Radio Society of Great Britain General Books

General Books
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Centenary
100 Years Working for Amateur Radio

By Elaine Richards, G4LFM

As part of the Centenary celebrations the RSGB has commissioned and produced this special hardback book looking at 100 years of RSGB History. In its first century, the RSGB has represented the interests of members at national and international level and provided the framework within which the early pioneers and experimenters thrived. Centenary outlines the century of activity of the RSGB and its members.

Centenary is a peek at the history of the RSGB, which is a rich tapestry indeed. The stories gathered together here provide a glimpse of the people behind the organisation and the way they have shaped the history of the Society. It would have been impossible for all the stories, famous names and events from the first 100 years have made it into print. Nevertheless, this collection of events gives a flavour of the RSGB history and the hobby it supports. From the first days and its initial membership of four, through two World Wars to a new Millennium, the RSGB's membership have taken part in propagation experiments, pushed the boundaries of radio and electronic knowledge and shown what international amateur radio relations is all about. Whether it's proving that VHF communications is more than line-of-sight, showing the world how far radio signals can travel or putting satellites into space, radio amateurs have been involved in it all. Centenary brings together some of the best achievements and tells the story of some of the most well known names in amateur radio history.

Packed with over 200 colour and mono photographs this book provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of the RSGB. Produced as a quality hardback book, with a glossy slip cover and glossy paper throughout, to bring out the detail, this book is exceptional. If you would like a part of the RSGB centenary celebration then Centenary will grace any bookshelf.

ISBN: 9781 9050 8689 4, Hardback
Size: 300x225mm (landscape), 144 pages

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Flying Saucer Technology
by Bill Rose

If you have ever wondered about flying saucers and perhaps even building your own this may well be the book for you. Flying Saucer Technology will for many people conjure up images of extraterrestrial spacecraft and aliens and although this book does extend into some areas that might be considered UFO territory, it aims to explore the serious subject of man-made flying saucers. This involves a certain amount of myth busting and an occasional step into the world of top-secret black projects, but the author has managed to provide a down-to-earth, balanced outlook on the subject.

Flying Saucer Technology is a hardback book that is packed with colour & mono pictures, line drawings and specifications. The book starts with the earliest proposals for man-powered circular winged flying machines and explores the history of pre-war circular and oval shaped aircraft, leading to the highly unusual American Flying Flapjacks and the controversial attempts by wartime German scientists to build a working flying disc. You will also find many of the Cold War flying saucer projects, including the extraordinary Canadian supersonic disc fighter and a top-secret long-range USAF ramjet bomber. There is an entire chapter dedicated to some of the little known lighter-than-air flying saucers and airships, which is a subject that has received little attention in the past. Many of the aircraft described in this publication have been dismissed as pure fantasy, but you will find histories and technical specifications are included. Flying Saucer Technology also examines misidentification and cover-ups, which should appeal to those conspiracy theorists, who value insights into secret technologies and hidden histories.

Flying Saucer Technology is packed with original information and images many of which are previously unseen. Regardless if you are planning to build a flying saucer or not, this book is a great read and fascinating guide to the subject.

RSGB Member's Special Half Offer Price - Only £12.49

Hardback Size 220x285mm, 160pages, ISBN: 9781 8578 0323 5

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Ian Fleming and SOE's Operation Postmaster
The Untold Secret Story

By Brian Lett

This book highlights inspiration for Ian Fleming's James Bond and the true story of a force of 'licensed to kill' secret agents, commanded by a real war time secret service chief code named M. The author highlights those with whom Ian Fleming worked, and upon whom his James Bond stories were based.

Brigadier Colin Gubbins was M, the Special Operations Executive (SOE) was his Secret Service, Professor Dudley Newitt was Q and Captain Gus March-Phillips commanded 'Maid of Honor Force', the team of 'James Bonds' who, in a daring operation, sailed a Q ship to West Africa and stole three enemy ships from a neutral Spanish port on the volcanic island of Fernando Po. Ian Fleming worked closely with M to oil the wheels that made the operation possible, and prepared the cover story, in which the British Government lied in order to conceal British responsibility for the raid. M's agents prepared the ground on Fernando Po, even enmeshing the Governor in a honey trap. March-Phillips and his SOE team carried out the raid successfully in January 1942, despite much opposition from the local regular Army and Navy commanders, and in the face of overwhelming odds. Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden told Fleming's lies on the international stage, denying any British complicity in the operation. As a result, a secrecy embargo enveloped Operation POSTMASTER until recently.

This book details this thrilling operation, and the men who carried it out and were the inspiration for Fleming's James Bond. This is recommended reading for anyone who is interested in SOE or the real life origins of fictional James Bond 007.

Hardback 272 pages, 163x243mm ISBN: 9781 7815 9000 3

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Spooks: The unofficial History of MI5
by Thomas Hennessey & Claire Thomas

The Spooks books seek to set out the history of one world's most famous secret service organisations - MI5. Covering the periods 1939-45 and 1945-2009 these unofficial histories tell the story of the WWII activities through the cold war, the IRA, right up to Al Qaeda and 7/7.

The Spooks books are based on previously secret sources and lift the lid on Britain's Security Service. The 1939-45 edition deals with its battle against German espionage during WWII, the Security Service, through brilliant officers such as Guy Liddell, Dick White and the fearsome spy-breaker, 'Tin-eye' Stephens. There are details of MI5's interrogation centre, Camp 020 and the Double Cross (XX) agents from such as the dynamic, womanising petty criminal ZIGZAG, the suave TRICYCLE and the aptly named CARELESS. Operation FORTITUDE is detailed with MI5's agents BRUTUS and GARBO who were central to the success of the greatest deception in modern military history: convincing Hitler that the D-Day landings in Normandy were an elaborate diversion to the 'real' Allied landings at Calais.

