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Mitchell: Father of the Spitfire

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Mitchell: Father of the Spitfire

By: Paul Beaver
Narrated by: Gregory Cox, Paul Beaver
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About this listen

 The gripping story of the pioneer behind the Spitfire told in a major new biography.

‘Britain's leading aviation historian' Daily Mail

Reginald Mitchell is one of the greatest names in aviation history. A visionary engineer with a passion for speed, his legacy is the most iconic fighter aircraft of all time: the Spitfire.

During the uneasy peace of the 1920s, he was a trailblazing innovator working at the cutting edge of technology. As Europe’s politics darkened in the 1930s, the work of Mitchell and his team at Supermarine became crucial to a nation preparing for war. Though he did not live to see the Spitfire in action, his work led to triumph at the Battle of Britain – and to a legendary aircraft that still inspires awe to this day.

In this exhilarating biography, Paul Beaver takes us behind the scenes, exploring the creative genius of a man devoted to pushing the boundaries of technology. We see his flair for leadership and collaboration with Rolls-Royce, the pinnacle of British engineering; we learn of Mitchell’s other innovative designs that could have changed the course of the war, had he not died in 1937; and, at last, we hear the real story behind the Spitfire.

Drawing on new interviews, private archives and previously unpublished material, this is the story of a man who helped change the course of history – one of the great design leaders of the twentieth century.

Praise for Winkle:

'[A] thumping great biography by Britain's leading aviation historian' Daily Mail, ‘Book of the Week’

'Winkle Brown's astonishing adventures make for fascinating reading' Sunday Times

'Beaver recounts the story of a man he regarded as a mentor in unshowy but fascinating detail, and restores a British hero to his rightful place' Observer

'The extraordinary story [of] a fearless pilot and decorated war hero. Epic' The Herald

'An incredible life ... Brown took a secret to the grave that makes his story all the more remarkable' The Sun Air Forces Armed Forces Military Military & War Professionals & Academics Science & Technology Aviation War
All stars
Most relevant
I enjoyed this book as it wasn’t just about Mitchell, but everyone involved in the development of early aircraft through to the development of the spitfire and even mentioning that he was in the process of developing a bomber right up to the end. It’s amazing to think it was all done with ideas, draughtboards and slide rules. An amazing time in the development of aircraft. Sad to think he never lived to see the results of his efforts.

Not all about Mitchell, but everyone involved

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Excellent view of Mitchell the man, and the context of the people, time, engineering and aircraft he worked with

Brilliantly researched and thorough biography

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Absolutely amazing story of a man who’s determination and dedication to achieve a goal of perfecting an aeroplane knows throughout the world.
Despite living with a terminal illness for a number of years.
He and his team were at the forefront in design innovation and technological advances of the time.
Highly recommend this book.

Amazing story

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