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How to Build a Spitfire
In April 2018 David Price, dedicated aviation museum volunteer and author of THE CREW and MOSQUITO MEN, decided to build a Spitfire replica in his back garden. In How to Build a Spitfire he juxtaposes the story of the ups and down of his own ambitious project to recreate an icon of British aviation with a narrative of the development of the Spitfire itself, focusing in particular on the construction and production of the aircraft and its various component parts (including the Merlin engine), amplified by the testimonies of some of those who worked in the Supermarine factory in Southampton and in other Spitfire production facilities.
Bringing together the sometimes light-hearted tale of a personal quest, enthusiastically pursued, with an accessible but authoritative account of the technical workings of a war-winning weapon, and the stories of some of the men who flew it, How to Build a Spitfire is a distinctive and affectionate homage to an enduring symbol of British engineering genius and national resilience.
Bringing together the sometimes light-hearted tale of a personal quest, enthusiastically pursued, with an accessible but authoritative account of the technical workings of a war-winning weapon, and the stories of some of the men who flew it, How to Build a Spitfire is a distinctive and affectionate homage to an enduring symbol of British engineering genius and national resilience.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
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October 4, 2025
As a kid, David Price told his family that he wanted to fly a spitfire, but his brother informed him that they were no longer in service and that he would not be able to do that... so why not build his own.
This book was an enjoyable read - it was a mix between his journey to build his spitfire, and the history of the Spitfires themselves.
One of my favorite parts was when he mentioned that he could build one of them in his yard and his wife didn't outright say no, so, you know, that's almost a form of permission. (I read that to my partner, and he agreed, so now I'm not sure what I have previously given permission for him to build in our yard).
Thank you to netgally for the opportunity to read an arc of this book.
This is a book that I would be recommending for people to get for fathers day, or for a great gift for Christmas. (High chance that my grandad will be getting a copy for Christmas).
This book was an enjoyable read - it was a mix between his journey to build his spitfire, and the history of the Spitfires themselves.
One of my favorite parts was when he mentioned that he could build one of them in his yard and his wife didn't outright say no, so, you know, that's almost a form of permission. (I read that to my partner, and he agreed, so now I'm not sure what I have previously given permission for him to build in our yard).
Thank you to netgally for the opportunity to read an arc of this book.
This is a book that I would be recommending for people to get for fathers day, or for a great gift for Christmas. (High chance that my grandad will be getting a copy for Christmas).
Displaying 1 of 1 review