Fascinating post there Thing - this is a great thread for someone like me who has always loved the aircraft but saw it from the other side of the fence as it were.
When I was a kid Robert Prest's fantastic book was rarely in the library near my home and it was usually yours truly who was reading it over and over. I'm interested to know what the background to the book was, if anyone can shed any light? Did you guys all know that he was going to be publishing the book? Does anyone have a photo of the man himself?
It's a wonderful read and still one of the best books about flying full-stop I believe.............damn, I might just have to read it again now!
Thanks
Gareth