Frank McClean was an aviation pioneer who helped establish Short Brothers as an aircraft manufacturer while he himself was a pilot of considerable note in the pre-war years. He largely avoided publicity and perhaps in consequence his influence and role was largely forgotten in the post war years. Nevertheless, his obituary refers to him as the 'Godfather of Naval Aviation' and this book is a fascinating tribute to his trailblazing activities. This is a beautifully illustrated book and is highly recommended for anyone interested in early aviation.

The Bulletin

Jarrett is firmly enough grounded in the subject to be able to provide sufficient technical detail to give the reader a basic understanding of operating principles, aerodynamic theory and flight behaviour, all the while advancing the story through letting McClean and cohorts speak for themselves in the form of diary excerpts, quotes, or the like. Well-captioned and reproduced period illustrations flesh out the narrative, and there is quite an extensive Bibliography.

Speedreaders

Readers of previous publiciations by Philip Jarrett will not be surprised that he has once again produced a thoroughly researched and informative biography of one of Britain's pioneer aviators.

Aeroplane

Philip Jarrett's detailed and readable account chronicles not just the life on one exceptional man, but it is an absorbing history of the early flying machines and the pioneers. This well researched book with some fine photographs will serve as a valuable reference tool for the celebrities and events concerning the aviators and their machines.

The Journal of Kent History

It is a must for anyone with an interest in the development of Naval Aviation and the photographs are worth buying the book for. Philip Jarrett has done an excellent job. I should go and get a copy if I were you.

Fleet Air Arm Officers' Association

Frank McClean was a facinating man, and this well illustrated volume does him justice.

Cross and Cockade

An excellent example of the author's work on early aviation. This is a well-illustrated book that provides background to a patriotic individual who helped to build up what became the Royal Naval Air Service.

Aeromilitaria - Winter 2011

Philip Jarrett has gathered all the facts he can at his remove - you can always rely on him for very careful research and a prediliction to distrust popular myth - and written an excellent aeronautical biography. This book nicely fills a gap in aeronautical biography.
McClean was a very significant figure in the development of British aviation. The text and photographs provide a valuable addition to British aviation history that deserves a place on your shelves.

Prop-Swing

This book I found to be a most delightful read.

FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM

This book is well recommended. The Author has done an exceptional job and has to be congratulated for such a significant piece of research.

FLEET AIR ARM OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION

This is a detailed and informative account of one man's remarkable influence on early aviation.

Britain at War magazine

This is a fascinating and informative account of McClean's great influence on early aviation, and his achievements and significant contribution to naval aviation are revealed here for the first time.

Heritage and History