|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Biggles
|
|
Jingoistic hero of some 70 children's books by Captain W.E. Johns (1893–1968), appearing from the 1930s to the late 1960s. Like his author, Biggles was a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps in World War I; the title of the first book, The Camels are Coming (1932), referred to the RFC's main fighter plane, the *Sopwith Camel. Biggles went on to play a major role in the Battle of Britain, and after World War II travelled the world foiling the evil plots of an unreformed Hun, Erich von Stalhein. In this crusade he was invariably supported by two early flying companions, Algy and Ginger. His views on inferior races, and foreigners in general, made Biggles increasingly unpopular with adults, though his adventures have continued to excite children.
|
|
|
|