Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men

· Bolinda · Narrated by Richard Aspel
3 reviews
Audiobook
26 hr 41 min
Unabridged
Eligible
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About this audiobook

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, Smithy 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 bestselling 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.
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 B...

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About the author

Peter FitzSimons is the author of more than 25 books, including Tobruk, Kokoda, Batavia, Eureka, Ned Kelly, Gallipoli,and biographies of Douglas Mawson, Nancy Wake‚ Kim Beazley‚ Nick Farr-Jones‚ Les Darcy, Steve Waugh and John Eales. He is one of Australia's biggest selling non-fiction authors of the last 15 years, as well as being a journalist with the Sydney Morning Herald. FitzSimons was named a Member of the Order of Australia in 2011 for service to literature as a biographer, sports journalist and commentator. He lives with his wife, Lisa Wilkinson, and their three children in Sydney. His latest book, The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop, is due out in 2026.

Richard Aspel is a talented narrator of children's and adult audiobooks. He trained and worked in London, before returning to Australia where he has worked extensively in television, theatre and radio. His television credits include Neighbours and Carson's Law, and he provided various voices for The Silver Brumby animated series. Richard was nominated for the prestigious Audie Award (US) for his narration of The Mark of the Angel by Nancy Huston.

Peter FitzSimons is the author of more than 25 books, including Tobruk, Kokoda, Batavia, Eureka, Ned Kelly, Gallipoli,and biographies of Douglas Mawson, Nancy Wake‚ Kim Beazley‚ Nick Farr-Jones‚ Les Darcy, Steve Waugh and John Eales. He is one of Australia's biggest selling non-fiction authors of...

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Narrated by Richard Aspel