Reach for the Sky

London: Collins, 1954 . First edition. Cloth. Near Fine/Very Good. 8.5" by 6". Not Stated. A pleasing first edition, first impression of Paul Brickhill's illustrated biography of Battle of Britain and Dunkirk hero, Douglas Bader. The first edition, first impression of Paul Brickhill's authorised biography of Battle of Britain RAF pilot, Douglas Bader. In the publisher's original price unclipped dust wrapper.In 1951, Bader approached Brickhill - whose previous works, 'The Dam Busters' and 'The Great Escape' - he had enjoyed, about collaborating on this biography. An immensely popular work that saw hundreds of thousands of sales, the work became the biggest-selling hardback in post-war Britain.Illustrated with twenty-four photographic illustrations on twelve plates. Collated, complete.With the contemporary inscription of Evelyn E Pollock, Rochester, to the front pastedown, dated 1954.A pleasing copy of this biography chronicling the life and RAF career of Bader until the end of the Second World War. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with price unclipped dust wrapper. Shelf wear to back strip tail, with light fading to back strip head. Light sunning to dust wrapper back strip, with chipping to back strip head and edge wear to back strip tail. Discolouration to rear wrap, with edgewear to wrap perimeters. Two light tide marks to back strip reverse. Inscription to front pastedown. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Near Fine