The 1945-2009 edition of Spooks looks in detail at MI5's role in the post-Cold War world; in particular, they consider its changing role as it took on the main responsibility in countering terrorist threats to Britain. Controversy has never been far away during MI5's battle against the IRA, which included sending deep penetration agents into the heart of Northern Ireland's terrorist organisations. And in the twenty-first century, MI5 has had to face the deadliest terrorist threat of all - from Al Qaeda. The book looks at MI5's attempts to prevent mass murder on the streets of Britain, including the failure to stop the 7/7 bombings in London in 2005.

Spooks - The Unofficial History of MI5 SORRY SOLD OUT
from Agent Zig Zag to the D-Day Deception 1939-45
Size 124 x 198 mm, 288 pages ISBN: 9781 4456 0184 7

Spooks - The Unofficial History of MI5
From the First Atom Spy to 7/7 1945-2009
Size 124 x 198 mm, 384 pages ISBN: 9781 4456 0267 7

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1945-2009 form Atom to 7/7 (SPK2)
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The Long Silence Falls
The Life and Times of the
Merchant Navy Radio Officer
1900-2000

From the very earliest days of radio, ships have carried Radio Officers. However with the onward march of technology this post has become redundant and since 2000 ships no longer carry specialist Radio Officers. This book is a look at 100 years of Radio Officers from the heyday of Marconi through to the turn of the millennium.

The Long Silence Falls is a series of stories which are broken down into various sections covering topics from training to life at sea. Written by the radio officers themselves, each section contains a wide variety of articles covering the topic. Readers will find out about their first trips, war stories, life 'East of Suez' and even a host of humorous tales that many a 'Sparky' will recognise. There are tales from aboard the various Queen Ocean liners that graced the Atlantic and further afield, alongside supplementary tales, such as the true account of the first use of the SOS signal. Most stories are post WWII but there is much of the longer history of Marconi men and the wider history of Radio Officers.

This high quality hardback book has been published Radio Officers Association and reflects the wide experience of their members over the years. At over 300 pages The Long Silence Falls is an extensive book and extraordinary glimpse into the practice and art of the Radio Officer. If you are fascinated by this now past age, this book is hugely interesting and thoroughly recommended.

Hardback, Size 225x280mm, 304 pages

Sorry now out of print

The Radio Officers Association may have further copies of this book - please click here for more information

The Story of Enigma CD

**** REDUCED PRICE NOW ONLY £5.99 ****

By Prof. Tom Perera, W1TP
The breaking of the Enigma Codes in World War II was one of the defining actions of the whole war. This CD looks at the Enigma machines themselves in amazing detail and brings to life how these machines were made and used. This CD also looks at the development of Enigma machines made by other countries after the war and detail is included of Russian, Swiss and American versions. In sixty sections you will find 5 videos, over 1400 photographs, schematics, nine Enigma books & manuals and two Enigma simulator programs. This CDcovers a huge array of detail from operating instructions,assembly and details of Enigma machines captured during the war and their value to Allied efforts. The CDgoes beyond the Enigma machines of WWII andcontains material on various derivations of these fascinating encryption devices. There are details of the American M-209 cipher machine including a 30-minute training film on its use. There is information on the FIALKA which is a recently discovered Russian Enigma machine, along with the Swiss pocket cipher machines. The CD is presented in an easy to use HTML format so any computer with an internet browser can use it easily. Some items on the CD do require other software to run and this has been included in the form of Mozilla Firefox (a web browser), Adobe Acrobat and Real Player (all PC versions).

At 697MB there is far more on this CD than we can hope to cover here. This is simply a gold mine of material for anyone interested in the subject of Enigma machines. This CD is thoroughly recommended as a remarkable resource for those researching the Enigma saga or anyone just interested in the topic.
ISBN 9781-9050-8622-1

Price: £5.99

The Cable
Wire to the New World

By Gillian Cookson

The Cable - The Wire to the New World is an updated special RSGB edition that has been produced in conjunction with History Press. This is the compelling story of how the first transatlantic communication cable was laid, the trials, the successes and the failures involved.

The Cable - Wire to the New World tells the story from its earliest beginnings, the technical challenges faced, the disasters and even the technical failures that ensued. Many people who dared, the people who lost, and the people who profited are detailed here in this fascinating story. The dramatic attempts to cross the Atlantic during the 1850s and 1860s from the first failed attempts to the project that finally succeeded are all here. An inconceivably audacious attempt to overcome the forces of nature in the name of human progress and technology, the laying of the cable was to change forever our means of communication. The speed with which information could now be transmitted was unprecedented and revolutionized the face of news and the global economy.

For those interested in the technical challenges that faced the mid nineteenth century communication pioneers The Cable - Wire to the New World is a fascinating read and thoroughly recommended.

Size 125x198mm 192 pages ISBN: 9780 7524 8786 1

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Haynes Owner Workshop Manual for Supermarine Spitfifre
By Alfred Price & Paul Blackah

The iconic Supermarine Spitfire is the high point of many air shows and they turn heads where ever they are seen. This famous aircraft now receives the Haynes Owners Workshop Manual treatment. Written with the full co-operation and authorisation of the Royal Air Force this fascinating book provides a unique perspective on what it takes to own, restore and operate a Spitfire. This is a wonderful insight into the engineering and construction of this remarkable aeroplane. Presented mainly in colour, there are as you would expect cut away drawings, maintenance information and restorations tips. There is also a history of the Spitfire and even views from the cockpit and the engineer.

