I have a copy of ‘The power to fly’ and it is indeed written in a flowing style but it does include some possible exaggerations- he suggests that the Napier Sabre could ‘reliably deliver 5500 hp’ (page 134) in 1941 which others have questioned. Having said that, itwas reading this book in the early 1980’s that inspired my interest (others would call it an obsession) with aeroengines.
Jim

p.s. I hadn’t realised how valuable this book has become- I bought it for £30 three years ago!