{"product_id":"fighter-pilot-mcscotch-1st-edition","title":"Fighter Pilot, 'McScotch' — 1st Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication\u003c\/strong\u003e: London, George Routledge \u0026amp; Son Ltd., 1936\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormatting\u003c\/strong\u003e: 8vo, pp. [viii], 248.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Report:\u003c\/b\u003e Good. The publisher's original blue cloth binding remains structurally sound with secure hinges, though it exhibits distinct cosmetic wear, most notably significant sun-fading to the spine which has shifted the cloth to a greenish hue, alongside mild bumping to the spine ends. The boards show light scuffing, faint spotting, and three prominent, historic damp-stains to the rear board, yet the gilt spine lettering remains perfectly legible. Internally, the text block is square and tight, but presents with substantial age-toning and moderate foxing, particularly pronounced across the page edges and preliminary leaves. A contemporary previous ownership signature is written in pencil on the front free endpaper. Overall, a solid reading copy of a scarce survivor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eCatalogue Note:\u003c\/b\u003e First edition, first printing of this highly sought-after aviation memoir. Issued two years prior to the more common Newnes reprint, this true first edition features a frontispiece and black-and-white aerial photographs throughout. The front free endpaper bears a factual contemporary ownership signature (\"G. Lawn\").\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis original 1936 printing is increasingly scarce on the open market, particularly in its original cloth. Copies lacking the exceedingly rare dust jacket generally present with notable fading and wear, such as this example, as the mid-1930s blue cloth binding was highly susceptible to sunning and handling marks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'McScotch,' the pseudonym of First World War flying ace William MacLanachan, delivers a gripping, articulate, and deeply personal account of his experiences as a fighter pilot in the Royal Flying Corps. Joining No. 40 Squadron in 1917, MacLanachan flew Nieuport Scouts and S.E.5s alongside legendary aviators, including his close friend and celebrated ace, 'Mick' Mannock, V.C. This evocative memoir captures not only the visceral thrill and terror of early aerial combat, but also the profound camaraderie and psychological toll endured by the young men whose life expectancy in the skies was often measured in mere weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Broadhursts Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54507649433939,"sku":"4948","price":59.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0960\/1469\/6787\/files\/20260730_234738.jpg?v=1786016042","url":"https:\/\/broadhurstsbooks.com\/products\/fighter-pilot-mcscotch-1st-edition","provider":"Broadhursts Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}