Moreover, new(er) guys, unless they actually read HTBJ, will have absolutely no appreciation for how the first generation jet transports operated.
Even better that reading about it, a much better idea would be to strap their backside into an 'older' model...say an 'ole B707 water wagon, and watch the expression on their face when the water runs out after takeoff.
Even better to have the yaw damper switched off (as it had to be) for takeoff and landing, strong gusty crosswinds included.

Only then would they begin to appreciate the technology present in modern types.

Has anyone else noticed that while Transair or Pilot Warehouse are selling HTBJ for about 25 quid new, Amazon US is selling it secondhand for anything between $131 and $221?

I find it very hard to believe that someone involved in as distinguished a field as aviation would be overcharging and simply trying to make a quick buck off others.
Maybe the crafty fellow selling his copy for $221 knows something I dont know.

Can anyone help explain this?

Firestorm actually has a very valid point. How relevent is HTBJ today in today's modern aircraft?

I knew the author (who is sadly no longer with us) and I am sure that he would be the first to admit that the new generation of jet aircraft have had most of the horror stories designed out of them. For example, it is extremely difficult to get my present aeroplane to Dutch Roll.

However, any true aviation person should be a constant information seeker and I agree totally with 411A that this book is a MUST read, even although you are unlikely to fly an old water-wagon 707.

The fact of the matter is that it is always the bizarre and the unexpected that kills people so, if you have read Dai's book and your "perfectly designed flying machine" starts to do unusual things, then you might just know what to do next!

FIRST EDITION April 1967
SECOND EDITION May 1968
Reprint Jan 1969, April 1970
THIRD EDITION Dec 1971
Reprinted April 1973, Dec 1975, Dec 1977, Nov 1979 (that's my copy - maybe later ones exist).

The third edition added the detailed discussion on the Very Big aircraft (aka 747).

Thanks everyone for letting us know where one can buy it new. Some of the second hand (often North American) booksellers have an inflated idea of the value of their books on ALL topic - or maybe they are just charging what their local market will pay.

Boring!!!
 

I can't let that pass - and I relish the novelty of agreeing with NotSoFantastic! It is an excellent read, one of the most readable technical books I've ever enjoyed. As NotSo says, it's the quality of the writing that sets it apart. What is a "Good Read" is a matter of taste, but I must defend HTBJ against August's remarks.

Steady now! Life's not got so sad you've come to that now surely! I read that comment with surprise. If HTBJ is a boring read, then aviation is giving you a message. I found it enthralling- opening up a whole new area of aviation to me and the new problems encountered. But I can perfectly accept some people don't take to it- but if you want a good explanation of the problems and characteristics of high altitude heavy flight, this is a damn good read even for (educated) non-pilots.

For what its worth i agree with Notsofantastic
Aviation is all about critique. U dont want posters to get into bad habits. Get em early is what i say.

RBC - don't know why you've revived this thread after 2weeks, but I would query your Critique is a large part of learning the job and improving, but Aviation is "ALL about" much more positive and fun things.