Slipping the Surly Bonds: Great Quotations on Flight

This is a must read for pilots or ANYONE interested in flying or connected with the aviation industry. It is NOT a " sparse, flowery book of aviation poetry," - it is a very thorough book of aviation history in the form of various quotes. I would estimate that there are approximately 1000 quotes contained in this easy to read format.

This book makes a WONDERFUL gift for pilots and those who have always been fascinated with flying. However, unlike most books that contain a few poetic lines on each page - this book centers more around historic and literary quotes. Although it is more than a "coffee table" book, it is certainly a book that would easily interest most guests.

"Slipping the Surly Bonds" is divided into 14 areas and has an index for easy referencing. Areas of interests include: First Flights, Magic and Wonder of Flight, Air Power, Combat, Predictions, Piloting, Safety, Space, and Women Fly and more.

As a female Vice President of two small Aviation Companies, I have often searched for gifts for pilots, etc. who have been difficult to buy for. I have never gone wrong when purchasing this book as a gift.


WONDERFUL AVIATION GIFT   January 6, 2004
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I bought this book as gifts for my rc- aviation friends and it was an instant hit! This book makes an awesome bathroom quote book- or a lovely coffee table book. It is small but thick. A great read. I gave it 5 stars, but I will say that I expected pictures to go along with the great quotes.-this is just a minor flaw. Most probably wouldn't expect pictures anyway. The words inspire scenery in the mind by themselves. Definitly worth the buy!


Great gift!!!   November 24, 2003
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

My husband likes to fly (we have a small plane) so I thought he'd enjoy this book even. He loved it! And I loved it too I n=must say. Its a terrific collection of quotes the reference or talk about flight and flying. The quotes are organized into chapters: high flight, magic & wonder of flight, predictions, first flights, air power, combat, bums on seats, cliches, misc., piloting, safety, space, women fly, last words. There must be hundreds of quotes in here. There are some photographg (B/W). Its a terrific collection! Highly recommended!


If you know people who fly, this book resonates   April 25, 2001
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

My father was an air traffic controller (firstly in the air force and then in civil aviation) so I grew up around airports and aeroplanes.

I can just sit with this book for half an hour any time. It is a wonderful combination of humour - "Airplane travel is nature's way of making you look like your passport photo." (Al Gore) - might be my favourite. But there is also the deeply profound and quite moving.

It'll be a well thumbed and much quoted book for years to come.