Extensively illustrated throughout, the book features details lifted directly from enquiry and salvage reports, much of which has never been published before and offers a unique insight into the failures and tragedies that blighted the early days of the Comets development, laying down lessons that were ultimately to benefit later designs. As part of his research into the book, the author interviewed John Cunningham, the Comet test pilot who was the first to experience flight at the helms of the iconic craft. He was also given access to materials belonging to Harry Povey, the DeHavilland Production Manager. Insights gained from these two sources add a deeper level of authenticity to the narrative and a more personalised account of proceedings.

Attention is also paid to the derivative Nimrod design, and the book features an interview that the author conducted with the aircraft commander of the last ever Nimrod operational flight. Interviews of this kind are supplemented by the author's own narrative of proceedings, setting personal experience within historical context and exploring the themes and historical topics that the interviews evoke.