"Gas Turbines and Jet Propulsion"

6th Edition, by the late G Geoffrey Smith, MBE. Revised and enlarged by FC Sheffield. 442 pp, 81/2 in by 51/2 in. (Iliffe & Sons Ltd, Dorset House, Stamford St, London, 35s)

Much attention is focused at present on the possibilities of the gas turbine for road vehicles, while in the air jet propulsion is established as highly successful. It behoves the student, and all those with enquiring minds to probe the mysteries a these new forms of propulsion. however much they may lament the coming demise of the reciprocating. piston, engine.

No better way of doing this is available than by studying this comprehensive Iliffe volume. It is notably complete as to text and illustrations, and covers in simple language, backed by formulae where neeessary, the first principles, history and development and present design of gas-turbine and jet-propulsion units, together with discussion of the pros and cons of the old form of ic propulsion against the new, propeller against jet. Problem units are described in detail, and future applications are discussed, including the gas-turbine for road vehicles.

The Foreword is by Sir Barold Roxbee Cox, Ph D, DLC, DSc, M I Mech E, FRAc S,  F Inst F, F I Ae S who was Director of the National Gas Turbine Establishment from 1946 to 1948, and a useful appendix to this 6th edition covers early British developments in the gas-turbine field.

This is literally the standard reference work on this important and topical subject and should not be missed.— WB.