Leo McKinstry

A brilliant, and thrilling account that is very readable yet exhaustative too, of the history, development and active service of the Hawker Hurricane. Whilst not as recognised as the iconic Spitfire, the author argues that this plane deserves as much as a share in the limelight as the Spitfire. It is the only plane that served in every theatre of the war, supporting British forces. More importantly, it was its role in the battle of Britian, the author argues, where it became invaluable is show more seeing off the nazi invader and making them seem less than invincible, and perhaps gave hope to the fact that eventual victory would be on the side of the Allies. A very interesting, well written and involving account. Well worth checking out, especially if you've read the other books in Leo McKinstrys series. show less

Excellent general history of the world's most iconic aeroplane. McKinstry keeps the geeky technical details to a minimum, but gives marvellous pen-portraits of the people involved in the design, production and operation of the Spit. Every stage of the story is told from the human angle, and is fascinating and gripping from start to finish. He is not blind to the faults of the aircraft, and deals fairly with the various controversies encountered. (I had not realised, for example, just what a show more basket case Supermarine was, and that the continued failure to produce Spits on schedule may have been a major factor in Chamberlain's Munich policy). show less

It is said that the quality of sports books is related to the size of the balls. Look at the quality of books on golf and baseball and then compare them to books on football - no competition. However here is a football book that is of exceptional quality. Sir Alf Ramsey, the only manager of the English football team to win the World Cup. A shy. enigmatic and sometimes reclusive man who only liked to talk football, nothing else mattered. His triumph in winning the World Cup in 1966 is the show more centerpiece of this masterful biography. His sacking by the dinosaurs at the FA is well covered, their treatment of him was shameful right up to his last years. If you have a negative perception of Sir Alf Ramsey and like football, then read this book. It will not disappoint. show less

A superb account from RJ Mitchells first designs, the Schneider trophy, & the outdated nature of pre war RAF planes, tthrough the second world war, in particular the Battle of Britain, to the Korean War & further. Very informative & highly readable. As good as McKinstry's other work on the Lancaster. Has a very Max Hastings like approach to experience of combat which I found riveting reading. If there was one, very mild criticism, it is that it concentrates on the western front too much. show more Highly recommended show less