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Winkle: The Extraordinary Life of Britain’s Greatest Pilot
Discover the daring life story and astonishing adventures of Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown - Britain's greatest-ever pilot
Small in stature but immense in reputation and talent, there was more to Eric 'Winkle' Brown than met the eye.
From shooting down Luftwaffe bombers from the deck of a carrier in the Battle of the Atlantic and narrowly escaping death when his ship was torpedoed, to accumulating a never-to-be repeated litany of world records and firsts as a test pilot, his unparalleled flying career saw him take the controls of over four hundred different kinds of aircraft - more than any other pilot in history.
A rival to Chuck Yeager and hero to Neil Armstrong, by the time of his appearance on Desert Island Discs' 1000th episode Winkle had become a legend in his own lifetime, and by his death, a national treasure.
But despite his enormous fame, there have always been mysteries at the heart of Winkle's story.
Now, drawing on previously unseen documents and unfettered access to Winkle's own personal archive, Paul Beaver uncovers the complex and enigmatic man behind the legend - the real story of Britain's greatest pilot.
A story Winkle insisted could only be told after his death . . .
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'Compelling, fascinating and frequently jaw-dropping. A brilliant and revelatory biography' JAMES HOLLAND
'Beaver recounts the story of a man he regarded as a mentor in unshowy but fascinating detail, and restores a British hero to his rightful place' OBSERVER
'[A] thumping great biography by Britain's leading aviation historian' DAILY MAIL, 'BOOK OF THE WEEK'
'Winkle Brown's astonishing adventures make for fascinating reading' SUNDAY TIMES
'An excellent biography' PATRICK BISHOP, DAILY TELEGRAPH
'The extraordinary story [of] a fearless pilot and decorated war hero. Epic' THE HERALD
'A thrilling new biography' DAILY EXPRESS
'A thumping great biography of the flying ace who made Top Gun look tame ... enthralling' DAILY MAIL
'Riveting ... one of those must-read books, compelling and full of incidents that leave you gasping with surprise ... an incredible story' FLYER
'An incredible life ... Brown took a secret to the grave that makes his story all the more remarkable' THE SUN
Small in stature but immense in reputation and talent, there was more to Eric 'Winkle' Brown than met the eye.
From shooting down Luftwaffe bombers from the deck of a carrier in the Battle of the Atlantic and narrowly escaping death when his ship was torpedoed, to accumulating a never-to-be repeated litany of world records and firsts as a test pilot, his unparalleled flying career saw him take the controls of over four hundred different kinds of aircraft - more than any other pilot in history.
A rival to Chuck Yeager and hero to Neil Armstrong, by the time of his appearance on Desert Island Discs' 1000th episode Winkle had become a legend in his own lifetime, and by his death, a national treasure.
But despite his enormous fame, there have always been mysteries at the heart of Winkle's story.
Now, drawing on previously unseen documents and unfettered access to Winkle's own personal archive, Paul Beaver uncovers the complex and enigmatic man behind the legend - the real story of Britain's greatest pilot.
A story Winkle insisted could only be told after his death . . .
----------
'Compelling, fascinating and frequently jaw-dropping. A brilliant and revelatory biography' JAMES HOLLAND
'Beaver recounts the story of a man he regarded as a mentor in unshowy but fascinating detail, and restores a British hero to his rightful place' OBSERVER
'[A] thumping great biography by Britain's leading aviation historian' DAILY MAIL, 'BOOK OF THE WEEK'
'Winkle Brown's astonishing adventures make for fascinating reading' SUNDAY TIMES
'An excellent biography' PATRICK BISHOP, DAILY TELEGRAPH
'The extraordinary story [of] a fearless pilot and decorated war hero. Epic' THE HERALD
'A thrilling new biography' DAILY EXPRESS
'A thumping great biography of the flying ace who made Top Gun look tame ... enthralling' DAILY MAIL
'Riveting ... one of those must-read books, compelling and full of incidents that leave you gasping with surprise ... an incredible story' FLYER
'An incredible life ... Brown took a secret to the grave that makes his story all the more remarkable' THE SUN
489 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2023
74 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Paul Beaver
53 books1 followerPaul Beaver worked for five years on Jane's Defence Weekly, including spells as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, and has operated as a freelance war correspondent for Sky News in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Sierra Leone. He has written over 50 books on military history, including most recently Spitfire People (2015). He spent 27 years in Army Air Corps Reserves, is a qualified pilot, and is now Honorary Group Captain of No 601 (County of London) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 28, 2023
detailed and interesting biography of one of the greatest British pilots from his origins in London and Edinburgh to his love of flying. the author was given access to personal papers after Winkle had died and this is the result of the research.
