From Booklist
In addition to covering some 90 years of documented events of flying, up to 1992, it covers the preflying era--back to 850 B.C.--when men tried to fly using kites, balloons, and dirigibles. Close to 7,000 entries emphasize World Wars I and II and the expansion of civil aviation in the 1920s and 1930s. Rockets, missiles, and spacecraft are not covered unless they have wings and come back to earth, such as the shuttle. Coverage is comprehensive for historic aviators and inventors; commercial and military aircraft; aircraft manufacturers; and specifications for all aircraft mentioned as an entry. Approximately 150 black-and-white photographs serve as illustrations.
When one begins reading this chronology, it is difficult to stop. Each event is described in detail, interestingly and authoritatively. For example, the entry for A.D. 852 describes the use of a large cloak by the Moorish savant Armen Firmin to attempt flying, thus the advent of the parachute. The entry for December 7, 1941, an account of the attack on Pearl Harbor, provides statistics on the number and type of enemy aircraft involved, loss of men on both sides, U.S. naval ships involved, and total aircraft lost on both sides. Other examples of entries include one for October 21, 1950, when 1,093 paratroopers were dropped in the Wonsan area of Korea; and December 4, 1991, when Pan American World Airways ceased operations.
With the enormous amount of information contained in this chronology, it is a miniencyclopedia on aircraft and flying. No other book presents the subject in such detail in this format. Through the use of the index, one has instant information on all aspects of flying. This is a highly recommended reference source for all libraries.
