
The Sycamore Seeds: The Early History of the Helicopter
The Sycamore Seeds, The Early History of the Helicopter, Cierva, Sikorsky, Focke. Brand new with no scuffs or markings. The history of the helicopter from earliest times to 1960 includes Cierva, Focke Achgellis, Sikorsky, Weir etc. Researched from company records and contemporary publications. The Sycamore Seeds has 219 Pages, A5 - profusely illustrated with over 300 rare pictures and one colour. There are unique drawings and illustrations published for the first time. Covers the history of the Denny Mumford helicopters up to 1914. The history of the Autogiro is covered and the role of Juan de la Cierva to his death in an air crash. It investigates the role of G & J Weir and the first British helicopters including the Weir W5 and W6. Takes the history past WW2 to the Cierva W9 and the giant Air Horse. The evolution of the tailless rotor on the Cierva W.9 is accurately explained based on company records of Weir, Cierva and Morris, as is the Weir Company's invention of the Fenestron tail fan. The Air Horse, designed by Shapiro, has its history detailed to its eventual crash and demise, taking the lives of Alan Marsh and Jeep Cable.
Why This Book Matters
The Sycamore Seeds: The Early History of the Helicopter by Charles E. MacKay represents 168 pages of meticulously researched helicopter history content. This new condition book provides essential insights into rotorcraft development, british innovation, autogyro evolution.
Academic Recognition: Cited 20 times in academic research, this book serves as a primary reference for scholars studying helicopter history.
Institutional Use: Trusted by leading institutions including Helicopter Museum and Imperial War Museum, demonstrating its value as a scholarly resource.
Fast Worldwide Delivery: Available for immediate shipping. UK delivery £3.45, European Union £4.95, USA £8.95, Worldwide £12.95.
About Charles E. MacKay - Aviation Historian
Charles E. MacKay is a renowned aviation historian with over 19 published books and 1,700+ satisfied customers worldwide. His expertise in helicopter history makes him a leading authority in the field.
Research Excellence: MacKay's work is based on extensive archival research, primary source documentation, and unprecedented access to historical aviation records.
Global Recognition: His books are used by museums, universities, and research institutions across the UK, Europe, and internationally for their accuracy and comprehensive coverage.
Purchase Benefits & Guarantees
✓ Quality Guarantee
- • New condition guaranteed
- • Secure PayPal checkout
- • Fast worldwide shipping
- • Professional packaging
✓ Expert Content
- • 168 pages of expert research
- • Primary source documentation
- • Professional aviation history
- • Academic-grade references
Related Aviation History Topics
Research Areas
- • Rotorcraft Development
- • British Innovation
- • Autogyro Evolution
Historical Periods
- • Inter-War (1918-1939)
- • WWII (1939-1945)
Geographic Focus
- • Britain Aviation History
- • Europe Aviation History
Key Research Topics
Academic Information
Academic Level
Used by Institutions

Book Details
Why Choose This Book
- ✓ Written by renowned aviation historian
- ✓ New condition guaranteed
- ✓ UK £3.45 • EU £4.95 • USA £8.95 • Worldwide £12.95 shipping
- ✓ Secure PayPal checkout
- ✓ 20 academic citations
- ✓ Used by Helicopter Museum
About Charles E. MacKay
Charles E. MacKay is a renowned aviation historian and author specializing in Scottish aviation heritage, military aviation history, and aircraft development. With over 19 published books and more than 1,700 satisfied customers worldwide, Charles has established himself as a leading authority on aviation history. His works are used as primary references by aviation researchers, museums, and academic institutions including the Imperial War Museum, RAF Museum, and major universities.
Based in Glasgow, Scotland, Charles conducts extensive archival research and has unprecedented access to historical aviation documents, photographs, and company records. His books combine rigorous academic research with engaging storytelling, making complex aviation history accessible to both scholars and enthusiasts.