Duncan Campbell-Smith is a former Financial Times and Economist journalist whose career has also included working in the City, consulting with McKinsey & Co and a short stint in the world of corporate communications. His previous books include Struggle for Take-Off, A History of British Airways (1986). He won the Wadsworth Business History Prize for his authorised history of the Royal Mail, Masters of the Post (2011).
'This excellent biography is wonderful at evoking Whittle's extraordinary creative ideas, his mathematical ability, his charm, the support he received, his lack of political nous, as well as the sometimes appalling treatment he received. It is a warm portrait of a recognized genius [and] the most extraordinary RAF officer there has ever been' * TLS * 'A fascinating account, well-written and detailed' * Aeroplane Monthly * 'There's much to ponder in this biography of a stoic and overlooked British hero' * Choice * 'Highly readable, and based on thorough research, Jet Man casts new light on the intense, heroic character of Frank Whittle and his revolutionary invention. The tale of how he overcame all the obstacles in his path is a gripping one. What also makes Duncan Campbell-Smith's narrative compelling is the way the complex mechanics of jet propulsion are so clearly explained' -- Leo McKinstry, author of Lancaster: The Second World War's Greatest Bomber 'A very well-written and long overdue corrective account of an extraordinary man' -- James Hamilton-Paterson, author of Empire of the Clouds: When Britain's Aircraft Ruled the World