Tag: Biggles

Biggles Hits the Trail

Biggles Hits the Trail

by Captain W. E. Johns (Oxford University Press, 1941)

Johns_Biggles Hits the Trail

Biggles has dated into problematic territory, particularly in how Johns depicts ‘uncivilised’ (though clearly in this case not unintelligent) people. Assumptions of superiority notwithstanding, this is a roaring, peril-filled, page-turner of an adventure, predicated Jules Verne style around a real-world speculative element.

 

 

Biggles Flies North

Biggles Flies North

by W.E. Johns (Oxford University Press, 1939); abridged audiobook read by Michael Palin (BBC Radio 4, 1981)

Johns_Biggles Flies North

Biggles is effortlessly heroic and cool under pressure (if not always quick on the uptake). His mission of mercy to Canada’s Fort Beaver leaves no doubt as to the good and bad guys. Michael Palin captures the Boy’s Own spirit of adventure.