This highly detailed and attractively designed hard back book is based around the restoration of the Spitfire Mk XVI at RAF Coningsby. Providing an insight into owning, restoring, servicing and flying Britain's legendary World War 2 fighter - recommended reading

Size 270 x 210mm, 160 pages, ISBN 9781-8442-5462-0

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Haynes Owner Workshop Manuals Messerschmitt Bf109
By: Paul Blackah & Malcolm Lowe

Produced as a sister volume to the Haynes Workshop Manual for Supermarine Spitfire this book provides the same treatment to the Luftwaffe's Messerschmitt Bf109. This single-seat fighter was the main combat adversary of the RAF's Hurricanes and Spitfires in the Battle of Britain.

This Haynes Owners Workshop Manual covers the history of the Bf109, restoration to flight, the views of owners, pilots and engineers, and operating and servicing insights. Data boxes cover Bf109 facts and figures, plus interviews with Luftwaffe pilots and modern-day owner-pilots. Illustrated with a mix of specially commissioned colour and archive photographs, the Bf109 Manual also includes illustrations from Luftwaffe official wartime servicing manuals, and coverage of restoration projects in the UK and overseas.

Hardback, Size 270 x 210mm, 160 pages, ISBN 9781-8442-5642-6

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Haynes Owner Workshop Manual for Apollo 11
By: Christopher Riley & Philip Dolling

If you are familiar with Haynes manuals in their various forms this hardback book is a delight. You may not have a Saturn V rocket or Lunar Module in need of a service but this book provides the insight if you do. This book is packed with over 300 pictures, diagrams, cutaways, flow diagrams and much more all in the familiar Haynes style. Readers will find included the story of the Apollo program, the development of the various Saturn rockets and the 'space hardware' that made it all possible.

This manual provides an insight into the work of the 400,000 people who before the age of micro computers, mobile phones and the internet achieved the technical miracle that is the Apollo programme. This book looks at the evolution and design of the mighty Saturn V rocket. There are specific chapters explaining the details of the Command & Service modules, the Lunar module and even the space suits themselves. We even learn about how the Apollo 11 mission was flown - from launch procedures to 'flying' the Saturn V and the 'LEM', and from moon walking to the earth re-entry procedure. Much is also devoted to the guidance, navigation and control along with details of the communications systems. The book details the cancelled J-class missions and addresses the conspiracy theories that surround the programme. Readers will also find appendices detailing all the Apollo missions and the fate of the rockets and spacecraft.

Released to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of the first man to walk on the Moon this book is a fascinating guide to the whole Apollo programme and thoroughly recommended.

Size 270 x 210mm, 196 pages ISBN: 9781 8442 5683 9

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Haynes Owner Workshop Manual for Avro Lancaster
By: Jarrod Cotter and Paul Blackah

The legendary Avro Lancaster receives the famous Haynes manual treatment with the full co-operation and authorisation of the Royal Air Force. This hardback book provides rare and fascinating insight into how the Lancaster is constructed, flown, operated and how it is serviced and maintained.

This Haynes manual provides not only the history of the plane that Sir Arthur (Bomber) Harris described as "the greatest single factor in winning the war" but much more. Readers will find detailed sections with pictures, diagrams, cutaways of the anatomy of the aircraft. The "crew's view" is covered in depth with details of pre flight checks, start-up, take off, navigating and more. There is also the "engineers view" covering servicing of the aircraft and an "owner's view" for those lucky enough to acquire their own aircraft. The whole book filled with hundreds of supporting colour photographs and diagrams.

Written from the unique perspective of those who know what it takes to restore and operate a Lancaster, this manual provides as well as a wonderful insight into the engineering and construction of this remarkable aeroplane. This highly detailed and attractively designed book is a must for anyone interested in iconic Lancaster Bomber. .

Size 270 x 210mm, 160 pages ISBN: 9781 8442 5463 7

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Pigeon Guided Missiles:
And 49 Other Ideas That Never Took Off

By: James Moore and Paul Nero

This new Hardback book highlights those brilliant ideas that have for one reason or another never quite made it to being successful. All fifty of the concepts here border on the bizarre and laughable.

The Pigeon-Guided Missiles title is drawn from the story of the WWII American psychologist who made the amazing discovery that pigeons could be trained to track objects and, when loaded into the nose cone of a missile, guide the weapon to its target - a one way trip for the pigeon! The book also contains details of British Rail's plan for a spaceship, how Nelson nearly got a pyramid instead of a column, the scheme to cover Manhattan in a glass dome, and why the Victorian Channel Tunnel hit a dead end. From nuclear-powered cars to Thomas Edison's concrete furniture you will find exciting ideas that either became victims of the eccentric figures behind them, succumbed to financial and political misfortune, or were simply just too far ahead of their time.

Pigeon-Guided Missiles is full of fascinating stories of daring plans from history that could have radically changed the world - yet somehow failed to take off. Full of humour and detail this book is a delight.

Size: 124x200mm 256 page Hardback ISBN: 9780 7524 5990 5

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The Three Dimensions of John Logie Baird
By Dr Douglas Brown, GM8FFH

John Logie Baird (1888-1946) is remembered as the inventor of television but his work in colour, 3D and holographic television is much less well known. As are his significant contributions to other information sciences and their resulting technologies. The Three Dimensions of John Logie Baird sets out this work and adds a perspective not seen before to the story of this great inventor.

The Three Dimensions of John Logie Baird details the story of this great man from his early years through, to those where despite ailing health and poverty he did more to advance the early development of television than any other individual. He planted the seed, which has grown into a multinational, trillion dollar video and communications media industry. Baird is often dismissed as the person who invented a crude type of television which was quickly superseded but this book lays these criticisms to rest once and for all. For over a quarter of a century Baird developed monochrome, colour and 3D television, and many of the techniques he pioneered are still used in modern day systems. This book goes into detail about how the systems worked and their later development after John Logie Baird's death. The author has even provided projects that can be made which demonstrate the Baird's technology, including colour broadcasting.

The Three Dimensions of John Logie Baird is fascinating read that provides an excellent reference work on his inventions, an insight into the world of television and shows just how much we owe this great inventor.

