If I ignore the first two chapters, I like this book. It examines a selection of weird and wonderful designs, some of which could truly be described as dangerous. Henri Mignet's Flying Flea, the Messerschmitt 163 and 328, the incredibly ugly early Russian jets and the Convair B58 are among the types that are described in approximately chronological order. The design descriptions are interesting although I'm not sure whether the book lives up to all of its sub-title; the vices are not always fully explained.

Chapters 1 and 2 cover our period and (no surprises) the author picks out the BE2 series and the Sopwith Camel. The inherent stability of the former and the inherent instability of the latter are mentioned but there are some glaring errors that any of our members will easily spot.

An interesting book, but one that seems over-priced.