Convair B-36: A Comprehensive History of Americas Big Stick (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) [Hardcover]

Meyers K. Jacobsen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Military/Aviation History | Publication Date: July 1, 1998

Convair B-36: A Comprehensive History of Americas Big Stick is a collaborative effort edited and co-authored by Meyers Jacobsen exploring the history of one of SACs air giants, the six-engine Convair B-36. From the origins of the use of six engines on

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.; 1St Edition edition (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764305301
• ISBN-13: 978-0764305306
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,152,625 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book is nearly as large as the ship itself!, April 27, 2000

By 

William Courant (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Convair B-36: A Comprehensive History of Americas Big Stick (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) (Hardcover)

I knew I was in for a treat when I saw the huge box awaiting me on my porch. Upon opening the box my eyes met a wonderful sight, Four majestic B-36s in formation over the whitehouse. I was not dissapointed at the contents of the book itself. I especially like the accounts of those who served with this monster (very few of which are negative concerning their experience) I would recomend this book for any aviation library, the 36 definitely deserves a spot in one, it is a shame that it has been practically forgetten. The section on the experimental versions was also well done, my only gripe is the lack of a picture of the flight deck of the NB-36.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ultimate book of America's 1950s-era bomber, August 26, 1998

By 

Richard Slater [e-mail] (A school librarian from Camano Island WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Convair B-36: A Comprehensive History of Americas Big Stick (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) (Hardcover)

This reviewer grew up watching B-36s fly over his house and he remembers it as being the most impressive airplane ever. The B-36 was the only bomber in the world capable of truly intercontinental range with atomic weapons during the 1950s. "The "aluminum overcast" used 10 engines (6 piston and 4 jets -- referred as "six turning and four burning" by crew members) to travel at altitudes of 40,000 feet. The authors have drawn from almost every resource to detail the story of this bomber. Former crewmen tell their stories of flying and maintaining this airplane. (The crew stories were helpfully divided by air force base and unit so this reviewer could easily access his favorite unit, the 92nd Bomb Wing) Even motion pictures that featured the B-36 are discussed, including 1953's "Strategic Air Command" starring James Stewart. Hundreds of rare photographs, drawings and tables are featured in this outstanding book. Except for two or three short picture books, this is the only book of its' kind on this largely-forgotten bomber, responsible for keeping the peace during this time. For any fan of the B-36, the Strategic Air Command, or bombers in general, this book is a sumptuous treat!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last  a comprehensive book on the almost forgotten B-36!, March 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Convair B-36: A Comprehensive History of Americas Big Stick (Schiffer Military/Aviation History) (Hardcover)

Jacobsen's book is a long overdue tribute to one of the great aircraft of the 20th century. Very comprehensive, with lots of photos and personal stories by crew members. I would have liked to have seen some large "beauty" photos of the bird -large format, color, etc. and perhaps some artwork (I'm an artist). Perhaps a cutaway foldout spread would have been the capper to the book. If you want to know anything about the B-36, get this book!