Size 174x240mm, 208 pages (mono & colour): ISBN: 9781 9050 8679 5

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Before We Went Wireless
David Edward Hughes - His Life, Inventions, and Discoveries

By Ivor Hughes & David Ellis Hughes

This book is the first biography of the brilliant inventor and practical experimenter, David Edward Hughes. A contemporary of Edison and Bell, Hughes made major contributions in the fields of telegraphy, telephony, metal detection, and audio. His printing telegraph, adopted across much of Europe, made him a fortune. Hughes sent and received wireless signals in 1879, some sixteen years before Marconi, but faced with the scepticism of his peers, such that he discontinued his research, and his accomplishments were only recognised years later.

Before We Went Wireless details Hughes' life, focusing on both his work and his life itself and is an enthralling tale. Hughes was thought of as a "child prodigy," who improved upon the telegraph, effectively doubling the rate of words per minute spread across the wires. Despite his contributions to society, Hughes' life and legacy are often overlooked and this book seeks to shed light on an extraordinary life. Before We Went Wireless contains over 100 prints, photographs, documents, and is a fascinating read and reference guide to this important figure in the world of communications.

Size: 180x261mm, 400 pages ISBN: 9781 8845 9253 9

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My Father, the Man Who Never Was
Ronnie Reed: the Life and Times of an MI5 Officer

By Nicholas Reed

How was it that a radio amateur Ronnie Read. G2RX ended up involved in MI5 and some of the most famous intelligence cases of the second and cold wars. My Father, the Man Who Never Was sets out this extraordinary tale in the words of Ronnie himself and provides the background some of the most famous WWII exploits.

Illustrated with 160 illustrations My Father, the Man Who Never Was, describes the life and times of Major Ronnie Reed from being introduced in Wormwood Scrubs Prison to Eddie Chapman the double agent "Zigzag" and ending up as his case officer, through to a career in MI5 during peacetime. Zigzag was so well regarded by the Germans that he was awarded the iron cross by Hitler for spying activities. Readers will also find fascinating how it came to be that Ronnie's picture was used on the Identity Card, in the famous deception plan "The Man Who Never Was", also known as "Operation Mincemeat".

In My Father, the Man Who Never Was Ronnie is introduced through a collection of recently released reports and photos from the National Archives, and intimate family snaps. How this young man, with no money and minimal qualifications, reached such an important positions as heading the anti-Russian department of MI5, dealing with notorious spies like Philby, Burgess and Maclean is a great story. With much being drawn from an interview filmed in 1994, shortly before Ronnie s death, his son Nicholas tells his story in detail. If you are interested in the spying and how a simple radio amateur became a pivotal figure in MI5 during both WWII and the Cold War this book should not be missed.

Size: 239 x 188mm, 200 pages, ISBN: 9781-9011-6721-4

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The Birth of British Radar
The Memoirs of Arnold 'Skip' Wilkins

Edited by Colin Latham and Anne Stobbs

Arnold "Skip" Wilkins is one of the unsung heroes of the British effort to develop radar. The Birth of British Radar book combines the memoirs of Skip with an authoritative overview of the historical importance of his work.

At the core of The Birth of British Radar are Skip's memoirs of his involvement in the British radar (or, as it was then known, radio direction finding, RDF) programme from its very inception in 1935. Working under the direction of Robert Watson-Watt, it was he who proposed using radio waves, bounced back from an enemy aircraft, to detect its position. Initially working entirely alone, he constructed prototype equipment which he used in the famous Daventry experiment conducted in a field near Weeden, Northants, on 26 February 1935. The success of this led to the establishment of the R&D group at Bawdsey Manor with its team of talented scientists, engineers and technicians. From there he describes the engineering and political developments which occurred to change faint traces into a fully working system which played such a crucial role in defending Britain in the Second World War.

This second edition of The Birth of British Radar has been greatly expanded from the original memoirs with a large array of additional material. Each chapter of the memoirs is set in a historical context with an explanatory note. There is a host of extra material including an interview with Skip, details of how radar grew, post war commemorations and much more. The Birth of British Radar contains mono and colour photos along with details of Skip's post war experiences. The story of this publicity-shy individual who never sought public recognition for his achievement, is fascinating. This book describes the struggles and triumphs from the earliest days of radar, in perhaps one of the most important periods in British electronics development, and is highly recommended.

Size 174x240mm, 128 pages ISBN: 9781 9050 8675 7

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AeroFax 'V' Bomber Book Offer
Winter Sale - Special Offer for RSGB Members

During the Cold War Britain developed three aircraft in rapid succession for delivery of its nuclear weapons, known as the V Bombers. These three Areofax books detail in extraordinary detail the Valiant, Victor and Vulcan aircraft with hundreds of pictures, complete specifications and histories of these great aircraft.

As a special offer only available to RSGB members they are on offer at half the retail price or for little more than the price of one book you can have all three

BUY ALL THREE FOR ONLY

Price: £25.00

AeroFax Vickers Valiant
By Eric B Morgan

Winter Sale - HALF PRICE for RSGB Members

The Valiant was the shortest lived of the post-war V-bomber force, first flying in 1951 and with production of 104 aircraft ending in 1957, and an official withdrawal in January 1965 after investigation had shown that the main wing spars were suffering from metal fatigue. It operated in four versions, the B.1 bomber, B(PR)1 bomber/photo-reconnaissance, B(K).1 flight refuelling tanker and B.PR(K).1 covering all three roles. Additionally several aircraft were modified for a variety of special roles. The all-black B.2 low level pathfinder bomber was flown as a prototype in 1953. Valiants participated in British atomic bomb tests and made noteworthy long-distance flights, principally operating from Marham and Gaydon. In a change of task shortly before retirement, the aircraft were painted in a camouflage scheme better suited to their new low-level penetration role. In addition to the many photographs and drawings the book also includes a full history of each aircraft built.

