Heroes of the Flying Corps WWI Aviation Book, 1916, Inscribed Copy

Original World War I aviation history volume titled Heroes of the Flying Corps: A Description of the Work of the Airmen During the Early Stages of the War, published in London in 1916 by Henry Frowde / Hodder & Stoughton. Authored by Claude Grahame-White—one of Britain’s pioneering aviators—and Harry Harper, this work stands as an early and influential contemporary account of military aviation at the outbreak of the Great War. The book is illustrated throughout, including full-color plates by noted aviation and war artist Cyrus Cuneo, depicting aerial combat, reconnaissance, and airship engagements during the formative years of air warfare.

This example retains its original illustrated cloth binding in pale green, with a pictorial front cover showing Royal Flying Corps officers studying a map, aircraft in flight, and period aviation motifs. The spine is fully titled and illustrated, with publisher imprint at the foot. Internally, the title page confirms the 1916 London publication. The book contains multiple full-page color plates and black-and-white illustrations, including dramatic depictions of Zeppelin raids, anti-aircraft fire, and early aeroplane operations over France.

Of particular importance is the period handwritten inscription on the front endpaper, reading in full:
“Harry Scarr,
With love, from
Auntie Maggie
Christmas, 1915”

This inscription predates the official publication year, strongly suggesting the book was acquired or gifted at the very end of 1915 or during the earliest 1916 release window—entirely consistent with wartime publishing practices and holiday gifting. The inscription provides direct personal provenance to an original wartime civilian or family context, enhancing collector appeal.

Physically, the book is complete and intact. The cloth boards show honest service wear, including surface scuffing, light fraying at the extremities, and age-related rubbing consistent with a 110-year-old volume. The spine remains firm and legible. The binding is sound, with no loose pages observed. Internally, the pages are clean overall, with expected age toning. Color plates remain vibrant, and text pages are crisp and readable. No modern repairs or restoration are evident.

Historically, Heroes of the Flying Corps occupies an important place in early aviation literature. Claude Grahame-White was among the most prominent British aviators of the prewar and early wartime period, instrumental in popularizing flight and advocating for air power. This book reflects contemporary understanding of aviation before air combat doctrine was fully developed, offering insight into reconnaissance, bombing, and the psychological impact of aerial warfare during 1914–1915. As such, it is a foundational reference for collectors of Royal Flying Corps, early RAF, and First World War aviation material.

Condition is best described as very good overall, with expected wartime-era wear but no major defects. The presence of an original dated family inscription significantly elevates this copy above standard examples.