Dimensions
175 x 248 x 32mm
The genius and dedication of Royce, allied to the flair for publicity of Rolls, led to the production and worldwide sales of the best car in the world, the Silver Ghost. Shortly afterwards, Royce's skill as a designer quickly produced the leading aero engine of the First World War, the Eagle.
By the 1920s, Royce's reputation was such that he was asked, almost ordered, by the Government to design an engine for Britain to retain the Schneider Trophy. This association with the inspired aircraft designer, R J Mitchell, led on to the Spitfire and Rolls-Royce's Merlin engines. It is safe to say that, without the Spitfire and Hurricane, and the Merlins that powered them, the Battle of Britain would have been lost.
Finally, in this book, we look at the advent of the jet engine and how Ernest (later Lord) Hives realised its importance for the future of air travel and backed Sir Frank Whittle's development to the hilt. Rolls-Royce has become world-famous above all for the quality of its products and these have been analysed in great detail elsewhere. This book is not a technical one. It attempts to put Rolls-Royce people in their context.
