Customer Reviews

The Lonely Sea And The Sky

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This is an autobiography with adventure. It starts with the young Francis and his early life, which moves well and does not linger too much, but introduces us to his matter-of-fact style of writing. Francis tells of his major flying achievements, which are stunning considering they were done in the early, primitive beginnings of aviation, where a compass, a clock and sextant were the navigational tools. He also is not afraid to tell of his mistakes and mishaps too. He flew solo from England to Australia in the 1930's. Then onwards across the Tasman sea, knowing he would have to find a small island in the middle of the ocean or he would run out of fuel and perish, has the tension of the personal account of a kamikazee pilot. To do this he developed a new technique of navigating called 'dead reckoning' and proved it works by finding the island. The book also details his solo sea voyage around the world, and he tells of curious and amazing adventures while he does it. Mr. Chichester has made his mark in adventuring history with his achievements and has come back to tell about it in an exciting way. The book wastes no words and moves quickly, almost too quickly at times, but the tales he tells easily sit one on the edge of the seat anxiously reading on for more. I recommend this book as a wonderful adventure true story for all ages.

When I came across this book in the local library a couple of years ago and began reading it, I was amazed that it is not better known.

This is a book of hair-raising early aviation adventure.

Chichester describes setting off solo from the England barnstorming his way to Australia almost before he has learned to fly the plane.

His flight from New Zealand to Australia, lost over the open ocean in blinding rain, low on fuel, flying and navigating with the charts in his lap while rainwater pours down is neck is some of the greatest adventure I have ever read.

This book represents adventure on a grand scale--I will be surprised if some publisher does not re-release it.