Aerospace and aviation technology

‘People often say that non-fiction books read like fast-moving thrillers, but this one genuinely does… This is a splendid book – and highly recommended.’ Daily Mail

A remarkable piece of investigative journalism into one of the most pervasive and troubling mysteries of recent memory.

From a long-term planning lead for the Mars Exploration Rover Project comes this vivid insider account of some of NASA’s most vital and exciting missions to the Red Planet, illustrated with full-colour photographs—a wondrous chronicle of unprecedented scientific discovery and the search for evidence of life on Mars.

The most iconic planes of WWII, the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, DeHavilland Mosquito and the Avro Lancaster, were all powered by one engine, the Rolls-Royce Merlin. The story of the Merlin is one of British ingenuity at its height, of artistry and problem-solving that resulted in a war-winning design.

‘Thrilling … High-definition history: tight, thrilling and beautifully researched’ SUNDAY TIMES

‘This book is a triumph’ DAN SNOW

Join the real Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines as they compete in the Round Britain race. .Woodward’s warm, wry account of learning to fly will lift hearts everywhere. BBC2 documentary based on the book - 30 January 2012.