Pure Luck: The Authorized Biography of Sir Thomas Sopwith, 1888-1989 First Edition by Bramson, Alan (1991) Hardcover

by Alan E. Bramson

Sir Thomas Sopwith's 101-year life spanned aviation history. A contemporary of the Wright Brothers, he went on to become a highly successful airplane manufacturer in his own his Camel and Pup revolutionized aerial combat in the First World War. His Hurricane and Lancaster were among the most successful designs of the Second and the remarkable Harrier 'jump jet' emerged from an industrial empire that employed up to 127,000 people. But Thomas Sopwith was more than a remarkable aviation pioneer and industrialist, he was a sportsman in the old tradition and one of the world's leading 120 meter class yachtsmen. Pure Luck traces the remarkable history of Sopwith, narrates the moments of triumph and tragedy during his early life and describes the events leading to his 80-year involvement in aeronautics ballooning, early days at Brooklands and the founding of Sopwith Aviation. His wisdom and record of achievement are recorded as Pure Luck places in perspective Tommy Sopwith's astonishing career and highlights many events in his private and business life. With justification Sir Thomas Sopwith can be classed among the most influential non-political figures this century, but during his life he turned down many requests from authors to write his biography. It was only a few months before he died in 1989 that he agreed to let Alan Bramson do it. Alan Bramson, a highly accomplished pilot himself with 250 types in his logbook, is the author of 21 other aviation books, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Liveryman of the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators.

Genres: Biography, Aviation

Hardcover

First published April 1, 1990

Reviews

[Mike Prochot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anywone who grew up in the 60's and 70's knows that Snoopy regularly donned his flying helmet and goggles, mounted atop his doghouse and pretended to be a famous flying ace of World War One - piloting his famous Sopwith Camel. Anyone familiar with aviation is well acquainted with the Camel, the Pup and the Triplane (ultimately copied by Fokker), but not even many of those people know of the Sopwith connection to the Hawker Hurricane or the Avro Vulcan or the incredible Hawker Harrier. All these wonderful airplanes(and more) are part of the same family begun by a very interesting gentleman by the name of Thomas Sopwith.

Until I stumbled upon a Youtube video of an interview given by the then quite old Sir Thomas, I was unaware of his existence or the incredible life he had led. His single mindedness, talent for business and ability to judge people was behind the spawning, production and evolution of aircraft that affected the course of history.

Sir Thomas' story is filled with energy and enthusiasm for his work and life in general. Budding entrepreneurs would do well to read this book if only to use it for inspiration. While born into a genteel life in England - not without it's tragedies - Sir Thomas certainly made the most of his time.

It was very interesting to read about the evolution of his aircraft factory businesses - and the negative affect of the involvment of the government in that business over the years. It is too bad that our politicians are so bereft of the knowledge of history.


I found this to be a very interesting and enjoyable book. It would be of interest particularly for historic warbird fans, those interested in the evolution of manned flight and also students of business.

Sir Thomas was quite a character who was certainly in the right place in time.