Size 215x280mm, 144 pages ISBN: 9781-8578-0134-7

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AeroFax Avro Vulcan
By Phil Butler & Tony Buttler

Winter Sale - HALF PRICE for RSGB Members

For those who want more detail on the iconic Vulcan Bomber this book provides it all. This is a detailed and highly illustrated survey to the usual high AeroFax standard of this iconic British delta-winged bomber. Between 1952 and 1964 a total of 136 aircraft were constructed to carry the UK's independent nuclear deterrent. Its development, including the role played by the Avro 707 'scale models', is particularly well covered and individual aircraft histories are included.

From its arrival as part of Britain’s V-bomber fleet to carry the country’s independent nuclear deterrent through to the Port Stanley attack in the Falkland Islands in April 1982, this book covers it all. Readers will find the histories of no fewer than 89 of this delta-winged aircraft. There are also detail of one aircraft, XH558, which is currently the subject of a high profile nationwide appeal with the aim of having the aircraft restored to flying condition. Filled with over 200 photographs and diagram in both colour and black and white this is a lavishly illustrated book.

Size 215x280mm, 144 pages ISBN: 9781-8578-0256-6

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AeroFax Handley Page Victor
By Phil Butler & Tony Buttler

Winter Sale - HALF PRICE for RSGB Members

The Handley-Page Victor was third and final aircraft in Britain's V-bomber fleet, built to carry the nuclear deterrent during the Cold War. Built during the 1950s and 1960s, the bomber was designed to fly higher and faster than contemporary fighter aircraft so that it could penetrate Soviet airspace with its deadly load unopposed. In later years, it switched to a conventional role and saw service in the Borneo conflict of 1962-66, when two B.1A aircraft flew the Victor's only offensive mission, during the Falklands War in the 1980s and in 1991 in the Gulf War as an in-flight refuelling tanker, before withdrawal later that year.

The Aerofax Handley Page Victor provides a complete and thorough history of the aircraft from its initial design, through the development period to its operational service. Much new information has been gathered together, and aviation historians and enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous unpublished photographs which have been included to illustrate the informative text.

Size 215x280mm, 144 pages ISBN: 9781-8578-0311-2

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Island Fever
By Robin Jones

35% OFF the rrp for RSGB Members

If you have ever dreamed of mounting a DXpedition to a far flung part of the world, yet it has never come to pass, this book could easily be a trigger for something closer to home. Packed with potential IOTA activations, low noise enviroments, spots with a large body of salt water on the doorstep, Island Fever is a great book.

Britain is an island nation with hundreds of smaller islands off the mainland shores, each with its own distinct character. Island Fever provides an insight into the some the islands of England and Wales. There are forty chapters in this full colour hard back book covering hundreds of individual islands. Each chapter provides an insight into the islands covered in both text and pictures. From the Marconi's activity on Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel in 1897, through historic Lindisfarne, to the WWII Red Sands forts, this book is packed with interesting stories. The glossy pages host nearly 300 top quality photographs which highlight some of the well known and many lesser known scenic parts of the British Isles that may well tempt you into that DXpedition you have promised yourself.

Hardback, Size 224x 297mm, 160 pages ISBN 9780711034716

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IOTA Directory

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abc Civil Aircraft Markings 2011
by Howard J. Curtis

25% OFF the rrp for RSGB Members

From airliners to microlights, abc Civil Aircraft Markings 2011 is a fully comprehensive guide that includes balloons, radio frequencies, airline flight codes and much else.

abc Civil Aircraft Markings 2011 continues to be the enthusiast's 'Bible' of every single British registered aircraft plus overseas airliners that can been seen in British airspace. In January 2010, the total number of aircraft on the register was in excess of 21,000 so this is a monumental work of reference. Included are airline codes for those carriers most likely to appear in or over the UK and radio frequencies for the large airports. The information remains easily and instantly accessible, and is alphabetically arranged by aircraft code, and gives model details and owner/operator information.

For plane spotters and air band enthusiasts alike abc Civil Aircraft Markings 2011 provides a complete and exhaustive listing of all aircraft likely to be seen in British skies.

Size 184x118 mm, 448 pages, ISBN 9781-8578-0348-8

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abc Military Aircraft Markings 2011
by Howard J. Curtis

25% OFF the rrp for RSGB Members

This latest edition of abc Military Aircraft Markings 2011 provide the most comprehensive guide to military aircraft to be seen in Britain's skies.

Covering all the latest developments that have affected military aviation throughout the world, abc Military Aircraft Markings 2011 will appeal to all aviation enthusiasts. This 32nd annual edition lists in alphabetical and numerical order military aircraft and covers powered, manned aeroplanes, helicopters, airships and gliders as well as target drones. Aircraft that carry a UK military serial and which are based, or might be seen, in the UK are included along with airworthy and current RAF/RN/Army aircraft that are based permanently or temporarily overseas. There are even aircraft withdrawn from operational use are retained in the UK for training purposes or preserved in museums and collections. The Irish Army Air Corps fleet is listed, together with the serials of other overseas air arms which might be seen in the UK. USAF, US Army and US Navy aircraft based in the UK and Western Europe, and types that regularly visit the UK from USA are each listed in separate sections by aircraft type. Veteran and vintage aircraft carrying overseas military markings but which are based in the UK are also listed. Comprehensive website information for all the museums, locations, air forces, companies and organisations are listed.

abc Military Aircraft Markings 2011 is an invaluable work of reference which is essential reading for all followers of military aviation development and an ideal pocket guide for spotters and air band enthusiasts alike.

