This is a subject about which I knew very little, before reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience. Inevitably there were vast numbers of testosterone filled aviators without work at the end of World War I, and many war surplus aircraft for them to use. So the troupes of itinerant aerial artistes known as barnstormers came into being. They made flying, already a dangerous activity, even more so, to provide thrills for spectators, and many died whilst performing. Eventually, quite justified legislation curbed the wilder exhibitions and more professional shows evolved.

After a first chapter about the American scene, the book is devoted to the UK, and especially Sir Alan Cobham (for whose flight refuelling firm the author worked). I was fascinated to read that Avro 504s were still in use as late as 1934. Lots of lovely photographs of them too, including the floatplane version. This is an interesting historical sequel to the airmen and aircraft of the Great War.