Rolls-Royce: The Magic of a Name

The First Forty Years of Britain’s Most Prestigious Company, 1904-1944

The Magic of a Name tells the story of the first forty years of Britain’s most prestigious manufacturer – Rolls-Royce. Beginning with the historic meeting in 1904 of Henry Royce and C.S. Rolls, and the birth in 1906 of the legendary Silver Ghost, Peter Pugh tells a story of genius, skill and dedication that gave the world cars and aeroengines unrivalled in their excellence. In 1915, 100 years ago, Royce produced the first of many aero engines, the Eagle, which proved itself in battle in the First World War. Twenty-five years later, the totemic Merlin was installed in the Spitfire and built in a race against time to help win the Battle of Britain. With unrivalled access to the company’s archives, this is a unique portrait of both an iconic name and of British industry at its best.