Description

Title: The Defeat of Distance: Qantas, 1919-1939
Author/Publisher: John Gunn, University of Queensland Press
Publication Year: 1989
Format: xvi, 400-page Illustrated First Edition Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Ex-Library Book: This book is an ex-library book. As shown in the photos, there is some remnants of this. Where possible the library barcodes, contact covering, RFID label and paperwork are removed from our books, however if we feel it will damage the book, we will keep it in place.

Synopsis

Published in 1989, John Gunn's 'The Defeat of Distance' offers a compelling non-fiction account of the pioneering years of Qantas, Australia's iconic airline, spanning from its inception in 1919 through to the eve of the Second World War in 1939. This meticulously researched volume delves into the extraordinary challenges and remarkable achievements that defined early Australian commercial aviation.

Against a backdrop of vast geographical distances and burgeoning technological innovation, Gunn chronicles Qantas's crucial role in connecting remote communities and establishing vital air routes. It is a narrative of ingenuity, perseverance, and the ultimate triumph over the isolation that once characterised the Australian continent, fundamentally reshaping the nation's connectivity.

• Founding Vision and Early Operations: Explore the very origins of Qantas, from the visionary founders to the initial challenges of establishing an airline in the rugged Australian landscape, detailing its first routes and aircraft.
• Pioneering Aviation Technology: Discover the types of aircraft utilised, the early navigation techniques, and the significant technological hurdles that were overcome to make long-distance commercial flight a reality in the interwar period.
• Connecting a Continent: Understand how Qantas expanded its network, linking distant towns and cities, fostering economic growth, and shrinking the perceived size of Australia through the advent of reliable air travel.
• Historical Imagery: The narrative is richly enhanced by illustrations, providing a visual journey through this formative era of Australian aviation and offering rare glimpses into the early days of Qantas.

As a first edition published in 1989, 'The Defeat of Distance' stands as a definitive historical reference for anyone interested in the foundational history of Qantas, Australian transportation, and the pioneering spirit of early aviation. It is a compelling acquisition for collectors of vintage non-fiction and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications