Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men

By: Peter FitzSimons

Narrated by: Richard Aspel

Known to millions of Australians simply as "Smithy", Sir Charles Kingsford Smith was one of Australia's true 20th-century legends. In an era in which aviators were superstars, Smithy was among the greatest and, throughout his amazing career, his fame in Australia was matched only by that of Don Bradman

Among other achievements, Kingsford Smith was the first person to fly across the Pacific. He broke the record for the fastest flight from England to Australia, and at one point he held more long-distance flying records than anyone else on the planet.

If that wasn't enough, Smithy was also a war hero, receiving the Military Cross for gallantry in action after being shot - and losing three toes - during one of many flying missions during World War I. Smithy was not the lone adventurer of the skies. Early aviation drew to it a company of daredevils who all challenged gravity and fear.

This comprehensive biography, written with typical flair by best-selling author Peter FitzSimons, covers the triumphs and tragedies of not only Kingsford Smith's daring and controversial life but also those of his companion aviators.

©2009 Peter FitzSimons (P)2009 Bolinda Publishing

magnificent saga

Would you consider the audio edition of Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men to be better than the print version?

yes, I did not use print version. The reading was wonderful

What was one of the most memorable moments of Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men?

crash at cafe royale

Which scene was your favorite?

not one, just a well written, very well read saga of early aviation.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Another wonderful book by this author.

This book covers not only the life of Charles kingsford smith but the history of aviation itself up until the 1930,s. A must read for any aviation of war buffs.

Charming, honest and detailed.

I often laughed out loud with FitzSimons' well placed classic Australian lingo ('like a koala during a cyclone') and I loved the depth of detail that put the life of Charles Kingsford Smith in contex.

The narration was also superb and the accents create character and charm every if they did sometimes seem a little over the top.

What a Wonderful Marriage of Aviation and Smithy

Where does Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

Being a "detective thriller" type of person, I did not know if this style of book would keep me turning pages. Not only was I turning pages, I was sitting in my car after I got home to find out what was happening next. Not too many books can get me to do that.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men?

When Smithy met the King while on crutches.

Have you listened to any of Richard Aspel???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I have now added him to my favorites.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I kept my hope up that Smithy would succeed at everything he touched..

A great story full of surprises

It was immensely enjoyable. I learnt many new and facinating things about Kingsford Smith. He really was larger than life.