SIGH for a MERLIN
Testing the Spitfire
Signed by Alex Henshaw
Signed and dated on the half title page by
Alex Henshaw
Oct 20th /85
John Murray First edition reprint 1980. 210 pages plus photographs.
A Near Fine condition hardback book in clean blue boards, with gilt titles on the spine and photographic endpapers. Internally it is clean, bright and tight. The clipped dust jacket is also in Near Fine condition. A pleasing copy.
Famous for his pre-war record-breaking aviation exploits, Alex Henshaw spent the early days of World War II at Eastleigh testing the immortal Spitfire fighter with Jeffrey Quill before being appointed Chief Test Pilot at Supermarine’s new factory at Castle Bromwich.
Thousands of Spitfires were tested and manufactured at this site throughout the war, by the end of which 37,000 test flights had been made with Alex Henshaw flying an estimated ten percent of all Spitfires ever built. Often landing without aids of any kind, his breath-taking aerobatic style and complete mastery of the aircraft were to save his life on several occasions.
A great copy of one of the classic books on the Spitfire and is essential reading for any enthusiast.