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Pure Luck: The Authorized Biography of Sir Thomas Sopwith, 1888-1989
Successful competition pilot, accomplished yachtsman and sportsman, engineer and industrialist, Sir Thomas Sopwith's life not only spanned the era of heavier-than-air flight but also contributed immeasurably to the story of aviation. His Camel and Pup biplanes helped to win the First World War, his Hurricane, Typhoon and Lancaster, the Second. But his contribution does not end there - the Harrier, designed and built by his Hawker company, can fairly be said to have won control of the Falklands. His 101 years saw both personal tragedy and international recognition but he remained a modest man to his final days. Alan Bramson, a pilot himself, has produced a biography of this remarkable individual with the full support of his family, many friends and colleagues.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1990
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February 16, 2014
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.
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.
Displaying 1 of 1 review