"I was photographed naked on a cushion very early in life, an insane, toothless smile slitting my face and pleats of fat overlapping me like an ill-fitting overcoat. Later, at the age of two, I was photographed again. This time in a lace dress, leaning against a garden roller and laughing hysterically. If these photographs can be found they will adorn this book."

Thus begins the life story of one of the most celebrated characters in British theatrical history, in the first of Coward's autobiographies, first published in 1937. Displaying an early dedication to the theatre, Present Indicative hints at the success that would come to Coward as actor, playwright, novelist and performer. Each line is punctuated with his trademark effervescent wit, making this book a comic tour de force in it's own right, as well as a "must read" for anyone with an interest in the British stage.

"He is simply a phenomenon, and one that is unlikely to occur ever again in theatre history" Terence Rattigan

Steve Davies is 'Air Forces Monthly' magazine's UK correspondent, a contributor to several other worldwide aviation publications ('International Air Power Review,' 'Combat Aircraft,' 'Aircraft Illustrated,' 'Air International' etc.), and is widely recognised as a leading authority on the F-15. He is well placed to extract stories and anecdotes that might otherwise remain untold and this is his first book for Osprey.

An airbrush artist with years of experience, Chris Davey has become Osprey's principal illustrator of RAF aircraft, having produced the profiles for over a dozen books since 1994. His most recent work includes Aircraft of the Aces 38: 'Tomahawk and Kittyhawk Aces of the RAF and Commonwealth' and Combat Aircraft 31: 'Lancaster Squadrons 1942-43.' He is particularly adept at 'big' aircraft like the Halifax and Sunderland.