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High Flight: The Life and Poetry of Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee
When Second World War Spitfire pilot John Gillespie Magee penned his poem 'High Flight', little did he know that his words would inspire legions of aspiring aviators who had a similar wish to fly their 'eager craft through footless halls of air'.
Founded on years of detailed research, Roger Cole's book High Flight tells John Magee's extraordinary story, describing hitherto-unknown details of his short life, and providing insight into the inspiration for the poems that have found a unique place in history.
Born of an English mother and American father in Nanking in China, Magee grew up and was educated in different parts of the world, proving to be a highly accomplished student. Through his experiences, he developed principles that made him determined to defend the rights of those he loved and respected. Exhilarated by flight and finding unique language in poetry, John was able to use words to express the emotions and sentiments of all who fly in a manner that is acknowledged and applauded throughout the world. The outbreak of war in Europe violated his beliefs, and, determined to fight for freedom, John left America and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, qualifying as a pilot and traveling to England to fight Nazism.
Tragically, John would lose his life, aged 19 years, in an accident, so never know how his words would serve posterity. Roger Cole's High Flight traces the path of John Magee's achievement, revealing an incredible story of human endeavor, vision, determination and self-sacrifice.
Founded on years of detailed research, Roger Cole's book High Flight tells John Magee's extraordinary story, describing hitherto-unknown details of his short life, and providing insight into the inspiration for the poems that have found a unique place in history.
Born of an English mother and American father in Nanking in China, Magee grew up and was educated in different parts of the world, proving to be a highly accomplished student. Through his experiences, he developed principles that made him determined to defend the rights of those he loved and respected. Exhilarated by flight and finding unique language in poetry, John was able to use words to express the emotions and sentiments of all who fly in a manner that is acknowledged and applauded throughout the world. The outbreak of war in Europe violated his beliefs, and, determined to fight for freedom, John left America and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, qualifying as a pilot and traveling to England to fight Nazism.
Tragically, John would lose his life, aged 19 years, in an accident, so never know how his words would serve posterity. Roger Cole's High Flight traces the path of John Magee's achievement, revealing an incredible story of human endeavor, vision, determination and self-sacrifice.
228 pages, Hardcover
First published January 11, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 27, 2023
i know that i shall meet my fate, somewhere among the clouds above...
March 31, 2022
I was given this book by a friend who knows the author and was delighted that the author had signed the copy for me.
I was brought up by a father with a huge interest in World War II stories so am always curious to read a story that I didn't previously know.
There is a foreword by the subjects surviving brother which is very touching and a great lead in to the story.
I had never heard of John Magee and his famous poem so was very happy to be introduced to such an accomplished man.
The narrative of the book is 105 pages then the rest of the book is filled with the poems written by John Magee - it is quite astounding that he could have produced so much work in such a short life.
It is a short book that chronicles a life perfectly, giving atmosphere and a perfect historical setting. The images of Lincolnshire are easy to conjure in the mind with the author's description and there is plenty of narrative straight from the subject using letters he wrote.
It's always a privilege to read a book which has clearly been a labour of love has this has to Roger Cole and to appreciate the amount of research in it's preparation.
I was brought up by a father with a huge interest in World War II stories so am always curious to read a story that I didn't previously know.
There is a foreword by the subjects surviving brother which is very touching and a great lead in to the story.
I had never heard of John Magee and his famous poem so was very happy to be introduced to such an accomplished man.
The narrative of the book is 105 pages then the rest of the book is filled with the poems written by John Magee - it is quite astounding that he could have produced so much work in such a short life.
It is a short book that chronicles a life perfectly, giving atmosphere and a perfect historical setting. The images of Lincolnshire are easy to conjure in the mind with the author's description and there is plenty of narrative straight from the subject using letters he wrote.
It's always a privilege to read a book which has clearly been a labour of love has this has to Roger Cole and to appreciate the amount of research in it's preparation.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews