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The Definitive Visual History
Aircraft: The Definitive Visual History
Take an action-included flight through the history of aircraft and discover the intrepid pioneers who made a dream reality
Uncover the engineering behind more than 800 aircraft models, from military jets to commercial planes. This visual history ebook captures the fascinating story of airplanes and aviation, and how their groundbreaking discovery has influenced the 21st Century.
Inside the pages of this aircraft book, you'll
- The history of military and commercial aircraft from all over the world, decade by decade, to the present day in stunning visual detail
- Comprehensive catalogs highlight the most important aircraft of each period along with their specifications and unique features
- Showcases on particularly celebrated aircraft - such as the Supermarine Spitfire and Concorde - in beautifully photographed "virtual tour" features
- The stories of the engineers and manufacturers that created marques like Boeing and Airbus
Take to the skies
Modern flight has opened the world up to new opportunities and paved the way for the development of advanced research and technology. But, what made it so groundbreaking? This book uncovers the stories behind the first airplane models, the development of flight, and brings you to present-day marvels such as the Gypsy Moth and Supermarine Spitfire.
The Aircraft ebook is filled with stats, facts, and photographs that create a visual tour and allows you to see inside key commercial and military aircraft models from the exterior to the cockpit. Aviation enthusiasts will also be captivated by the manufacturer of aircraft engines and how famous models like Boeing and Lockheed became household names.
Love history? Discover even more with DK!
DK's The Definitive Visual History series is an iconic celebration of design and history. Includes fascinating facts and statistics, these high-quality visual guides cover everything from history and notable designs to the people and technology that made it possible. Books in this series include The Car Book, The Train Book, The Tank Book, and so much more.
Uncover the engineering behind more than 800 aircraft models, from military jets to commercial planes. This visual history ebook captures the fascinating story of airplanes and aviation, and how their groundbreaking discovery has influenced the 21st Century.
Inside the pages of this aircraft book, you'll
- The history of military and commercial aircraft from all over the world, decade by decade, to the present day in stunning visual detail
- Comprehensive catalogs highlight the most important aircraft of each period along with their specifications and unique features
- Showcases on particularly celebrated aircraft - such as the Supermarine Spitfire and Concorde - in beautifully photographed "virtual tour" features
- The stories of the engineers and manufacturers that created marques like Boeing and Airbus
Take to the skies
Modern flight has opened the world up to new opportunities and paved the way for the development of advanced research and technology. But, what made it so groundbreaking? This book uncovers the stories behind the first airplane models, the development of flight, and brings you to present-day marvels such as the Gypsy Moth and Supermarine Spitfire.
The Aircraft ebook is filled with stats, facts, and photographs that create a visual tour and allows you to see inside key commercial and military aircraft models from the exterior to the cockpit. Aviation enthusiasts will also be captivated by the manufacturer of aircraft engines and how famous models like Boeing and Lockheed became household names.
Love history? Discover even more with DK!
DK's The Definitive Visual History series is an iconic celebration of design and history. Includes fascinating facts and statistics, these high-quality visual guides cover everything from history and notable designs to the people and technology that made it possible. Books in this series include The Car Book, The Train Book, The Tank Book, and so much more.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
80 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
D.K. Publishing
9,152 books1,998 followersDorling Kindersley (DK) is a British multinational publishing company specializing in illustrated reference books for adults and children in 62 languages. It is part of Penguin Random House, a consumer publishing company jointly owned by Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA and Pearson PLC. Bertelsmann owns 53% of the company and Pearson owns 47%.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Established in 1974, DK publishes a range of titles in genres including travel (including Eyewitness Travel Guides), arts and crafts, business, history, cooking, gaming, gardening, health and fitness, natural history, parenting, science and reference. They also publish books for children, toddlers and babies, covering such topics as history, the human body, animals and activities, as well as licensed properties such as LEGO, Disney and DeLiSo, licensor of the toy Sophie la Girafe. DK has offices in New York, London, Munich, New Delhi, Toronto and Melbourne.
