From The Ground Up

Biography & Memoir History Australiana

C.D. Coulthard Clark’s From the Ground Up invites readers into the little-told story of Australian air power from the inside. This 1997 illustrated biography blends memoir with military history, charting the rise of the Royal Australian Air Force through the eyes of a man who helped shape it.

The 222-page vintage paperback, protected by its original dust jacket, is packed with photographs and official records that bring Cold-War-era bases and aircraft vividly to life. Collectors of Australian military history will appreciate the clean, unmarked pages and tight binding; only a tiny tear at the jacket’s spine head keeps the book from fine status.

Ideal for enthusiasts of aviation, Australian cultural studies, or true combat narratives, this edition offers an accessible yet authoritative window onto tactics, politics and personal sacrifice. From recruitment to retirement, Clark’s candid voice captures the pride and challenges of a fledgling air force finding its wings on the world stage.

A smoke-free, inscription-free copy ready to shelve or gift, From the Ground Up remains a cornerstone title for anyone building a library of Australiana, military biography or air-force reference works.