July 22, 2023
Much has been written, and much video interview time expended, and widely available, on the remarkable life of Captain Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown, R.N., perhaps the world most experienced test pilot. Paul Beaver’s new biography adds much to the man’s extraordinary history.
Brown’s beginnings are charted here, in detail, for the first time. His being a foster child was previously private, but foster parents, previously considered his natural parents, brought stability and love to the growing lad. His father’s ‘colourful’ past, cited by Beaver, provides amusing counterpoint.
Brown’s military experience comes mostly from known material, with enough added detail to provide spice, and not inconsiderable horror, to his early combat flying, and his being aboard Audacious when she was torpedoed. His survival—like many instances in his flying career—was near miraculous. Besides meticulous preparation, he embodied what has been described as essential for successful aviators: almost pathological self-confidence.
Key technical and historical material is lacking, such as the failure to mention the Seafire flight-test (carrier traps) by Supermarine’s test pilot Jeffrey Quill, whose work matched Brown’s in courage and skill. The one-line mention of De Havilland’s Sea Hornet, Brown’s all-time favourite aircraft, omits that this wood-and-metal aircraft derived from the wooden Mosquito (which Brown trapped and launched off Indefatigable with great skill) employed counter-rotating propellers that eliminated the vicious takeoff swing Mosquito pilots had to manage.
Brown’s post-war experience in flight test, while still serving in the Royal Navy, already well documented, adds color to existing knowledge. But aviators, especially those interested in flight test, would want more. Beaver does not enrich the flying aspects. From a self-described aviation journalist, this is disappointing. Perhaps his editors wanted a ‘popular,’ less technical book. Modern naval jet aviation using the angled flight deck, mentioned briefly, would be impossible without the steam catapult and mirror landing aid, both British innovations. Neither is mentioned. Like describing an aircraft without its essential control surfaces.
The book is well researched, in general, though it borders on hagiography. The writing is workmanlike, with minor concerns. Typos, such as the word “crack,” intended to be “crank,” are unfortunate. “Reverted back” is an unfortunate redundancy. Beaver also seems to suffer from what has been called “Would’s disease,” using the word ‘would’ where the past tense is more appropriate. “Was to” is another undesirable substitute for the past tense. Both occur too often.
Production/editing errors are unfortunate. Essential references in the book are not reflected in the index. This you will find no index inclusion of the Horten brothers (one line in the text), nor H.M.S. Warrior, nor the Sea Hornet. And one questions the use of extra-large type font and reduced lines per page, which greatly increases the book’s heft, and its production cost.
In all, this is an important biography of a great man. With all its faults, it is worthy.
Brown’s beginnings are charted here, in detail, for the first time. His being a foster child was previously private, but foster parents, previously considered his natural parents, brought stability and love to the growing lad. His father’s ‘colourful’ past, cited by Beaver, provides amusing counterpoint.
Brown’s military experience comes mostly from known material, with enough added detail to provide spice, and not inconsiderable horror, to his early combat flying, and his being aboard Audacious when she was torpedoed. His survival—like many instances in his flying career—was near miraculous. Besides meticulous preparation, he embodied what has been described as essential for successful aviators: almost pathological self-confidence.
Key technical and historical material is lacking, such as the failure to mention the Seafire flight-test (carrier traps) by Supermarine’s test pilot Jeffrey Quill, whose work matched Brown’s in courage and skill. The one-line mention of De Havilland’s Sea Hornet, Brown’s all-time favourite aircraft, omits that this wood-and-metal aircraft derived from the wooden Mosquito (which Brown trapped and launched off Indefatigable with great skill) employed counter-rotating propellers that eliminated the vicious takeoff swing Mosquito pilots had to manage.
Brown’s post-war experience in flight test, while still serving in the Royal Navy, already well documented, adds color to existing knowledge. But aviators, especially those interested in flight test, would want more. Beaver does not enrich the flying aspects. From a self-described aviation journalist, this is disappointing. Perhaps his editors wanted a ‘popular,’ less technical book. Modern naval jet aviation using the angled flight deck, mentioned briefly, would be impossible without the steam catapult and mirror landing aid, both British innovations. Neither is mentioned. Like describing an aircraft without its essential control surfaces.
The book is well researched, in general, though it borders on hagiography. The writing is workmanlike, with minor concerns. Typos, such as the word “crack,” intended to be “crank,” are unfortunate. “Reverted back” is an unfortunate redundancy. Beaver also seems to suffer from what has been called “Would’s disease,” using the word ‘would’ where the past tense is more appropriate. “Was to” is another undesirable substitute for the past tense. Both occur too often.
Production/editing errors are unfortunate. Essential references in the book are not reflected in the index. This you will find no index inclusion of the Horten brothers (one line in the text), nor H.M.S. Warrior, nor the Sea Hornet. And one questions the use of extra-large type font and reduced lines per page, which greatly increases the book’s heft, and its production cost.
