Pure Luck: The Authorized Biography of Sir Thomas Sopwith, 1888-1989

Successful competition pilot, accomplished yachtsman and sportsman, engineer and industrialist, Sir Thomas Sopwith's life not only spanned the era of heavier-than-air flight but also contributed immeasurably to the story of aviation. His Camel and Pup biplanes helped to win the First World War, his Hurricane, Typhoon and Lancaster, the Second. But his contribution does not end there - the Harrier, designed and built by his Hawker company, can fairly be said to have won control of the Falklands. His 101 years saw both personal tragedy and international recognition but he remained a modest man to his final days. Alan Bramson, a pilot himself, has produced a biography of this remarkable individual with the full support of his family, many friends and colleagues.