Do not think that, because of its size, this is a coffee table book. It would grace any coffee table, but it is much more. This book has everything. It is well written, beautifully illustrated, and totally comprehensive. I was going to add that this is what one expects from its authors, but I feel that they deserve even more credit, for what is certain is that in this book is everything anyone could ever wish to know about one of the most loved aircraft of all time. It starts with its ancestors - the Tabloid and then the Schneider Trophy entrant which started the sequence in which we won the Trophy outright. It ends with its successor the Dove. And that only takes us to page 166. Thereafter we are regaled with colour side view diagrams, beautiful pictures of replicas, seventeen appendices ranging from 'Official Rigging Notes' to specifications and armaments, civil and museum aircraft and so on. How did it get its name? It was sitting beside a 1 1/2 Strutter when Sefton Brancker said 'Look, the big one's had a pup' and the name stuck in spite of objections from others of the brass hats. Had you noticed the securing safety hinge on the rear periphery of the engine cowling? Examine the excellent photograph on page 79, and marvel. Did you know that the rear interplane struts on Whitehead and Beardmore Pups were Ģin longer than their counterparts on Sopwith and Standard Pups, creating huge problems with spares? Do not for a moment think this is a dry and tedious tome only for the anoraks amongst us, it is not. I enjoyed reading every word, and looking at all the photographs, plans, technical diagrams, and even a charming 'Recollections of an Airman'.

I cannot think of a better memorial to a great aircraft than this book. Nor can I think of a better memorial to one of the great aviation historians, Jack Bruce, who sadly died before this work saw the light of day. Goodness, how he is missed.