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Defy gravity, defy odds: the legend of Sir Douglas Bader.
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Reach for the Sky

The Extraordinary Life of Fighter Pilot Douglas Bader, Hero of the Battle of Britain

RRP$24.99

$21.25

  • Paperback

    400 pages

  • Release Date

    16 February 2027

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Summary

From the bestselling author of The Great Escape, discover the inspiring story of Britain’s most courageous flyer: the Second World War hero Sir Douglas Bader.

In 1931, at the age of 21, Douglas Bader was the golden boy of the RAF. Excelling in everything he did, he represented the RAF in aerobatics displays, played rugby for Harlequins and was tipped to be the next England fly half. But one afternoon in December all his ambitions came to an abrupt end when he crashed his plane …

Book Details

ISBN-13:9781399643429
ISBN-10:1399643428
Author:Paul Brickhill
Publisher:Orion Publishing Co
Imprint:Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Format:Paperback
Number of Pages:400
Release Date:16 February 2027
Weight:280g
Dimensions:28mm x 130mm x 196mm
Series:W&N Military
A-Format
Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill - ISBN: 9781399643429
130 × 196 mm
B-Format
C-Format
A4
mm / in
What They're Saying

Critics Review

The unique story of Britain’s most courageous war-flier … This is a handbook of heroism. There is no medal yet for courage such as his * The People *
The story of a legless man’s ability to conquer disability … The narration is genuinely evocative of the real RAF war-time atmosphere, soul-stirring air battles, sudden death, set-backs and victories – Richard Pape * Daily Mail *
Bader emerges first and foremost as a man of character, brains and tenacity … Moving and enthralling … The Bader story is one to uplift the heart * Evening Standard *
One of the greatest stories to come out of World War II * Chicago Tribune *
Genuinely heroic, dramatic and engrossing * New York Times *
Brickhill, himself a fighter pilot and a POW, tells Bader’s story with authenticity. He writes in an empathetic, almost affectionate manner, portraying his subject’s personal qualities, both good and bad, in the best possible light * HistoryNet *
A remarkable story about a remarkable English WWII RAF pilot who refused to be put down or aside after a tragic accident left him without legs. An inspirational and real figure, just a normal man who refused to sit by * ReadsObserver *
In 1941 [Bader] was shot down and captured by the Germans, who treated him with great respect - even allowing the Brits to drop in a new prosthetic leg. He became such a nuisance for the Germans, who were becoming increasingly annoyed by the number of attempted escapes he made * Daily Mail *
It’s quite a story and it never forgets the amazing and sensitive support given by his wife, Thelma, whose understanding complemented his courage and determination * Kirkus *

About The Author

Paul Brickhill

Paul Brickhill was shot down over German territory during the war and subsequently sent to a prisoner of war camp. After the war, he chronicled the numerous escape attempts in which he was involved in his book, The Great Escape. Reach for the Sky and The Dambusters Raid are among his most celebrated works.

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