This 1954 1st Ed is one of the best copies we have seen. The dustjacket is bright and whole with only one chip and no creasing. The book features the original and rare  signature of Mike Lithgow mounted on the first page and an original pencil remarque drawing of the Supermarine Swift prototype by Steve Teasdale on the title page.
Michael John Lithgow, OBE (20 August 1920 – 22 October 1963) was a British aviator and chief test pilot for Vickers Supermarine who became the holder of the World Absolute Air Speed Record in 1953 flying a Supermarine Swift. He died when the prototype BAC One-Eleven airliner crashed in 1963.  He joined the Fleet Air Arm March 1939 – December 1945 and as Lieutenant Commander HMS Ark Royal Flew Swordfish torpedo bombers, and was one of the pilots attacking the Bismarck. When he joined Supermarine  as test pilot Jeffrey Quill was still testing spitfires. A rare signature.