Customer Reviews

Boeing Field (Images of Aviation: Washington)

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Arcadia Publishing is a publisher that publishes pictorial histories of localities across America. Visit the Arcadia web site and you will find a map of the US. Click on an area and a list of titles germaine to that area appears.

These books rely on pictures. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Arcadia is able to publish millions of words in somewhat thin books.

But the photos and accompanying text weave an historical narrative. Such is true with this book which focuses on Boeing Field in Seattle and the history Boeing Field has been a part of, not only for the Boeing COmpany but for aviation in general and the Field contributions during wars.

I found this book intriguing and interesting and thorough.

Historically Boeing Field has to be one of the most significant American airfields ever. Although forever linked to Boeing aircraft, it has a fascinating history dating back to the early 1910s. Author Cory Graff, assistant curator at the Museum of Flight, and Arcadia Publishing offer up this 128-page photographic guidebook to Boeing Field's rich history.

After a four-page summary of the history of Boeing Field, Graff presents over 200 b&w photographs, maps and illustrations that traces that development chronologically. Early biplane stunting over undeveloped Seattle fields gives way to the construction of Boeing Airplane Company Plant No. 1, the inital step in creating the huge production center that turned out thousands of B-17s, B-29s, B-47s, B-52s, 707s, 727s, 737s, etc. in coming years. Yet BOEING FIELD is not just endless images of Flying Forts and other Boeing products. A variety of other aircraft such as Bach Air Yachts, Douglas O-35s, Ford Trimotors, Pitcairn autogyros, Curtiss P-40s, etc. are also included Likewise, Graff's book features pix of William Boeing, Bill Boeing, Eddie Allen and others associated with the company but also aviation luminaries like Charles Lindbergh, Sir Hugh Dowding and Tex Johnston. Along with ground and air-to-air shots of military and commercial Boeing birds in flight, the book features interior shots of various aircraft, factory construction, special events, crashes and mishaps, etc. Each photograph comes with very informative captions.

Since the book didn't include an index, I gave it four stars; actually 4 1/2! In any case, BOEING FIELD is great eye-candy for aviation buffs of all ages. Recommended.