20th Century Passenger Flying Boats

From Henri Fabre's first successful take off from water and landing near Marseilles, to the introduction of a hull rather than floats by American Glenn Curtiss, to the world-wide development of huge, ocean-crossing flying boats on both sides of the Atlantic - the passenger flying boat era continues to fascinate aviation enthusiasts and historians alike.

Wartime necessity for paved runways to support long-range, high flying land-planes and the faster movement of airmail, overcame in peacetime the unique ability enjoyed by such craft to economically utilise the natural waterways of the world, thus depriving passengers of the ability to enjoy the panorama unfolding below in luxurious accommodation and ease. A sadly missed epoch of flight: though related in clear and vivid detail by Leslie Dawson in his account of a pre-war Imperial Airways flight from Southampton to South Africa.

This extended pictorial edition of the author's previous book Fabulous Flying Boats, A History Of The World's Passenger Flying Boats provides a fast-moving journey from the first pioneers to the very last use of such craft in regions still reliant on waterborne communication with the outside world. From the Americas and the United Kingdom, to France, Germany and Italy, and on to Australia and New Zealand. Supported by world-wide private, public and corporate images, the work boasts a comprehensive and well-researched Appendix.

120 colour and b/w illustrations

About the Author

Leslie Dawson was born in Southgate London. An active member of No 85 (Southgate) Squadron Air Training Corps, he first flew from Hendon, now home to the RAF Museum. A move to Dorset precluded over thirty years as a private pilot, glider and motor gliding instructor, with chief flying instructor status. He was also commissioned within the RAFVR(T). The success of his book Wings Over Dorset, a 100 year aviation history of the county, secured a series of television and radio interviews, begun with the BBC. A vice-president of Poole Flying Boats Celebration, his enthusiasm attracts packed audiences.