Smithy

While i confess to not having read any other books on Sir Charles, I have an appreciation of sorts through the many Smithy stories i had grown up with. My father had worked at Brisbane airport where the Southern Cross stands today and as a boy i recall him telling me Smithy stories as we walked around the old plane. Naturally, 70 odd years after the epic flight, traffic streams past and no one gives it a second glance (although oddly this amazing historical icon is almost hidden from view). I wonder how many young Australians today know who this man is and what he contributed to world aviation.This book offered a smorgasboard of adventure and excitement and really does put into perspective the amazing feats this man accomplished. It also shows to us a character that was flawed in many ways. Smithy is portrayed as being reckless, selfish and irresponsible and yet also often displayed amazing courage, determination and humour. The book seems factually thorough while continues to flow nicely and is really an entertaining read.This book would provide an ideal starting point for a film, that could further document and publicise, not only Smithy but all those other early aviation pioneers. Just so many amazing flights amidst so much danger and often so much fun.A great story of a legend from a time when you really had to do something to earn that epithet.

I never thought I'd use the words "biography" and "page turner" in the same sentence, but I guess I just did. Never a dull moment and in places this thing skips along like the best Clive Cussler novel. The big difference of course is that all this stuff is actually true.

I was reading this book on a visit to NZ, flying from Los Angeles to Auckland. This put Smithy's epic adventures in a new light...as a commercial pilot myself, I could start (just start)to appreciate the problems they encountered, let alone the fear they must have felt... An excellent book, well researched, and as the review states, "not a dull page in the book". Well done Ian.

Interesting read, on a little known subject to me. I have come to like Ian Mackersy way of writing, after reading No Empty Chairs. Have read The Wright Brothers as well now. Heavy going but very mush an in depth study.Have his book on Jean Batten, to read as and when

Biographies of flawed personalities are rarely disappointing. It is the saints that are more difficult to describe without inducing a coma, I believe. Mr Mackersey has rich material here, so the reader might expect good results: Smithy led a life that couldn't be replicated now, in variety or depth, nor, of course, in the matter of aviation challenges. What the author does achieve, however, is an account of a complicated life that remains as fascinating at the end as it is towards the start.For those of us beguiled by the pioneering years of flight, here is a tale that adds sufficient detail to maintain the historical elements required, with additionally the more personal detail that the modern rubbernecker desires. There's material in plenty!Read, enjoy and marvel.

Incredibly detailed biography includes quite a few eyebrow-raising revelations..:)

A great read of the derring doings of an Australian hero. Very glad to be able to get a 'hard to get' book through Amazon. Good service from them. Great price.

great book..good seller