Customer Reviews

Flying Through Time: A Journey into History in a WWII Biplane

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Flying Through Time: A Journey Into History In A World War II Biplane by aviation expert James M. Doyle is an aviation history book that examines the legendary Boeing Stearman biplane, featuring the author's personal experience in retracing 8,000 miles of journeys in a restored biplane. Conversations with World War II survivors who piloted a Stearman; the exciting impression of flying through time, space, and history; the expansive description of both the wonder of flight; as well as the more mundane problems of mechanical upkeep on an aged plane distinguish Flying Through Time as a very highly recommended read for Aviation History reference collections and biplane enthusiasts.

Not being a history reader and not partial to aviation, I was reluctant to read this recommended book. However, I was pleasantly surprised and after just a few chapters, I was completely drawn into Flying Through Time. These stories, from both past and present pilots, are captivating and often times humerous and makes one truly appreciate the significant impact these pilots had on our future.

This book is good reading for anyone!

Ho hum, another 'flying across America' book ... it's been done before (e.g., "Zero Three Bravo", "Flight of Passage", "Flight of the Gin Fizz", "The Cannibal Queen", "Biplane", etc. etc.); do we really need another? Suffice it to say that "Flying Through Time" is superbly written. The author's personal experiences are carefully interwoven with 'flashback' narratives from former WWII pilots, a literary technique that works surprisingly well. Highly recommended!

This is one of those books that would make a great PBS documentary! I can just see Mr. Doyle doing the local station PBS tour and maybe bringing some of the WWII pilots from his book along to talk about their exploits. I am enjoying this book like the author flys his Stearman, slow and leisurely. And enjoying the sidetrips to places I'll (unfortunately) probably never be able to go. The book is half an engaging walk through WWII air combat and half modern-day adventure. Buy and read this book-it's funny, enlightening and you'll know more about a Stearman than you ever thought you would! Happy flying!

Even though I know little about airplanes and flying, this book held my attention and kept me turning the pages. The old soldiers' stories are funny and touching and exciting. The author has caught just the right tone in relating them, frequently displaying a dry sense of humor.

Book was effectively new and came faster than anticipated.
Will SEARCH for this vendor when buying other books.
Dr Willis

I have always had an interest in WWII aircraft but knew little about the pilots that flew them. This book has a wonderful way of transitioning between the author's own experience in flying the Stearman Biplane that most of the WWII pilots trained in, their experiences with it and many of their battle stories. A very easy reading book good for most age groups.

I loved this book. It is well written, funny and interesting. The author has a relaxed chatty way of writing that instantly captures you. If you have a love of bi-planes as I do and are mildly obsessed over them and WWII history of actual flying. This is the book to read.

He writes of his experience piloting across the States and disperses through this experiences of WWII pilots with the Stearman and other aircraft both in the US and in Europe.

As a funny aside. I am a student pilot and it helped me realise that some of my fears up there are what most pilots have been through at some stage. It gave me confidence and I hope that when I finally do my taildragger training - that I'll remember some of the advice. :-)

I highly recommend this book. It is brilliant.

If you are a WWll history buff,and what male American isn't,and a bit of a romantic,and what male American isn't,I recommend Jim Doyle's journey through history from 1939 to the present.
Jim,who actually owns and pilots a Boeing Stearman biplane,recreated the experiences of the airmen who trained on this airplane by interviewing the survivors at the locations where they trained.
This is an affectionate look back,through the eyes and ears of the men who lived it,at a WWll story that that he tells with wit,humor and yet a truthfullness which this reader was grateful for.How many times have we begun books dealing with WWll that quickly degenerated into sentimentality and pathos? Not so here.Jim,who is kindly disposed towards his subjects, never allows himself to be ruled by his emotions.The result is a very, readable,very truthful,very intersting and often a very profound look at some wonderful characters.Read it,but don't expect to weep!

If you are a WWll history buff,and what male American isn't,and a bit of a romantic,and what male American isn't,I recommend Jim Doyle's journey through history from 1939 to the present.
Jim,who actually owns and pilots a Boeing Stearman biplane,recreated the experiences of the airmen who trained on this airplane by interviewing the survivors at the locations where they trained.
This is an affectionate look back,through the eyes and ears of the men who lived it,at a WWll story that that he tells with wit,humor and yet a truthfullness which this reader was grateful for.How many times have we begun books dealing with WWll that quickly degenerated into sentimentality and pathos? Not so here.Jim,who is kindly disposed towards his subjects, never allows himself to be ruled by his emotions.The result is a very, readable,very truthful,very intersting and sometimes a very profound look at some wonderful characters.Read it,but don't expect to weep!