An unlicensed promoter stumbles into the cockpit of a 1930's seaplane and into an international air race, turning a sales stunt into a wild adventure, crossing the Australian outback, creating headlines, and near-death crashes.
This is a rollicking aviation adventure based on a true story of a struggling 21-year-old ad guy and a 33-year-old seaplane spanning just 45 days as an unlicensed pilot in a daring attempt to participate in the 1969 London to Sydney Air Race. It begins with his abusive upbringing, starting at the bottom rung of the advertising world, leading to starting his agency.
The adventure begins when he convinces a land developer to enter the BP-sponsored air Race. The journey takes him across the Australian outback, only to have him reported missing, along with the pilot, and, strangely, two English models, somewhere near East Timor. It ends 2 weeks later in a near-fatal crash landing just north of Sydney in the little town of Taree, with the true cause of the crash never to be revealed until now.
Barely finishing high school and desperate to succeed in any business, this advertising maverick found an opportunity to launch an international advertising career. It takes a thrilling twist when he meets an Australian land developer with a love for risk and adventure, with his 1936 Supermarine Walrus seaplane, the type credited with saving the lives of over 1,000 pilots and aircrew during World War II. Yet after the race, this unlicensed pilot joins the owner on another daring escapade, ending in a near-death experience, 2 weeks later, watching the bottom of the plane being ripped out from under his feet in a crash landing.
It is a riveting tale of resilience, dreams and the human spirit's tenacity. Embark on an unforgettable flight that will inspire and captivate, making it impossible to put down. WALRUS The Last One Flying isn't always the last one standing, and sometimes history's most extraordinary adventures start with a hangover.
By:
John Williams Illustrated by:
Tim Paschke Imprint: John Williams Dimensions:
Height: 229mm,
Width: 152mm,
Spine: 32mm
Weight: 907g ISBN:9798349591754 Pages: 410 Publication Date:30 September 2025 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Hardback Publisher's Status: Active
