Help identify an old book

[likestojump 3]

Got a mint, like new condition book. As far as I can tell it dates to 1964.

Anybody familiar with it ? (pics attached)

[ltdiver 3]

Haven't read the book, but googled the author and came up with this very interesting bio: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article490682.ece

Looks like it should be a good history book, well worth the read.

ltdiver

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[howardwhite 4]

I have a copy. Not too hard to find via the usual used book sources.
It was written by a Brit in 1964, and is Euro-centric and dated.
There is one chapter devoted specifically to skydiving, which includes the following:

Quote

When the term 'Skydiving' (an Americanism) was introduced into parachute sport, the expression had the same feel about it as 'dicing with death', and smelled strong in the nostrils of those who had been working to turn parachuting into a reputable sport, and to get rid of the 'stunt' tag that had been attached to it for so long.

What do you want to know that you can't figure out by just reading the book?

HW

HW

[pchapman 261]

I thought it was a good read.

It is a mix of history with his later personal recollections, focusing on Britain and Europe. He goes beyond the usual Garnerin, Cocking, etc, to discuss some of the stunt jumpers between the wars, the development of British WWI parachutes, etc. After being a paratrooper in WWII "Dumbo" Willans went on to be a military test jumper and civilian jumper in Britain, exploring things like the dreaded spin during long freefalls. The perspective from the early days is interesting, where for example showing up at a world championships with a blank gore parachute was a huge innovation in maneuverability.