AIRCRAFT OF THE
BRITISH EMPIRE
Leonard Bridgman
SAMPSON LOW MARSTON & Co Ltd, London, 1939
A rare 1939 edition of this classic WW2 British aircraft recognition manual. The book is a well illustrated guide to the civil and military aircraft of the British Empire at the start of WW2. The book was compiled by Leonard Bridgman, the celebrated aviation artist and author. Including details and specifications of many well known aircraft from Avro, Blackburn, Hawker, Fairey, Boulton Paul, Handley Page, Supermarine, Vickers and all the other major manufacturers, it is illustrated with numerous plans and photographic plates. With excellent photos of the Spitfire, Hurricane, Fairey Battle, Boulton Paul Defiant, Swordfish, Blenheim, Wellington and many other iconic aircraft. There are also numerous beautifully designed adverts for aircraft and aero equipment manufacturers, including one featuring the first prototype of the Spitfire, K5054. Complete with the very rare original illustrated dust jacket.
Leonard Bridgman (1895-1980) was a well-known journalist and aviation artist. His first assignment in aviation was in 1913 at the age of 18 years, when one of his drawings was used to illustrate the Hendon Air Race programme. As payment, he received a flight in a 70 h.p. Farman biplane. During the First World War, Bridgman served as an officer in the Honourable Artillery Company. He is best remembered within the aviation industry as the journalist who joined C. G. Grey in 1923 on the staff of Jane's All the World's Aircraft after working on the staff at The Aeroplane. Bridgman produced many aviation paintings, drawings and illustrations. He received commissions for numerous books and advertisements for British companies and illustrated The Clouds Remember, one of the classics of aviation literature.
Condition:
In very good condition. The boards are in very good condition. The dust jacket is in good condition, with general signs of use and a few marks. The binding and hinges are good and secure. The text and illustrations are in very good condition.
Published: 1939
Blue boards with gilt titling & original dust jacket
Illustrated with line drawings and photographs
Dimensions : 140mm x 215mm
Pages: 158
