Amazon.com Review
From the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution comes this lavishly (and lovingly) illustrated history of aviation. With an authoritative text by museum advisor and World War II fighter ace Donald Lopez, this wondrously entertaining book takes the reader on a flight through time, from the first balloons of the Mongolfier brothers to the stealth technology of the F-117 fighter.
Among the more than 350 photographs are rare cockpit shots taken inside classic planes (including Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and a B-17 Flying Fortress), numerous full-color photos of planes in the Smithsonian's permanent collection, and a fold-out timeline showing milestones in the development of aviation.
From the Inside Flap
Aviation From the winged gods of mythology to the technology of the Stealth Bomber, Aviation: A Smithsonian Guide presents the thrilling panorama of world aviation. It combines fast-paced narrative by Flying Tiger pilot Don Lopez with stunning color visuals from the National Air and Space Museum. The Complete Story Seven thematic sections detail landmark events, technological advances, and the drama of the men, women, and aircraft that soared ever higher, farther, and faster. Here are balloonists and barnstormers, stunt fliers and jet pilots, the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Chuck Yeager, and many more. Fact boxes and diagrams explain such concepts as wing design and jet propulsion, while two-page portraits feature planes. Aviation includes more than 350 illustrations, photographs, and other artworks. Events that shaped the course of aviation are presented in an 8-page foldout illustrated timeline, an instant reference to the entire subject. The 40-page photo glossary offers easy identification and concise explanations of technical and scientific terms, plus biographies of major people. Entertaining and understandable, this information-packed guide will be read and referred to again and again. Authoritative • Readable • Easy to Use Each Smithsonian Guide provides a concise, easy-to-follow introduction to a complex subject. With lively text by the nation's leading experts and illustrations and photographs from Smithsonian collections, the series forms a unique home-reference library.
