The Schneider Trophy Races by Ralph Barker

The Schneider Trophy was a trophy awarded as prize to the winner of a speed race between seaplanes. The races was held between 1913 and 1931, when it was won outright by Britian.

This is a very well written account, complete and styleful. Tense descriptions of the races themselves are interspersed with descriptions of the inter-race politics (particularly British), and descriptions of the technical advances.

In terms of British history, the Schneider Trophy races are important, for in them Henry Royce and Mitchell were brought together, and from that union the Spitfire was born, symbol of freedom from Nazi opression.

The Schneider Trophy Races by Ralph Barker

The Schneider Trophy was a trophy awarded as prize to the winner of a speed race between seaplanes. The races was held between 1913 and 1931, when it was won outright by Britian.

This is a very well written account, complete and styleful. Tense descriptions of the races themselves are interspersed with descriptions of the inter-race politics (particularly British), and descriptions of the technical advances.

In terms of British history, the Schneider Trophy races are important, for in them Henry Royce and Mitchell were brought together, and from that union the Spitfire was born, symbol of freedom from Nazi opression

Charlie Muffin by Brian Freemantle

Charlie Muffin is an experienced spy, but not considered suitable for the newly-reorganized Department (wrong school, wrong accent.) When he escapes sacrifice at a Berlin border crossing, he takes a very sweet revenge. Loyalty is a two-way street.

Perilous Planets: An Anthology of Way-Back-When Futures edited by Brian Aldiss

An anthology of science fiction stories that are about landings on other planets. Divided into five sections (uninhabited planets, inhabited planets, symbols, Mars and Venus, and becoming alien). With one or two exceptions I'd call all of these good science fiction stories. The Monster by AE van Vogt would be my favourite, in which the only human in the universe outwits the invading aliens.

'HMS Marlborough will Enter Harbour' by Nicholas Mosarrat

A story of a captain bringing his crippled ship from the North Atlantic to safety. None of the horrors of war is glossed over; an almost-broken ship sailing to the nearest port on one engine, with the greater part of its crew dead or missing.

To Flag Officer in Charge, Londonderry, v. Marlborough. HMS Marlborough will enter harbour at 1300 today. Ship is severely damaged above and below waterline. Request pilot, tugs, dockyard assistance and burial arrangements for one officer and seventy-four ratings.

Clap hands, here comes Charlie by Brian Freemantle

The Charlie of the title is Charles Muffin, a spy for British Intelligence, who was to have been sacrficed in a operation into Russia. Charlie did not like that, and outfoxed his employers. That was in a previous story. In this, the sequel, Intelligence and the CIA joins forces to eliminate Charlie — but they waste time because they want to see him squirm, and he escapes again.

A rather interesting read, a mix of farce, comedy, clever tricks and tragedy. Very touchingly it describes the kind of life that the wife of a spy must go through.

They Told me you were Dead by James Daniel

A story of revenge. The father of a subaltern who was killed by an IRA machinegun decides to take revenge by killing the killer in the same way. A rather roundabout story follows, sometimes clever, sometimes barely plausible. He almost succeeds, with the help of his brother-in-law, and all their ex-army contacts. A woman finishes the job.

Johnny-get-your-gun

The Last Hero by Terry Pratchett

The first hero on Discworld stole fire from the gods and gave it to the people. The gods didn't really seem to be still upset about it, but with increasing sophistication of Discworld hero's are a dying breed and the last hero decides he'll return the fire: with intrest! Fortunately for discworld the plot is discovered, for if it will come to fruition the magical field that keeps the world together will be disrupted. The Authorities therefore assemble a team of men to save the world. Yes, the obvious ones are chosen: Captain Carrot, Leonard of Quirm, and of course Rincewind. (The monkey also goes along for the ride.) It's a long story, and they're ultimately successful.

The version I read was illustrated by Paul Kidby. I think the pictures in my mind are much better.

The Code was quite clear. One brave man against seven ... won. They knew it was true.
They looked down at Captain Carrot's sword. It was short, sharp, and plain. It was a working sword. It had no runes on it. No mystic gleam twinkled on its edge.
'To die for forty-three dollars a month,' said Cohen, holding the gaze, 'a man's got to be very, very stupid or very, very brave...'

The Carpet People by Terry Pratchett

"A hilarious fantasy co-written by Terry Pratchett, aged seventeen, and master storyteller, Terry Prachett, aged forty-three."

The Carpet People was Terry Pratchett's first published story, and was revised extensively by Terry Prachett for the second edition.

A kind of fantasy about the kind of creatures and people who might live in a carpet, and survive the occasional vacuuming. Very good fantasy, and it might be happening right under your feet!