John Shelton took a first degree at Hull University, an MA at Miami University, and a PhD at Birmingham. He eventually became head of humanities at a polytechnic incorporated into Staffordshire University, where he developed its first arts and social science degree courses. Meanwhile, his interest in industrial archaeology led to various publications on the locally born R. J. Mitchell. Having taken early retirement to concentrate more fully upon renovating an Elizabethan manor house, he learned to fly motor gliders and light aircraft. He currently lives near Eccleshall where he has continued his aviation research and aviation painting.
"""The narrative flows smoothly, and Shelton is adept at distilling technical subject matter into comfortable text. His book offers an exceptional array of superbly curated photographs and drawings.""-- ""The Journal of the Air Force Historical Foundation"""