Mitchell

The gripping story of the pioneer behind the Spitfire, told in a major new biography

During the uneasy peace of the 1920s, R. J. Mitchell was a trailblazing innovator working at the cutting edge of aviation technology. As Europe's political climate darkened in the 1930s, the work of Mitchell and his team at Supermarine became increasingly vital to a nation preparing for war.

Although he did not live to see the Spitfire in action, his vision and engineering brilliance helped make possible Britain's triumph in the Battle of Britain and created an aircraft that continues to inspire awe to this day.

In this compelling biography, Paul Beaver takes readers behind the scenes to explore the creative genius of a man dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology. He examines Mitchell's remarkable leadership, his collaboration with Rolls-Royce—the pinnacle of British engineering—and the innovative aircraft designs that might have changed the course of the war had he not died in 1937.

Drawing on new interviews, private archives, and previously unpublished material, Beaver reveals the true story behind the Spitfire and the extraordinary man who made it possible.

This is the story of one of the twentieth century's great design leaders—a visionary whose work helped change the course of history.