Those of you of a certain age (like me) may fondly recall the time (primarily the 1950s-70s) when the publication of quality aviation reference books in the UK seemed (apart from Janes) to be dominated by Putnams, Harleyford and Macdonald products.
In my personal library I have vast numbers of their titles that I purchased over the years and they continue to give me much pleasure. We are undoubtedly fortunate that research and communication facilities have developed so much since those days and that the variety of aviation material accessible nowadays is staggering.
There is however something special about the style of those publications from the time when monochrome illustrations and three view drawings were the order of the day. Some of the volumes have been overtaken by more accurate material as some of the source data became less sensitive and more accessible; but IMHO that shoudn’t diminish their significance which maintained enthusiasm for aviation history.
Some of the renowned authors of that period have recently passed on which I find sad having met several of those modest but influential characters. When I was more involved in aviation journalism I once also had the honour to meet Charles E Brown many of whose wonderful air-to-airs illustrated so many publications of the 40s-60s.
It was therefore a pleasant reminder of those times to come across a very interesting set of web pages on a site created by the University of Paisley which provides an interesting history and a summary and reviews of the outputs of those publishers I mentioned above. I thought you might also enjoy the memories it evokes? Follow all the links in the site and you may be surprised by the range of material: http://library.paisley.ac.uk/services/specialcoll/putnam/putnam_intro.htm
By: Consul - 18th March 2006 at 21:02
91Regal
No problem – just pleased it stirred some interest.
By: 91Regal - 18th March 2006 at 18:01
Consul – thanks, I really must learn to read people’s inputs in less of a hurry and think about them more!
Wildcat – thanks for the info.
By: wildcat - 17th March 2006 at 23:34
91regal,
Boulton Paul aircraft since 1915. Alec Brew
ISBN: 0 85177 860 7
Probably the best book available on the aircraft of B&P.
Many years ago I was given the manuscript for a projected book by John Chambers (ex BP Drawing Office) which was incredibly detailed, sadly he died before he had the chance to take the manuscript further, but I feel the Alec Brew book is its equal. Highly recommended and well worth the £30.
By: Consul - 17th March 2006 at 23:02
91Regal
If you did what I suggested in my original post and looked at the website to which I provided the link you will find that from the homepage if you click on “Catalogue and Bibliography” then look at their output for 1993 their book about B&P is described. I did suggest following the links – it takes a bit of effort but it’s worthwhile – it’s all there!
By: 91Regal - 17th March 2006 at 22:47
Putnams
did they ever get to cover Boulton & Paul aircraft in their British manufacturers series?
I’m trying to fill the gaps in my collection, but can’t find out if B & P were included. If not, can anyone suggest a decent reference book on this company?
By: Chris B - 17th March 2006 at 18:51
Ah Putnams
The thread has prompted me to go to the bookshelf and count how many I’ve bought over the years – nearly all on publication. I was surprised to see that I have 55 of which 47 are the smaller size (except for ‘The German Giants’ and the J M Bruce ‘1914 – 18’).
Thinks – must make sure my wife & kids realise how mutch Putnams are fetching these days so when I’m no more they don’t put them in the local car boot sale at £1 each.
Chris
By: ozplane - 17th March 2006 at 13:13
Has anyone seen “British and Commonwealth Airlines (?)” in the early Putnam series. I remember borrowing it from the MacMillan library in Nairobi as holiday reading for a trip to Mombasa in the mid-70s and have never seen it since. Did “Aircraft for fun” ever get published in the new-shape series? I’ve seen most of the others and bought a few but never the one I really wanted
By: RPSmith - 17th March 2006 at 11:33
Does anyone have a copy of Putnams book on pre-First World War British Aircraft? I have only ever seen it once (there used to be a copy in the MoD library where I worked), and I guess copies must be like the proverbial hens teeth.
Steve
“British Aircraft 1809 – 1914” by Peter Lewis. I’ve had mine a long, long time (and then I bought it second hand). They do appear on e-bay occasionally – the last one I saw (Jan 05) sold for £65. Current favourite on ebay seems to be the Miles book, I think one sold towards the end of last year for £140!
Roger Smith.
By: megalith - 17th March 2006 at 09:00
Hi,
I saw a copy at Luton Aviation Enthusiasts Fair, can’t remember how much but not cheap; however I think I’m right in saying there is a newer volume out on ‘Pioneer Aviation’ edited by Phillip Jarret which I do eintend buying on day.
Steve.
By: Steve Bond - 17th March 2006 at 08:57
Steve,
Yes, and I echo your thoughts about Action Stations too, although I am not convinced about the updated version. I bought the first one but it did not seem to me to be a significant enough step forward to carry on.
Does anyone have a copy of Putnams book on pre-First World War British Aircraft? I have only ever seen it once (there used to be a copy in the MoD library where I worked), and I guess copies must be like the proverbial hens teeth.
Steve
By: megalith - 17th March 2006 at 08:39
Couldn’t agree more, but what really annoys me is the change of format for the Putnam books, I still find the old size very convenient. And yes they are invarriably my first port of call to answer any question.
The other books I find invaluable are PSLs Action Stations series.
Steve.
By: Steve Bond - 17th March 2006 at 08:23
I agree. For me the true worth of reference books is how often you actually still refer to them, and in that regard they score very highly in my library. The Putnam series especially is absolutely indispensible, and in similar vein to the comment about the small-format MacDonalds series, it is a shame the Putnam manufacturers series was never completed.
By: Scouse - 17th March 2006 at 00:43
Agreed – they’re indispensible. I’m glad to say I assembled a full set of seven volumes of Aircraft of the Fighting Powers when I could do so without taking out a second mortgage, and Warplanes of the Third Reich still amazes me with its scope.
Shame Macdonald never completed the small-format Warplanes of World War Two series, but you can’t have everything.
William
By: RPSmith - 17th March 2006 at 00:01
I, too, treasure the Putnams Harleyfords and Macdonalds in my own personal library and the Putnams particularly are still usually a first point of reference. For many years I hankered for a copy of J.M.Bruce’s British Aeroplanes 1914 – 18 and then some years ago was shocked at how much I would have to pay to get one – over £100. I was lucky to get one on ebay for £45 a couple of years ago.
Thanks for the link Tim will be going back for a better peruse when I have time.
Roger Smith.
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March 16, 2006 at 10:09 pm