REACH for the SKY

Original publisher’s bookplate signed by

Douglas Bader

on the first day of publication – 15 March 1954

Published by Collins. First edition, 1st  impression 1954.  384 pages and well illustrated with photographs. Reach for the sky

Very Good condition book, clean, tight and bright.  Very Good condition unclipped  dustjacket in a Brodart cover. Reach for the sky

This gripping and inspiring story of Douglas Bader is probably the most famous pilot biography of them all.

In 1931 Douglas Bader, then a brilliant 21 year old RAF pilot, crashed in a Bristol Bulldog fighter in a flying accident and lost both legs. At the outbreak of war his relentless persistence saw him re-join the RAF. By 1940 he was leading the famous 242 Sqn in the Battle of Britain. He then went on to command the famous Tangmere Wing and at the time he was shot down and taken POW in August 1941, he was a leading ace with 24 victories and one of the most famous RAF fighter pilots. After being interned in a number of prison camps (including Stalag Luft III), his persistent escape attempts saw him finish the war in Colditz.  

After the war, this bestselling book and the film of the same name starring Kenneth More as Bader, ensured that he became a household name. His eponymous Foundation continues to give a huge amount of support and encouragement to other limbless people.

A pleasing copy of this iconic book with a clear and bold ‘early’ Bader signature.