Size 184x118 mm, 224 pages, ISBN 9781-8578-0347-1

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Seaspray and Whisky
Reminiscences of a Tramp Ship Voyage

By Norman Freeman

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This is the story of a radio officer's first transatlantic voyage on a laxly run, down-at-heel cargo vessel in the early 60s. Misled into signing on the 'Allenwell', he finds himself on a journey to New York, New Orleans and Houston with a motley collection of mariners. Within days of setting sail and despite appalling North Atlantic weather the crew's attention was inevitably drawn to the consignment of VAT69 Whisky among the ship's cargo. Pilfering began and before long a number of the crew members were in a permanent stupor. This increased in scope and ambition as the voyage went on. Whilst the ship was being unloaded in New Orleans the whisky quickly became the currency that fuelled a riotous stay in port. With nearly 1000 bottles missing when the cargo was unloaded in Texas, it did not take long for the police and FBI to take a special interest. The return voyage to the UK is equally littered with tales including, a sting operation against one of the crew, the ship running out of alcohol and a raft of other adventures.

Seaspray and Whisky is an amusing, entertaining and poignant memoir of what it was like to be on board and the world of shipping where cargos were loaded by hand and weeks passed in port whilst this took place. This book is a great read and recommended for those looking for story with a little radio but far more in the way of laughs.

Size 198x128mm, 240 pages, ISBN 9780-7110-3532-4

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Inside Enigma
The Secrets of the Enigma Machine and other Historic Cipher Machines

By Prof. Tom Perera, W1TP

The breaking of the Enigma Codes in WWII was one of the defining actions of the whole war. Many books have been written about this as one of the best kept secrets of WW2. Few have looked right inside the Enigma cipher machine itself, but Inside Enigma does just that.

Inside Enigma brings to life how the Enigma machines were used, how the messages were encoded and why the Enigma code was virtually unbreakable. With more than 500 pictures this book explains exactly how these machines were constructed and worked.

Written by Enigma expert Professor Tom Perera, W1TP, Inside Enigma provides a history of these fascinating machines from their predecessors through to the cipher machines of the Cold War. The wartime Enigmas used by the German Army and Navy are covered in much depth, as is, the development of coding machines, into the post-war variants such as the Swiss NEMA, Russian Fialka and American M-209. Readers will even find a guide to finding and buying their own Enigma machine and, if that fails, instructions to build their own modern day version. Inside Enigma includes translations of original Enigma operating instructions and much more.

Inside Enigma is a comprehensive and copiously illustrated handbook covering the secrets of the Enigma Machine and the theory and practice of cipher machines in the 20th century.

Size 202x254, paperback, 208 pages, ISBN: 9781 9050 8664 1

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Edgar Harrison

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Images Across Space
The Electronic Imaging of Baird Television

By Dr. Douglas Brown

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Written Dr. Douglas Brown a leading authority on TV Images Across Space provides a unique and fascinating insight into the pioneers of television and in particular to Scottish inventor John Logie Baird. From the initial concept of television though to the patent for 3D TV that far surpasses that offered to modern consumers, this book gives a fascinating insight into the man and his developments.

Lavishly illustrated Images Across Space not only provides the background to the development of TV but the story of the Baird Television Ltd. up to its demise and its continuation as Cinema Television Ltd. There are many previously unpublished photographs that illustrate the level of sophistication practiced by the Baird Television Ltd. and revealing photographs of the Baird cathode-ray tube facility, laboratories in the Crystal Palace and Rotunda outbuilding, equipment installed at Alexandra Palace. The book reveals the implications of the devastating fire that spectacularly razed the Crystal Palace to the ground in 1936, taking with it the Baird facilities and an analysis of the television systems on trial for the BBC at Alexandra Palace. Readers will find this book a mine of fascinating material with even a comprehensive listing of the British patents of Baird and his associates at Baird/Cinema Television.

John Logie Baird is remembered as the inventor of the first working system of television but Images Across Space shows that there was much more to the story. Images Across Space is a rare book of technical detail and an extraordinary story - thoroughly recommended reading.

Size 176x250mm, 192 pages, ISBN 9781-8742-8921-0

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Edgar Harrison
Soldier, Patriot and Ultra Wireless Operator to Winston Churchill

By Geoffrey Pidgeon

Edgar Harrison had the most extraordinary adventures in World War II. This book details the life of the man from his earliest years through a career in the Royal Corps of Signals an abrupt move into MI6. The story of his numerous missions on all fronts and his time as an Ultra operator for Winston Churchill, is fascinating.

Edgar joined the Army as a 14 year old apprentice and was soon heading on a posting to China for five years. Posted back to Britain in 1938 with war looming Edgar signed on for further military service. In January 1940 he was moved out of the blue into MI6 and the British intelligence HQ at Waddon Hall. By April he was in Norway at the time the Germans invaded, from where he had to beat a hasty retreat. He was then in Brussels during the Blitzkrieg before escaping back to England via Dunkirk. Posted to Greece he was again on the retreat when the Nazis launched their overwhelming attack, he however, refused to surrender with other Allied troops. Instead, he made his escape via Kalamata in a rowing boat before being rescued by a British warship. He landed in Crete and was soon retreating again and was later evacuated to Cairo where he spent time recuperating from the wounds. Edgar was then parachuted into Yugoslavia with wireless gear for General Mihailovic and he became involved in close-quarter fighting between the various factions. Following a submarine withdrawal he was then sent to the Ukraine, for his sixth retreat of the war whilst ostensibly training Russian tank crews in the use of British wireless equipment. After returning to Cairo and Rommel's successful drive into Egypt, Edgar was ordered to set up the agents' wireless station for the SAS and the Long Range Desert Group deep in the Libyan Desert down at Kufra Oasis. From there he was posted to Algiers, becoming involved in the invasion of Sicily and setting up stations in Italy. Eventually Edgar returned Whaddon Hall, five miles west of Bletchley Park, before going to France and Germany. During this time he was also assigned to Winston Churchill as the MI6 wireless operator at meetings with Allied leaders. Passing the leader the decoded German Engima signals know as Ultra. After the war Edgar became the Principal Signals Officer of the Foreign Office.

