Customer Reviews

Flying Boats and Seaplanes: A History from 1905

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Originally published in France, this large format volume is the best of all the recently published pictorial seaplane historical surveys. Layout, typesetting and photo reproduction were absolutely outstanding in the original and have suffered only slightly in this version. The text is well organized and authoritative; it is enhanced by a complete index. Some effort has gone into the translation which reads smoothly and has had all of the measurements converted to the English system. The over 300 photos are well chosen and accurately captioned. I only noticed two errors: a photo of a Laté 631 was inserted where a Potez-CAMS 161 should have been, and the author was fooled by a propaganda shot of the "ersatz Wölfchen", an FF33J, labeling it the original FF33E. This book really shines in its coverage of pre-1919 seaplanes, the era which is usually the weak link of seaplane general histories. Excellent photos, some quite uncommon, are accompanied by complete entry lists for a number of pre-war hydroplane meets. As he takes us through seaplane history, the author avoids the temptation to use poor contemporary color photos or to substitute color pictures of restored current seaplanes for authentic period shots, thus presenting an accurate look at seaplane aviation until after WW II. Color is first introduced with the jet `boats and the entire final section is a full-color look at modern seaplanes, including some museum examples and "warbirds". The book's true value is actually in its superb selection of black and white photos; for each familiar shot there are three unique or unusual views, often of rarely illustrated types. Some of my favorites are Pixton's Sopwith Tabloid in flight during the 1914 Schneider, Christiansen's Brandenburg W.29 actually attacking the submarine C.25, a bevy of bathing beauties balancing on the wings of a Loening C-2 Air Yacht in Avalon Bay (this shot was on the rear cover of the French version!), and a Gourdou-Leseurre GL 812 leaving its catapult cart. The Curtisses, Consolidateds, Dorniers, Macchis, Shorts and Sikorskies are all there too. Overall, this is the most accurate, neatly presented and well balanced seaplane survey yet published...I can't recommend this title highly enough!

This book contains great pictures of the first era of seaplanes as well as a great review of the history of their use, modifications and evolution. It's a great read and makes me want my own Grumman Albatross. Seeing an actual action picture of the Spruce Goose was amazing since I never knew there was one. I read, or browse, through this book almost everynight. It's much better, personally, than looking at planes that just land with wheels.