I was seven years old when I first read this book. It spurred me on to get a pilot's license and I have been enjoying the rewards of soaring flight ever since. Their book is ripe with vivid imagery and packed with fascinating information on the pioneers of soaring. It is very easy to read and equally hard to put down once you've begun. Etched in my memory all this time, I have been searching for a copy for over 41 years(I wish I had told the library that I had lost it and just paid the fine!) I would recommend it as mandatory reading for anyone interested in the history of gliding and soaring. It is extremely well written and well illustrated. So much so, that I can still remember certain passages and illustrations to this day. If it were possible, I would give it an eleven on a scale of 1-10.

A fascinating book documenting thousands of accidents in flying, mountaineering and sailing along with causes and comments on avoidance. The accidents are categorized by root cause (mechanical failure, weather, lack of experience/planning etc.). Difficult to read cover to cover - there is too much information. But very interesting and entertaining to dip into. People participating in 'risk' sports should read this book.

Although written some years back, the wealth of information found in this book is still very useful. Not specific to any aspect of gliding, such as Reichmann's wonderful Cross Country Soaring, it covers topics from introduction to advanced theory, with advice on thermalling, outlanding, navigation, cross-country, mountain flying, waves, meteorology, racing, instruments... Very practical information on all aspects of this wonderful sport will bring experts' experience and advice to pilots of all levels. Advanced theory is simplified and it's practical implications explained. An interesting complement to a serious pilot's library.

This, along with Reichman's book, is one of the primary texts on soaring. It can be a little stuffy and academic at times (the authors are British, after all), but it's got lots of good technical stuff you'll have a tough time finding anywhere else. It's section on variometers and total energy compensation, for example, is the best I've seen (although it is a bit dated and doesn't cover modern electric instruments). Some color photos or illustrations would sure liven it up.