In all, this is an important biography of a great man. With all its faults, it is worthy.
January 16, 2024
Very historical read on life of a great pilot.
March 28, 2024
A rare 5 stars from me. Beaver did well to capture the life of an honoured and distinguished aviator. He did better to strike the right balance in remaining objective and neutral in his biography of his friend, oftentimes calling out inaccuracies or embellishments on Brown’s part, or even highlighting aspects of his personality which were not “rosy”, a tough job to do when writing the biography of a friend. The impartiality is to be commended.
Clear evidence of dedicated and thorough researching performed in writing the book, the writing is engaging and the tempo ensures you don’t fall asleep as can happen sometimes in biographies. The high quality pictures add to the experience and credit to those who shared them and permitted their republication. The footnotes help those who are not aeronautically-savvy to follow along, and the maps and appendices of top and bottom 10 aircraft, and list of aircraft flown are a nice touch. The hardcover version makes a beautiful gift; the slightly larger front size and wide margins makes the reading lighter and seem like less work. The dust jacket is a beautiful design that makes the book pop and contains two fantastic restored and colourised photographs; one of Brown on the deck of a ship in his shearling jacket; and a second of his landing of a Mosquito Mk VI.
Clear evidence of dedicated and thorough researching performed in writing the book, the writing is engaging and the tempo ensures you don’t fall asleep as can happen sometimes in biographies. The high quality pictures add to the experience and credit to those who shared them and permitted their republication. The footnotes help those who are not aeronautically-savvy to follow along, and the maps and appendices of top and bottom 10 aircraft, and list of aircraft flown are a nice touch. The hardcover version makes a beautiful gift; the slightly larger front size and wide margins makes the reading lighter and seem like less work. The dust jacket is a beautiful design that makes the book pop and contains two fantastic restored and colourised photographs; one of Brown on the deck of a ship in his shearling jacket; and a second of his landing of a Mosquito Mk VI.
February 13, 2025
Winkle: The Extraordinary Life of Britain’s Greatest Pilot is an absolutely captivating read. I picked it up knowing a little about Eric “Winkle” Brown’s legendary status, but I had no idea just how incredible his story truly was. From test-flying hundreds of aircraft to surviving near-impossible situations, Brown’s life reads like something out of an action movie—except every bit of it is real. The sheer number of groundbreaking moments in his career, from testing experimental jets to interrogating high-ranking Nazis, makes this book impossible to put down.
What really makes this biography special is how deeply it pulls you into Winkle’s mindset—his courage, precision, and unshakable dedication to flying. The writing is detailed yet accessible, bringing to life not just his achievements, but the sheer intensity of his experiences. It’s not just a book for aviation enthusiasts; anyone who loves history, adventure, or stories of remarkable individuals will be absolutely hooked. I finished this book in awe of the man, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best biographies I’ve ever read.
What really makes this biography special is how deeply it pulls you into Winkle’s mindset—his courage, precision, and unshakable dedication to flying. The writing is detailed yet accessible, bringing to life not just his achievements, but the sheer intensity of his experiences. It’s not just a book for aviation enthusiasts; anyone who loves history, adventure, or stories of remarkable individuals will be absolutely hooked. I finished this book in awe of the man, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best biographies I’ve ever read.
July 26, 2023
Having read Wings On My Sleeve, Brown’s autobiography, I was intrigued by the man who wrote it. He focused so much on the aircraft he flew that the were huge question marks in my mind about what formed the man himself. This book (fortunately published not long after I’d read the former) largely answers all my questions and others I hadn’t thought to ask.
It is easy to read without getting too caught up in the technical details of the planes and carriers. I don’t have an engineering or aviation background and I’m afraid I would have been completely lost if Beaver had delved too far in that sphere.
I think that as a biography this stands up very well. With unprecedented access to Brown’s paper’s and logbooks he is able to give a far moot warts and all account of Brown’s life than Brown was capable of whilst still showing his subject through the lense of a 40 year friendship.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in one of the most fascinating figures of aviation. It’s well worth your time.
It is easy to read without getting too caught up in the technical details of the planes and carriers. I don’t have an engineering or aviation background and I’m afraid I would have been completely lost if Beaver had delved too far in that sphere.
I think that as a biography this stands up very well. With unprecedented access to Brown’s paper’s and logbooks he is able to give a far moot warts and all account of Brown’s life than Brown was capable of whilst still showing his subject through the lense of a 40 year friendship.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in one of the most fascinating figures of aviation. It’s well worth your time.
August 21, 2023
Eric Brown was (is) the greatest Test Pilot this country has ever produced. His number of types flow reaches a staggering 487 and surely cannot be topped.
