Here is my quick review of a few radio-based books.
Famous Sea Rescues —Karl Baarslag
A fantastic, well written book, that tells the story of several disasters at sea, and how the ship board radio operators contributed to the rescue operation.
The Vagrant Gypsy Life: A Merchant Navy Radio Officer’s Early Life at Sea — Chris Jenkins
An excellent autobiography, about how the author made the transition from 16 year old school boy, to radio officer in the British Merchant Marine. The story takes place in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, when HF, and CW were still the king of communications.
Two Eggs on My Plate — Oluf Reed Olssen
Another fantastic autobiography, about the life of a Norwegian resistance fighter, and his use of radio communications to pass along information to the allies in WWII. It’s full of adventure, and would be a great read for anyone interested in military/WWII history.
The Suitcase Set — Ted Hall
An excellent, and relatively short, autobiography, in which, the author tells about his experience using a suitcase set radio, to communicate with the allies in WWII. Available on line in a pdf format. I managed to download it on my Kindle.
Read it here:
The Suitcase SetThe Secret Listeners — Sinclair McKay
Most everyone knows about the radio and code breaking work being carried out at Bletchley Park, but not everyone knows the story of just who was actually sending them this information. This book tells the story of how the British recruited many, many people to become covert code listeners, and then deployed them all over the world during WWII.
The Radio Operator — James McGrath Morris
The story about Robert Ford’s effort to remain as Tibet’s last radio link to the outside world, as China overthrew the nation in the 1950’s.
Edgar Harrison: Soldier, Patriot and Ultra Wireless Operator to Winston Churchill — Geoffrey Pidgeon
The story of boy who joined the Royal Corps of Signals as an apprentice at age 14, and then went on to participate in a number of adventurous campaigns as a wireless operator, in WWII.
The following books are more fact, and less adventure.
200 Meters & Down: The Story of Amateur Radio — Clinton B. DeSoto
The story of amateur radio from it’s earliest days, and the role Hiram Percy Maxim played in keeping it alive.
The Secret Wireless War — Geoffrey Pidgeon
Details the history of MI6 communications during WWII.
Wireless at War — Peter R. Jensen
A detailed history of the various types of wireless communication equipment that has been used in war, from 1895-2012.
The Art and Skill of Radio-Telegraphy — William Pierpoint
A wonderful, classic book about radio telegraphy, and learning Morse Code. Available on line in pdf format.
Read it here:
The Art and Skill of Radio-TelegraphyZen and the Art of Telegraphy — Carlo Consoli
Another respected book about learning the skill of Morse Code.
Enjoy, and feel free to add any radio related books to this thread.