"Reese can be commended for giving us a straightforward, factual account of his subject. The book is well worth the time for someone interested in the questions he raises."

Air & Space Power History, Autumn 2022

Review by Eric Probert

A well researched, interesting and entertaining account of the pioneers of British Aviation.

The newsletter of the North Weald Airfield Museum Association

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Model Engineer

...this is an excellent account of the pioneering period of British aviation, packed with fascinating material.

History of War Web

The combination of biographic and technical information is just right and I remained interested in a period that does not normally stimulate my interest throughout.
The overall mix of politicians, designers, pilots and the aircraft make this a surprisingly exciting read.

The Eagle Vol. 14

Peter Reese's work provides an overview of various noted pre-World War I aviation figures... his work contributes to the body of knowledge of aviation history of this time. It is recommended for those who want to know more about how Britain's aviation evolved in the formative years prior to the war.

Cross & Cockade International - Terry Finnegan

The extensive bibliography, as well as the great number of references and quotations from earlier published works which appear in the text, testify to the considerable research which has made the book a detailed and valuable record of this involved tale.

Royal Aeronautical Society

This is an interesting look at the people who transformed the aeronautical business, with all the inevitable squabbles and political interference that resulted.

Aeromilitaria

The book is founded on careful research and analysis but it is Peter Reese's interest in the main characters within his story as much as his skills as a writer which ensure that this book is both readable and informative. The outcome is likely to be a standard reference book in terms of British aviation as the author brings together in one comprehensive account the large and diverse canvas of early British aviation history. For most readers, this book will fill many gaps in personal knowledge of the subject and does so in a manner that is both rewarding and enjoyable to read.

Torch magazine

The Men Who Gave Us Wings is an incredibly intricate and well-told story of the earliest history of aircraft development. Perfectly laid out into four sections covering the designs, struggles, accomplishments and U-turn towards war as 1914 approached. A brilliant overview of how we got to the point at which flying aces could soar straight into the history books.

War History Online

In the mid-1800s, Britain led the scientific and industrial development that the Industrial Revolution had produced. Aviation was a branch that result in innovative designs that foresaw the future but after the successful gliders and experimental power plants, interest seemed to wane. France, Germany and the USA pressed on and were flying powered and controllable aircraft in the early years of the twentieth century.

This book looks into this odd hiatus and on to the revival of interest. Many designs were developed, some actually worked. Apart from individual schemes, the Government began to invest in aircraft and set up the factory at Farnborough that was intended to find types that could provide the Army with adequate aircraft.

This is an interesting look at the people who transformed the aeronautical business, with all the inevitable squabbles and political interference that resulted.

Air-Britain Aeromilitaria