Mitchell
Father of the Spitfire
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Elliott & Thompson Limited
Publishing:4th Sep '25
£20.00
This title is due to be published on 4th September, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
‘A triumph of historical narrative.’ JAMES HOLLAND, author of Victory '45
The gripping story of the pioneer behind the Spitfire told in a major new biography
‘Britain's leading aviation historian'Daily Mail
Reginald Mitchell is one of the greatest names in aviation history. A visionary engineer with a passion for speed, his legacy is the most iconic fighter aircraft of all time: the Spitfire.
During the uneasy peace of the 1920s, he was a trailblazing innovator working at the cutting edge of technology. As Europe’s politics darkened in the 1930s, the work of Mitchell and his team at Supermarine became crucial to a nation preparing for war. Though he did not live to see the Spitfire in action, his work led to triumph at the Battle of Britain – and to a legendary aircraft that still inspires awe to this day.
In this exhilarating biography, Paul Beaver takes us behind the scenes, exploring the creative genius of a man devoted to pushing the boundaries of technology. We see his flair for leadership and collaboration with Rolls-Royce, the pinnacle of British engineering; we learn of Mitchell’s other innovative designs that could have changed the course of the war, had he not died in 1937; and, at last, we hear the real story behind the Spitfire.
Drawing on new interviews, private archives and previously unpublished material, this is the story of a man who helped change the course of history – one of the great design leaders of the twentieth century.
Praise for Winkle:
'[A] thumping great biography by Britain's leading aviation historian' Daily Mail, ‘Book of the Week’
'Winkle Brown's astonishing adventures make for fascinating reading' Sunday Times
'Beaver recounts the story of a man he regarded as a mentor in unshowy but fascinating detail, and restores a British hero to his rightful place' Observer
'The extraordinary story [of] a fearless pilot and decorated war hero. Epic' The Herald
'An incredible life ... Brown took a secret to the grave that makes his story all the more remarkable' The Sun
‘Paul Beaver has combined in-depth research with wonderful writing to produce a thrilling, fast-paced account of an extraordinary man. The Spitfire is one of the most iconic and important aircraft in the history of aviation and warfare. Now, thanks to this definitive account, Reginald Mitchell's vital contribution to the Second World War can be fully recognised.’ Will Iredale, author of The Pathfinders: The Elite RAF Force that Turned the Tide of WWII
‘In this meticulously researched and vividly written biography, Paul Beaver breathes life into the man behind Britain’s most iconic fighter aircraft. Mitchell is far more than a tale of technical brilliance — it’s a portrait of a visionary engineer whose influence reshaped aerial warfare. Like all the best history, this book combines deep archival insight with a storyteller’s flair. Beaver peels away the myth to reveal the man, the machine, and the moment — and in doing so, reminds us just how close we came to never having the Spitfire at all. A triumph of historical narrative.’ James Holland, author of Victory '45: The End of the War in Eight Surrenders
‘An outstanding piece of research. Paul Beaver offers us a hymn of love for Supermarine and its favourite son, R.J. Mitchell. In this long overdue study, the warbird inventor emerges as less a lonely genius and more the leader of a gifted team who battled the odds to create many iconic aircraft, culminating in the Spitfire.’ Peter Caddick-Adams, author of 1945: Victory in the West
Praise for Winkle:
'[A] thumping great biography by Britain's leading aviation historian' Daily Mail, ‘Book of the Week’
'Compelling, fascinating and frequently jaw-dropping. A brilliant and revelatory biography' James Holland
'Winkle Brown's astonishing adventures make for fascinating reading' Sunday Times
'Beaver recounts the story of a man he regarded as a mentor in unshowy but fascinating detail, and restores a British hero to his rightful place' Observer
'An excellent biography' Patrick Bishop, Daily Telegraph
'The extraordinary story [of] a fearless pilot and decorated war hero. Epic' The Herald
'A thrilling new biography' Daily Express
'Riveting ... one of those must-read books, compelling and full of incidents that leave you gasping with surprise ... an incredible story' Flyer
'An incredible life ... Brown took a secret to the grave that makes his story all the more remarkable' The Sun
ISBN: 9781783969036
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
304 pages
New edition