Sometimes, the best surprises arrive unannounced. Recently, we received an unexpected package from W.W. Norton & Company—a copy of The Big Hop: The First Non-Stop Flight Across the Atlantic Ocean and Into the Future by David Rooney. While book reviews aren’t typically part of our editorial focus, the subject matter was too compelling to ignore.
In 1919, against the backdrop of a world still reeling from the devastation of World War I and the influenza pandemic, four teams of British aviators flying the Sopwith Atlantic biplane gathered in Newfoundland for an audacious challenge: to complete the first nonstop transatlantic flight. Dubbed “The Big Hop,” this race was both a test of technology and a feat of human endurance. Of the four teams, one had to abandon their flight midway, and two never even left the ground. Only one crew, after a grueling sixteen-hour battle against the elements, successfully landed in Ireland—securing their place in aviation history.
Though celebrated at the time, these early transatlantic pioneers were soon overshadowed by later solo crossings, particularly those of Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. The Big Hop seeks to restore their rightful place in history, shining a light on the courage and determination of these often-overlooked trailblazers.
Rooney masterfully weaves together the stories of these aviators, from pilot Harry Hawker—who once watched Houdini soar over his native Australia—to engineer Ted Brown, an American who joined the Royal Flying Corps. Drawing from firsthand accounts and archival materials, the book immerses readers in the world of early aviation, where fragile aircraft crafted from wood and fabric carried their crews through treacherous skies. The journey was fraught with challenges—mechanical failures, fierce storms, and sheer exhaustion—but their unwavering spirit pushed them forward.
With vivid storytelling, Rooney transports readers to an era when aviation was still in its infancy and every flight was a high-stakes gamble. The Big Hop is more than just a historical retelling—it’s a tribute to the men who risked everything to push the boundaries of what was possible. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the golden age of flight, offering a gripping and heartfelt account of one of aviation’s most remarkable yet largely forgotten milestones. The book is available on Amazon at this LINK.