Paul Beaver has done an excellent job of producing a readable book on a very complex character. If you have read Erics own book, 'Wings on my sleeve' then make sure you get a copy of 'Winkle' as you will learn much more about the nature of the man, and some most staggering revelations of where he came from and what he did in his early years.
I really enjoyed the war years and his early career as a test pilot and my only reason that I've given the book a 4, is that his post war years were perhaps not as intense. But, if you are into aviation, and a bit of a snub at authority, then you won't go far wrong with this one.
Paul Beaver has done an excellent job of producing a readable book on a very complex character. If you have read Erics own book, 'Wings on my sleeve' then make sure you get a copy of 'Winkle' as you will learn much more about the nature of the man, and some most staggering revelations of where he came from and what he did in his early years.
I really enjoyed the war years and his early career as a test pilot and my only reason that I've given the book a 4, is that his post war years were perhaps not as intense. But, if you are into aviation, and a bit of a snub at authority, then you won't go far wrong with this one.
February 17, 2025
An enthralling read into, in my opinion, the world's greatest ever pilot.
Eric Brown's impressive career, which included the dangerous ME 163A to the F4B phantom, is truly hard to believe alongside his more than 20 near fatal experiences.
What made this biography stand out was how honest it was about Eric's shortcomings and failures in an otherwise stellar career. Making him more human.
If you're looking for that aviation history fix, don't give this book a miss.
Eric Brown's impressive career, which included the dangerous ME 163A to the F4B phantom, is truly hard to believe alongside his more than 20 near fatal experiences.
What made this biography stand out was how honest it was about Eric's shortcomings and failures in an otherwise stellar career. Making him more human.
If you're looking for that aviation history fix, don't give this book a miss.
April 17, 2025
Very readable biography of carrier and test pilot Eric Brown. Shows how great a pilot he was, and even makes his long post-war career interesting. The author knew him well, and acknowledges his flaws as well as his many admirable qualities.
As well as his flying exploits and many world records, this shows how many better-known aviation and aerospace legends he met - Armstrong, Gagarin, Udet, Hanna Reitsch, Yeager, Goering - he met them all…
As well as his flying exploits and many world records, this shows how many better-known aviation and aerospace legends he met - Armstrong, Gagarin, Udet, Hanna Reitsch, Yeager, Goering - he met them all…
November 12, 2023
An excellent, long-awaited bio of Britain's, and one of the world's, best pilots. Uncovers some secrets, gives background on who he was, tells some interesting new stories. Many photos, of his private life and a few of the planes he flew.
May 2, 2024
Comprehensive insight into a fascinating character the likes of whom will will never see again. Brown was clearly a difficult character and the author handles his shortcomings with tact and diplomacy. Highly recommended for any aviation enthusiast.
August 15, 2024
Superb biography, with many new and interesting revelations. Effective too in revealing what drove EB as a person, while highlighting some less than endearing personality traits. All serve to highlight what a unique career he had. Recommended!
*Listened on Audible*
*Listened on Audible*
Read
April 20, 2025Fantastic story
Great read,a warts and all assessment of a great character and outstanding pilot. We will never see someone who experienced as many different types of aircraft again.
Great read,a warts and all assessment of a great character and outstanding pilot. We will never see someone who experienced as many different types of aircraft again.
May 10, 2024
Really enjoyed this. Having grown up in RAF country, I know a little about the subject.
This was written post the man’s passing, per his instructions, it is one the best biographies on aviation.
This was written post the man’s passing, per his instructions, it is one the best biographies on aviation.
September 15, 2025
Balls of steel! Pitt he never broke the sound barrier first but he still holds the records for more firsts than any other test pilot.
December 22, 2025
An interesting read.
August 8, 2025
Raconteur or mythomaniac? Beaver has explored the multiple contradictions, improbabilities and gaps in the records left by this iconic figure. Sadly the gaps and uncertainties predominate. Inevitably evidence is lacking; to an extent that a bald statement that it's almost impossible to reconcile what Brown said or wrote with the independent record might have been the best option. What was Brown's true relationship with Nazi aviatrix Hanna Reitsch? Did he truly fly combat missions for the Spanish Republicans as one of the most extraordinary university vacation jobs ever? Was there some unknown story behind the visits of Brown and his father to Nazi Germany? Exploring this last, Beaver speculates that an unknown man at the British embassy to Switzerland was a spy and goes on to write about Brown's conversation with a "consular official", Sir Frank Nelson. Nelson (then not knighted) is well known to have been a senior SIS official, so one is left with a suspicion of excessive discretion in some direction. The discussion of Brown's influence on Royal Navy policy towards embarked jet aircraft also feels as though it could have been extended by archival research.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews