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Biggles learns to fly, his early days as a WW1 fighter pilot
First Published in the Boys' Friend Library Issue No. 469 - dated 7th March 1935 and republished in 1955 - 192 pages

The 1955 version contains sixteen chapters, each of which is virtually a short story on its own, although they do flow together and sometimes one carries on from the previous one. Originally published as BIGGLES LEARNS TO FLY in 1935 with 12 stories and subsequently republished in an amended form in 1955. Two of the stories in the original publication were left out of the 1955 edition as they had already been reprinted in BIGGLES OF 266 (also published in 1955) the amended 1955 version contains:-

AUTHOR'S NOTE (a short essay by W. E. Johns containing explanatory notes)

FIRST TIME UP! - Biggles is taken up by an instructor who gives him his first ever flight in an aeroplane.

LANDED - BUT LOST - Biggles' first solo flight results in him getting hopelessly lost. After 15 hours he gets his 'wings'.

THE BOAT FOR FRANCE - Sent to France to serve in 169 squadron, Biggles meets Mahoney of 266 on the boat over.

BATTLE - Biggles faces aerial combat for the first time, with his experienced gunner, Mark Way (a New Zealander - I knew there was another reason I liked Biggles).

PLOTS AND PLANS - After a week's experience, Biggles and Mark go on an important recognisance mission.

LATE FOR DINNER - Returning from the above mission, Biggles and Mark have to ditch in the sea.

A DARING STUNT - Attacking an aerodrome, Biggles is again shot down. He and Mark escape from No Man's Land.

SPECIAL MISSION - Major Raymond sends Biggles on a special mission, to deliver and collect a spy.

EYES OF THE GUNS - Biggles does artillery observation for ground guns. When they can't hit the target, he bombs it.

THE CAMERA - A Bristol Fighter replaces Biggles' F. E. aeroplane. His temporary gunner, Harris, is killed.

THE 'SHOW' - Biggles and his squadron lend major support to a large ground attack over a number of days.

DIRTY WORK - When Phosphorus flares set their plane on fire, Biggles and Mark crash again.

THE PUP'S FIRST FLIGHT - Biggles transfers to 266 squadron and flies a Sopworth Pup. He captures a German Rumpler.

CAUGHT NAPPING - Biggles plans a major attack on a German 'circus'. Seven German Triplanes are destroyed.

THE YELLOW HUN - Now equipped with Sopworth Camels, Biggles seeks to avenge his old friend, Mark Way.

THE DAWN PATROL - Biggles lands and rescues Mahoney after he is shot down.

The dust cover of the 1955 version of the book shows Biggles in the cockpit of his plane at night.

If it provides one or two good tips or tactics for you, it's worth it.
I'm a firm believer in cognitive therapy. I believe that absent a miracle, you can only really minimize your distasteful tendencies. This works if you are self-aware and willing to change. It's merciful and forgiving. In that vein, I find the book targeting much the same kind of techniques. Getting a handle on your inner dialogue is tough enough for adults, much less children, but at least with children you have the advantage -- hopefully-- of having their attention. Using that wisely, you can help your child unravel their thought patterns and get a better handle on their perceptions.

Mind you, this is not teaching children to be optimistic despite any evidence to the contrary, but a way of dealing with adversity in an adaptable, merciful manner. "Mercy" keeps springing to mind because for many, the inner dialogue is crushing. If this helps alleviate that and point you in the right direction, it's done its job.

-C