The story behind the secretive handshake between two moguls that resulted in a multibillion-dollar miracle details the creation of the Boeing 747 and its influence on business, technology, and transportation around the globe. 50,000 first printing.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The Boeing 747, the jetliner which revolutionized air travel, was launched on its first commercial flight in 1970. For the past two decades, it has been the most popular large plane, with the wide body accommodating hundreds of passengers per flight. The exciting story of the events of the four years that led up to the triumphant debut of the 747 is ably told here by Conde Nast Traveler editor Irving. Boeing had made its reputation largely with military aircraft and was the first major company to believe that jets could serve as the civilian planes of the future. In producing the 747, the firm worked jointly with Pan Am, whose enigmatic, quixotic president, Juan Trippe, put constant pressure on the Seattle corporation, according to Irving. The interplay of personalities related here between Trippe and Boeing Chief Bill Allen is interesting, as are the clashes between two types of engineers: formulaic and intuitive. This is business history at its best. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
This intriguing book is as much a history of commercial passenger aviation as it is of the development of the Boeing 747 wide-body jet airplane. Given the cast of characters, which is as large as that of War and Peace , remembering who is doing what can be difficult. At times, the story reads like a mystery and at times like a thriller. Behind the different business enterprises of building airplanes and providing air transport for the masses was an unlikely melding of the personalities: CEOs, chief engineers, lawyers, scientists, test pilots, and accountants. It is these diverse personalities who grab and hold the reader's interest, while the author spins his stranger-than-fiction tale of how the plane that couldn't fly not only flew but changed the face of intercontinental air travel. Highly recommended for popular collections.
- Eric C. Shoaf, Duke Univ. Lib., Durham, N.C.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- Eric C. Shoaf, Duke Univ. Lib., Durham, N.C.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is a complete history of the stories behind the idea and desire for a large commercial aircraft. It discussess the process of design and why the the Boeing 747 has it majestic shape. It explains how Bill Allen and Juan Tripp "worked together" to bring the idea to Life. It details the pains and triumphs Joe Sutter (project manager) went through to make the the Boeing 747 the safest and largest commerial airliner of it's time. One great book on a great subject!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
This book is a great choice to read for anyone, even more so for those interested in commercial aviation. It has elements of drama, and also limits the techno-babble to keep it interesting.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By M. Morelock
Format:Hardcover
How in the world do you build a machine that weighs Three-Quarters of a million pounds at take-off to the precision of a fine Swiss Watch?
And did they REALLY decide to make the 747 on a handshake during a fishing trip? You gotta be kidding me.
The technology needed to build this amazing aircraft was developed over a very short period by men who didn't know it couldn't be done. The airplane that was supposed to be a stop-gap between jet aircraft like the 737 and the SuperSonic jets like the Concorde has developed into one of the most used and most loved airframes of all time. This is the story of the machine and the men who created her, told in a thoroughly engrossing way. You will be drawn into the drama, and it's amazing what you will learn about the history of aircraft while you are. One of my favorite contemporary history books.
And did they REALLY decide to make the 747 on a handshake during a fishing trip? You gotta be kidding me.
The technology needed to build this amazing aircraft was developed over a very short period by men who didn't know it couldn't be done. The airplane that was supposed to be a stop-gap between jet aircraft like the 737 and the SuperSonic jets like the Concorde has developed into one of the most used and most loved airframes of all time. This is the story of the machine and the men who created her, told in a thoroughly engrossing way. You will be drawn into the drama, and it's amazing what you will learn about the history of aircraft while you are. One of my favorite contemporary history books.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very interesting
Anyone who has some interest in the development of aviation will find this book very informative. It goes into the personalities of the people who were involved it developing this... Read more
Published 3 months ago by James J. mcMahon
4.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating view into Boeing's role in the development of the USA...
Meticulously researched and entertainingly written, Clive Irving provides an insightful history of Boeing's key role in American commercial jet aircraft development from the 1930's... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Neil G. Matthews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb & entertaining read
Thoroughly enjoyable for anyone with an interest in aviation or human endevour on a large scale. Not too technical so don't be put off
Published on June 21, 1997
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