This biography has been written by an acknowledged expert on Britain's clandestine activities Geoffrey Pidgeon. This book provides a glimpse of one of the great WWII stories and is recommended to everyone interested in MI6 the work carried out by its signals operators.

Size 177x255mm 232 pages ISBN: 9780 9560 5150 9

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The Real Enigma Heroes
By Phil Shanahan

The capture of the Enigma codes helped shorten the Second World War by at least a year. Churchill took a special interest in the information that came out of Bletchley Park’s Station X and he guarded his contact well so that the Germans would never find out the source.Without the quick actions of three men from HMS Petard, who clambered aboard a sinking German U-boat, the codes might never have been broken. On the night of 30 October 1942, First Lieutenant Tony Fasson, accompanied by Able Seaman Colin Grazier and Tommy Brown, climbed aboard U-559. Passing codebooks up through the hatch, Fasson and Grazier were caught aboard the sub as she suddenly sank. Brown was saved, along with the code books, and the rest, they say, is history...It wasn’t until 1969 that the men were mentioned for their work in rescuing the Enigma codes, and even then it was in the comic "The Hornet".

Phil Shanahan tells the extraordinary story of the three men who saved countless Allied lives and shortened the war by a year, as well as the efforts to recognise their bravery.

It’s hard to think of three individual servicemen who did more to hasten the Allied victory - Robert Harris, author of "Enigma".

They played a pivotal part in bringing the Battle of the Atlantic to an earlier close - Prince Andrew.

A contribution to the winning of the war that few could match - Tony Blair.

Hardback Size 254x178, paperback, 240 pages, ISBN: 9780 7524 4472 7

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What Really Sank the Titanic?
By Jennifer Hooper McCarty and Tim Foecke

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We are now all aware of the infamous night of the April 14, 1912, when the "unsinkable" RMS Titanic, with over 2,200 passengers onboard, plunged to a watery grave. But what really caused the Titanic to sink? Was it simply an unlucky accident with an iceberg in the North Atlantic or was it more?

For nearly a century, the shocking loss of the Titanic has haunted the world. Researchers Jennifer Hooper McCarty and Tim Foecke thoroughly investigate the accident applying modern techniques to the available evidence. There draw on their participation in expeditions to the ship's wreckage and experiments on recovered Titanic materials. Far from a conspiracy as some propose, the authors build a compelling new scenario for the reasons for the disaster.

Grippingly written, What Really Sank the Titanic is illustrated with fascinating period photographs and modern scientific evidence. If you are interested in this Titanic disaster this is a book not to be missed.

Size 231x157mm 256 pages. ISBN 9780-8065-2896-0

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Full Circle
A Dream Denied, A Vision Fulfilled

By Theodore J. Cohen

Solly's dream is for his son Teddy to one day become a concert violinist. Eventually he comes to understand and to endure the heartbreak of knowing that the dream never will be realized. As Solly watches, life takes Teddy from gifted violin student to adult engineer and scientist, leaving no time for the career in music Solly so dearly wants his son to pursue. In the end, there emerges the essence of redemption as Teddy returns to the violin late in life and fulfills his and his father's vision. The story, which is a work of fiction based on real events, will fascinate readers from ages ten to one hundred who are interested in radio, communications, and music and in how it was to grow up in a family whose members trace their heritage to that great wave of immigrants that crashed onto America's shores in the mid- to late 1800s.

Size 204x127, paperback, 216 pages, ISBN: 9781 4490 2914 2

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abc Air Traffic Control (10th Edition)
By Graham Duke

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Since the last edition of abc Air Traffic Control in 2005 there have been many changes in the air traffic control industry in the UK and UK-related airways. Air traffic has continued to increase rapidly resulting in more complex air traffic control systems which have to meet demand, as well as fulfilling safety and environment regulations.

Covering current issues facing the air traffic control industry, the author looks at the establishment of the new London Control Centre at Swanwick in the beginning of 2008, and the problematic congestion plaguing the UK skies, particularly in the busy Southeast. As a result, National Air Traffic Services, which took over from the Civil Airliner Authority in 2001 following partial privatization ofthe industry, is consulting with the CAA about redrawing the aircraft route map over the southeast of England to alleviate this problem.

This newest volume covers all the latest developments within the industry, explaining the structure of the system and the regulations controlling it in a straightforward manner, with a window into military air traffic control systems as well. Alongside this wider picture, intimate details are also revealed about the operations of ground control, the communications systems in the aircraft flying, the standard modes of communication, and airport procedures. The North Atlantic system and other aeronautical information such as charts, weather and airfield data are explained, as well as a full assessment of future developments. This is the essential handbook for anyone interested in civil aviation and the operation of modern air traffic control practice.

Size 184x120 mm, 112 pages, ISBN 978-1-85780-318-1

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abc Air Band Radio Guide (7th Edition)
By Graham Duke

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A long-awaited new edition of a best-selling pocket guide specifically designed for the aviation enthusiast who wants to listen in to aircraft air band activity.First published in 1992 abc Air Band Radio Guide is an indispensable guide to the complexities of air traffic control communications. For many thousands of aviation enthusiasts part of the fascination of their hobby is the ability to listen in to the radio transmissions made by the air traffic controllers and the aircraft under their control.

This highly popular guide has now been thoroughly updated, and it examines in detail, but in a straightforward manner, air traffic control in the UK, the technology involved, the equipment available with an analysis of various features and what to look for when seeking to acquire such equipment, airfields, radio frequencies, the nature of the transmissions that can be heard, antennas and high frequency radio.

