Genesis: Frank Whittle and the Invention of the Jet Engine

Although this book is mostly for aviation aficionados it gives it's own insight to the issue of making innovation into a product. I liked the way book took it's reader into the battle of innovator proving his inventions merits to an industry for which the very invention was a disruption of long lines of established products. Franks obstacles can be common for many other developers/engineers that want to make a product that changes the world.

I found the book interesting however if you're hoping for a good explanation of the JET engine, the developments and aircraft, this book is NOT for you. Not enough meat, diagrams or pictures. See instead other works like Klaus Hunecke's excellent book "Jet Engines".If you're an avid historian and want to know how a visionary RAF officer/engineer worked himself to near death for little reward or advancement within a government system that tried hard to stymie him at every step, this is indeed a moving,fascinating and somewhat depressing book... they even gave his engines away to the Russians and Americans.

Perhaps a little too detailed for casual readers, the story of Frank Whittle's struggle to develop the jet engine. From his early days at Cranwell, through his battles with government and corporations, through his final success. A great addition for the aviation historian.

If you are an aficionado of turbine engine history you owe it to yourself to find out how it all started. John Golley gives an exhaustive account of Frank Whittle's struggle to develop and perfect the first jet aero engine. The technical difficulties are discussed, but the emphasis is on Whittle's battles with the British government over private versus government control of patents, R & D funding, and development work. It also illustrates how war-time necessities can actually delay experimental work when priorities are placed on existing technology (i.e. piston engines). Well written with great detail on who, what, where, and when. Working in the engineering field myself, I would have liked to have more detail on the "nuts & bolts", but this is a minor complaint. There is more than enough detail in this area for the average reader.