The Lore Of Flight

by John W.R. Taylor

As a new millenium approaches, the magic of flying has become as accepted as browned bread from a toaster. In fact, it seems aircraft only grab our attention when they fail to deliver their passengers safely. "The Lore of Flight" revisits the early designs of men consumed with the dream of leaving the ground: from generations of 'Bird Men' who tried (and died) to replicate feathered flyers; to two French paper-makers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier, who designed the first balloon to carry a man off the ground; to the most famous of aircraft pioneers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, and their wooden-frame biplane; to the designers of the jet-powered aircraft of today.

Fascinating in its descriptions of the development of flight, this oversized book is a real eye-pleaser. Intricate and spectacularly-detailed illustrations abound: aircraft structures, landing gears, flying controls, flight decks, even 'cabin comforts' are laid out with manual-like precision. Cross-sections of gas turbines, armaments, fuselage, turboprops, powerplants, flight directors, and airborne systems break the miracle of flying down to its working parts. Readers are even led through the details of a typical flight and are provided with instructions for flying "general aviation" aircraft. 10 1/2" x 12". B&W & color illus

Genres: Aviation

426 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1971

About the author

John William Ransom Taylor

Reviews

[Chris Tschirhart]

I have had this book for over 35 years I still find basic things in it I never knew each time I look at it and I have been in aviation for 35 years. This book is a classic and I understand there is a new updated version. I highly recommend this book.

[Ben Conley]

Treasure trove for anyone with the slightest interest in aviation

[Keila]

A book for true plane nerds and those passionate about aviation. This book beautifully shows the evolution of flight dating back to the early pioneers to today’s modern marvels and is a reminder of all the historical aeronautical milestones that have happened throughout the years.