Size 184x120 mm, 112 pages, ISBN 9781 8578 0319 8

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ENIGMA U-BOATS: Breaking the Code
By Jak P Mallmann Showell

Revised updated and made available for the first time as a paperback book ENIGMA U-BOATS: Breaking the Code is the true story of the Enigma machines taken from U-Boats in WW2.

ENIGMA U-BOATS: Breaking the Code is written by the acknowledged expert on the history of the U-boat arm in the Second World War. This book analyses the development of Enigma, following the story from the shocked German admirals who discovered that the Royal Navy had penetrated their secret radio codes during WW1. The response of the German navy to make a coding system, so complex that breaking their codes, would be theoretically impossible - the Enigma machine. There are details of the development of Enigma, its role during German U-boat operations, and the subsequent code-breaking work at Bletchley Park. This book examines in detail all the U-boats known to have been boarded by the Allies during the war from which Enigma machines could have been captured.

At a special 25% discount for RSGB members this book is a highly enjoyable read which details the story U-Boat and the Enigma story in WW2 and is thoroughly recommended reading.

Size: 194x130mm, 232 pages. ISBN 9780-7110-3396-2

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Between Silk and Cyanide
A Code Maker's War 1941-45

By Leo Marks

Leo Marks was until recently known as a poet and playwright, however now he is best known as one of the foremost cryptographers at Bletchley Park during WW2. This book is a detailed account of his time in SOE and is truly one of the great Second World War memoirs.

Between Silk and Cyanide tells how Marks revolutionised the code-making techniques of the Allies and trained some of the famous agents. The story is all here from his arrival in 1942 with a black market chicken tucked under his arm through his time at Bletchley Park. There is a huge amount of detail here including how he had had to come up with new cyphers for SOE when he was horrified to discover that the traffic could be read by the Germans with ease. His novel solution was to use original poems instead as cyphers. Marks also revolutionised the decoding of the 20% of "indecipherables", messages from SOE agents that were sent with the Gestapo on the prowl, that the agent need not risk his life to resend.

At 622 pages this book is a critically acclaimed and detailed autobiography. It is recommended to anyone seeking an account of Bletchley Park or simply a great read.

Size 194x124, paperback, 622 pages, ISBN: 9780 7509 4835 7

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The Greatest Podcasting tips in the World

by Malcolm Boyden

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Imagine having your own radio show on your own radio station, delivered to listeners around the world at the touch of a button. It's not a dream. All of this can happen - and it's much easier than you think. Let award-winning BBC Radio broadcaster Malcolm Boyden introduce you to the pulsating world of podcasting - a new and exciting radio revolution that could turn you into a broadcasting superstar. If you have any aspirations at all of becoming a radio presenter or just fancy trying your hand at broadcasting, this book gives you the perfect start.

Podcasting tips and advice to help you…

* Broadcast your radio shows direct to listeners across the world
* Show off your talent on a global stage
* Earn a lucrative living from the exciting world of the professional broadcaster
* Take a leading role in the new radio revolution
* Create your very own radio station

Size: 180mm x 132mm 160 pages, Hardback, ISBN 978-1-905151-75-2

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Perera's Telegraph Collectors Reference CD

NEW

By Prof. Tom Perera, W1TP
This CD edition of his famous Telegraph Collectors Guide is the most comprehensive guide to telegraph keys available. Containing an amazing 7000 photographs and a vast array of descriptions, prices, books, maps, videos and lists, this CD is a goldmine of fascinating information. The Telegraph Collectors CD is really easy to use and requires no installation or hard disc space, being HTML it should run equally well on PCs or Macs. It starts with a historical background of telegraph keys and discusses the types of keys available from the earliest years through to the present day. The reader will then find a breakdown ofthe various categories of keys, from the earliest 1830 varieties through the introduction of Morse code keys,spark & wireless keys, military keys from around the world and radio keys. There is also a wide range of material covering practice sets, semi-automatic keys (or "Bugs"), electronic keyers, paddles, home-made keys and even novelty items. A wide variety of pictures and diagrams aid identification of the various models and the author has included extensive lists of the various manufacturers, their model numbers and codes. There are even tips on restoring telegraph keys and their use along with a comprehensive index of the material. Even if you are not interested in the dollar value of telegraph keys this historical reference work is fascinating look at telegraph and Morse keys since their very inception.
ISBN 9781-9050-8623-8

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Perera's Telegraph Collectors Guide
By Prof. Tom Perera, W1TP

This is the third edition of the famous Perera's Telegraph Collectors Guide. Written by the leading expert on Telegraph Keys this book provides the reader with the comprehensive guide to telegraph keys. There is a historical background of telegraph keys and details of the types of keys available from the earliest 1830 varieties through to the present day. Morse code keys, spark & wireless keys, military keys from around the world and radio keys are all covered. There is also a wide range of material covering practice sets, semi-automatic keys (or "Bugs"), electronic keyers, paddles, home-made keys and even novelty items. There are even tips on restoring telegraph keys. The book also provides the latest guide prices for the keys along with a hugely valuable cross reference and comprehensive index of the material.

This book contains:
* Historical background
* Details of key types
* Hundreds of pictures
* Current key prices
* Tips on restoration
* Comprehensive & Cross-Referenced Index

This guide is ideal companion for anyone with an interest in telegraph keys and is a fascinating reference work on telegraph and Morse keys since their very inception

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Hijacking Enigma

By: Christine Large

The theft from Bletchley Park in 2000 of the legendary Enigma machine, the device used by the Allies to decode German messages during World War II, was an altogether novel and frightening twist on recent history. Closely followed by the British media, the theft of the Enigma machine was later revealed to be part of a well-orchestrated hate campaign against Bletchley Park's new director, Christine Large. Hijacking Enigma is her story, a harrowing insider's look at what's it's like to be at the centre of a complex cat-and-mouse game and media frenzy.

ISBN: 0-470-86347-1, Paperback 302 pages

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