genteel gentleman’s hobby to terrifying military force.

Charles Spicer meets the cast of colourful characters who helped Britain take flight. There’s Hugh ‘Boom’ Trenchard, eccentric ‘father’ of the RAF; the glamorous Harriet Quimby – journalist, screenwriter and record-breaking pilot; and Grahame Christie, passionate aviator, spy and uneasy acquaintance of Hermann Göring. Charting the soaring highs and catastrophic lows of this technological revolution, Flying Pianos tells the remarkable tale of how Britain took to the skies.

‘Vivid, meticulous yet expansive.’ Clare Mulley, author of Agent Zo

‘Check in, get aboard, fasten your seatbelt, and prepare for a marvellous flight and a terrific read.’ David Cannadine, author of Victorious Century

‘Fun, anecdote-rich and full of compelling characters.’ S.C. Gwynne, author of Empire of the Summer Moon

Manufacturer

Publisher
Oneworld Publications
Type
Humanities, Electrical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering, Physical Sciences
Language
English
Subtitle
-
Cover
Hardcover
Number of Pages
368
Release Date
01/10/2026
Publication Date
2026
Dimensions
-
ISBN-13
9781836432654

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32,73 €
14,00 €   shipping cost