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Magnificent Women and Flying Machines
Balloons, parachutes, airplanes, gliders, airships -the extraordinary personal tales of the women who led the way in early British aviation!
There is no book that covers the roles played by the lesser known British women in aviation, and while Amy Johnson is a household name, many women performed outstanding feats in this brave new world, from Mrs. Hines in 1785 who inadvertently became the first to do a night-time balloon flight and water landing; to Rose Spencer, who while four months pregnant in 1902 became the first British woman to fly a powered airship; to Winifred Brown, the first and only woman to win the prestigious King's Cup Air Race, beating a formidable array of male pilots.
This important new study seeks to record and present the British women who were courageous enough to set the scene for future generations, revealing the tales of the key women who achieved 'firsts' in British aviation from 1785 to 1935. These extraordinary women deserve a place in the history books.
There is no book that covers the roles played by the lesser known British women in aviation, and while Amy Johnson is a household name, many women performed outstanding feats in this brave new world, from Mrs. Hines in 1785 who inadvertently became the first to do a night-time balloon flight and water landing; to Rose Spencer, who while four months pregnant in 1902 became the first British woman to fly a powered airship; to Winifred Brown, the first and only woman to win the prestigious King's Cup Air Race, beating a formidable array of male pilots.
This important new study seeks to record and present the British women who were courageous enough to set the scene for future generations, revealing the tales of the key women who achieved 'firsts' in British aviation from 1785 to 1935. These extraordinary women deserve a place in the history books.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
304 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2022
8 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 20, 2023
I have been dipping into the book and it is an excellent read. British Women who pioneered aviation for all the women that followed them. Sometime costing them their lives in the process.
November 27, 2021
One of my favourite books of all time! So well written and it is wonderful to look at women who were important to air based activities from 1785-2012, 40
Amazing women are listed in the book. The book shines light on women who have previously never been written about, women who are from all sorts of backgrounds who all achieved amazing things
Amazing women are listed in the book. The book shines light on women who have previously never been written about, women who are from all sorts of backgrounds who all achieved amazing things
January 23, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this whistle-stop tour of British female aviation pioneers. I tired a little of Smith’s habit of assuming how the subjects of her chapters were feeling at certain times, but otherwise this is an interesting and entertaining read about women who, in many cases, should be far better know for what they achieved.
April 5, 2022
Very well written book. With each chapter dedicated to a fascinating woman who pushed the boundaries.
Each step they were underestimated by the men who believed them too fragile to be able to succeed.
Well worth reading.
Each step they were underestimated by the men who believed them too fragile to be able to succeed.
Well worth reading.
September 21, 2022
I always love learning about incredible female pioneers so of course I really enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews