Chronicle of Aviation [Hardcover]

M. J. Armitage (Author, Editor), Bill Gunston (Author, Editor), Peter Bently (Author, Editor), Mark S. Pyle (Author), Edouard Chemel (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A true bonanza of aviation trivia and hard, factual information best describe this first-rate reference. In the pages of this book are flying machines of all types, from hot-air balloons and the harsh primitive fighters of World War I, through the most modern experimental combat and civil aircraft. While individual descriptions of particular planes are not heavily burdened with technical detail, enough of the latter comes through to give the reader an idea of the impact and place in aviation history of the machine in question. Equally fascinating are the print-media accounts chronicling both the tragic and the exhilarating moments in aviation and our quest for the sky in the early 19th through the 20th century. This volume will be hard to top: it is well balanced, fun to read, and capable of providing enjoyment and solid information for lay reader, aviation enthusiast, and scholar alike. Highly recommended for all reference libraries.
- Thomas G. Anton, Field Museum of Natural History Lib., Chicago
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 984 pages
• Publisher: Jl Intl Pub; First edition. edition (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1872031307
• ISBN-13: 978-1872031309
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.4 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,824,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I am the editor-in-chief for American article development, November 25, 1999

By 

Mark S. Pyle (Liberty, Missouri) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chronicle of Aviation (Hardcover)

I originally was going to submit this review as the author...which in fairness I am as much as any of those listed but withdrew the verbage before the final mouse click for avoidance of legal ramifications.

In 1991, Chronicle of Aviation was originally published in France. It was piloted by a wonderful Air France Concorde pilot by the name of Edouard Chemel and published under Chronicle Publications...the owner a very colorful Belgian by the name of Jacques Legrand. The book was later translated into english by Derek Mercer and new articles and content to attract the attention of english speaking audiences. Ivan Rendall, "Reaching for the Skies," was the original editor-in-chief for England but withdrew at the last moment and Bill Gunston was his replacement. Gunston's name in England is well known, and was thought to increase sales after Rendall pulled out of the project.

I was brought in as editor-in-chief for American content in December of '91 and was a contributing author of well over 70 articles and many, many pictures as well.

The book never did well in the USA but was quite successful overseas. American's and history... well, we are a throw away society, are we not?

Since Chemel and I are notably absent from your author header, I respectfully submit that we both contributed more blood sweat and tears than any of those individuals you have listed.

With respect,

Mark S. Pyle Captain "The Last Clipper" December 4th, 1991

editor-in-chief "Chronicle of Aviation"

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive encyclopedia of all things aviation!, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Chronicle of Aviation (Hardcover)

I'm a pilot and was looking for the biggest and most comprehensive history of aviation. I found it in this book!
This is the essential aviation book and reference/research tool! Place it on your coffee table -- it will never get put back down! Hardcover, high quality images and articles. Each page looks like a newspaper. It is a tad biased toward Europe, but US aircraft, ever the powerhouse of aviation in the world, is overwhelmingly the majority of articles. There is some editorial embellishing, but not to the point that the bulk of the historical fact is presented.
This book is HUGE! Over 950+ pages! Color and black and white photos, artwork. The book is broken down into chronological history of aircraft from 1500-1992. At the beginning of each year, a huge cover image from some significant happening (or other cool image) appears with the stats for highest altitude, engine HP, speed record, etc. for aviation at that point.
Just when you think its over, there is a 200+ page section on how all types of aircraft engines work, including famous engines, types of fuel, turbo and super charging, turbines, rotary, etc. Then, after that, there is major world airline information including artwork of each aircraft tail and its corporate logo, plus vital stats about each. Neat!
Buy this book, you won't be dissapointed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It was the best book about the history of flight., July 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Chronicle of Aviation (Hardcover)

It was the best book about history of the chronical of aviation. It gave all of the info. about airplanes.