Mitchell

‘Paul Beaver, a pilot himself, describes the man he clearly admires in exhaustive detail, with an eye for anecdote and a fine turn of phrase. … [Mitchell] was a man of zeal, humour and brilliance and this book is a fine tribute.’ Country Life  ‘Paul Beaver has combined in-depth research with wonderful writing to produce a thrilling, fast-paced account of an extraordinary man. The Spitfire is one of the most iconic and important aircraft in the history of aviation and warfare. Now, thanks to this definitive account, Reginald Mitchell's vital contribution to the Second World War can be fully recognised.’ Will Iredale, author of The Pathfinders: The Elite RAF Force that Turned the Tide of WWII   ‘In this meticulously researched and vividly written biography, Paul Beaver breathes life into the man behind Britain’s most iconic fighter aircraft. Mitchell is far more than a tale of technical brilliance — it’s a portrait of a visionary engineer whose influence reshaped aerial warfare. Like all the best history, this book combines deep archival insight with a storyteller’s flair. Beaver peels away the myth to reveal the man, the machine, and the moment — and in doing so, reminds us just how close we came to never having the Spitfire at all. A triumph of historical narrative.’ James Holland, author of Victory '45: The End of the War in Eight Surrenders   ‘An outstanding piece of research. Paul Beaver offers us a hymn of love for Supermarine and its favourite son, R.J. Mitchell. In this long overdue study, the warbird inventor emerges as less a lonely genius and more the leader of a gifted team who battled the odds to create many iconic aircraft, culminating in the Spitfire.’ Peter Caddick-Adams, author of 1945: Victory in the West Praise for Winkle: '[A] thumping great biography by Britain's leading aviation historian' Daily Mail, ‘Book of the Week’   'Compelling, fascinating and frequently jaw-dropping. A brilliant and revelatory biography' James Holland '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 'An excellent biography' Patrick Bishop, Daily Telegraph 'The extraordinary story [of] a fearless pilot and decorated war hero. Epic' The Herald 'A thrilling new biography' Daily Express 'Riveting ... one of those must-read books, compelling and full of incidents that leave you gasping with surprise ... an incredible story' Flyer 'An incredible life ... Brown took a secret to the grave that makes his story all the more remarkable' The Sun