Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men

By: Peter FitzSimons

Narrated by: Richard Aspel

Known to millions of Australians simply as "Smithy", Sir Charles Kingsford Smith was one of Australia's true 20th-century legends. In an era in which aviators were superstars, Smithy was among the greatest and, throughout his amazing career, his fame in Australia was matched only by that of Don Bradman

Among other achievements, Kingsford Smith was the first person to fly across the Pacific. He broke the record for the fastest flight from England to Australia, and at one point he held more long-distance flying records than anyone else on the planet.

If that wasn't enough, Smithy was also a war hero, receiving the Military Cross for gallantry in action after being shot - and losing three toes - during one of many flying missions during World War I. Smithy was not the lone adventurer of the skies. Early aviation drew to it a company of daredevils who all challenged gravity and fear.

This comprehensive biography, written with typical flair by best-selling author Peter FitzSimons, covers the triumphs and tragedies of not only Kingsford Smith's daring and controversial life but also those of his companion aviators.

©2009 Peter FitzSimons (P)2009 Bolinda Publishing

magnificent saga

Would you consider the audio edition of Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men to be better than the print version?

yes, I did not use print version. The reading was wonderful

What was one of the most memorable moments of Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men?

crash at cafe royale

Which scene was your favorite?

not one, just a well written, very well read saga of early aviation.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Another wonderful book by this author.

This book covers not only the life of Charles kingsford smith but the history of aviation itself up until the 1930,s. A must read for any aviation of war buffs.

Charming, honest and detailed.

I often laughed out loud with FitzSimons' well placed classic Australian lingo ('like a koala during a cyclone') and I loved the depth of detail that put the life of Charles Kingsford Smith in contex.

The narration was also superb and the accents create character and charm every if they did sometimes seem a little over the top.

What a Wonderful Marriage of Aviation and Smithy

Where does Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

Being a "detective thriller" type of person, I did not know if this style of book would keep me turning pages. Not only was I turning pages, I was sitting in my car after I got home to find out what was happening next. Not too many books can get me to do that.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men?

When Smithy met the King while on crutches.

Have you listened to any of Richard Aspel???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I have now added him to my favorites.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I kept my hope up that Smithy would succeed at everything he touched..

A great story full of surprises

It was immensely enjoyable. I learnt many new and facinating things about Kingsford Smith. He really was larger than life.

Adventure and the invention of aviation

All I knew about Smithy before reading this was that he flew the Southern Cross and he was on our $20 note back when it was still paper.

After reading this book, which is brilliantly read, I came away with an amazing appreciation for the pioneers who literally invented flight, flying, and aviation as they went along.

Not to mention the incredible life of the man himself Smithy.... Every Australian should read this book. Peter FitzSimons and Richard Aspel have done a remarkable job bringing the people and events of so long ago to vibrant life, right there in my ears. Thanks guys.

Fascinating & Well Researched

What made the experience of listening to Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men the most enjoyable?

The breadth and depth of the research which included the history of flight. It was incredibly interesting and shed a lot of light on a period of history perhaps not that well know today.

What other book might you compare Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men to and why?

I've read a few other biographical books by Peter Fitzsimons and this is in the same genre. As usual the research is excellent.

What does Richard Aspel bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Overall I liked Richard Aspel's performance - it was very colourful and animated but in a couple of places it felt slightly theatrical.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I really admired the courage and determination of the pioneers of flight and the difficulties they had to contend with.

Any additional comments?

A great and very interesting read particularly for anyone interested in Australian history and flight.

Excellent subject for a story - Hideous narrator

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Richard Aspel?

Anyone but. As a regular listener to audio books I have never been so disappointed in a narrator. I have contacted Audible to seek a refund.

There is no way I could listen for more than a minute.

I hope the publisher re-records the work (using a different voice artist) because the subject is of enormous interest to aviation buffs.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I could not continue to listen.