Source: Wikipedia.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 26, 2023
With two enormous buildings (one in the center of the USA’s District of Columbia) the Smithsonian has an incredible display of actual aircraft and many audio/visual programs to document the history of Aircraft. They have the credentials to write about this topic. I will take their word that there are at least 800 different aircraft pictured.
There is a lot to take in and the history of the 20th century is taken decade by decade. I found the “breakout boxes” one of the best aspects of this “coffee table book.” There is an amazing start to the story of the P-51 and its impact on WWII. I liked the quote from James “Dutch” Kindelberger: ‘Any idiot can design an airplane, but it takes a genius to design an airplane any idiot can build.’
I am usually very enthusiastic about DK books, but this is one where more is less. Maybe one book could just be an aircraft catalog and another discuss the history of “significant” aircraft.
3.5*
There is a lot to take in and the history of the 20th century is taken decade by decade. I found the “breakout boxes” one of the best aspects of this “coffee table book.” There is an amazing start to the story of the P-51 and its impact on WWII. I liked the quote from James “Dutch” Kindelberger: ‘Any idiot can design an airplane, but it takes a genius to design an airplane any idiot can build.’
I am usually very enthusiastic about DK books, but this is one where more is less. Maybe one book could just be an aircraft catalog and another discuss the history of “significant” aircraft.
3.5*
July 14, 2023
I'm such an aviation geek.
I've a great respect for Dorling Kindersley publications. I've got about three of their books and find them all beautifully printed, well-researched books. This is more of a coffee table reference thingy for the hopelessly aviation addicted. Even if you have only a slight interest in aircraft, you'll find this fascinating.
They set it up with each chapter covering a decade of flight and they include samples from almost all forms of aircraft (no kites -awwww). Naturally you couldn't fit a definitive description of every aircraft there ever was, but they cover a goodly lot of them. I was glad to see the Consolidated B24 Liberator was included - an aircraft with great meaning for our family. There's a handy explanation of the basics of aircraft engines and principles of flight at the back and an excellent glossary and index. The photography for the colour plates is outstanding.
This is just one of those wonderfully produced books that you just HAVE to pick up and have a browse. Highly recommended for the poverty stricken who just collect books on planes (like me) or the super wealthy bastards who actually own aircraft - or fly them.
EDIT: This is my second time reading this and I was a bit more thorough this time. There are several glaring errors which surprised me. Like saying an aircraft had 2 engines when the photo clearly shows 4. That my cause the passengers of said plane to have a brown out in their undies. Despite that, it still has captivating photos with lots of close-ups of all the clever, little knicky-knacks attached to the aircraft. Still a 5 star production. 🛩️✈️🚁🚀🛬
I've a great respect for Dorling Kindersley publications. I've got about three of their books and find them all beautifully printed, well-researched books. This is more of a coffee table reference thingy for the hopelessly aviation addicted. Even if you have only a slight interest in aircraft, you'll find this fascinating.
They set it up with each chapter covering a decade of flight and they include samples from almost all forms of aircraft (no kites -awwww). Naturally you couldn't fit a definitive description of every aircraft there ever was, but they cover a goodly lot of them. I was glad to see the Consolidated B24 Liberator was included - an aircraft with great meaning for our family. There's a handy explanation of the basics of aircraft engines and principles of flight at the back and an excellent glossary and index. The photography for the colour plates is outstanding.
This is just one of those wonderfully produced books that you just HAVE to pick up and have a browse. Highly recommended for the poverty stricken who just collect books on planes (like me) or the super wealthy bastards who actually own aircraft - or fly them.
EDIT: This is my second time reading this and I was a bit more thorough this time. There are several glaring errors which surprised me. Like saying an aircraft had 2 engines when the photo clearly shows 4. That my cause the passengers of said plane to have a brown out in their undies. Despite that, it still has captivating photos with lots of close-ups of all the clever, little knicky-knacks attached to the aircraft. Still a 5 star production. 🛩️✈️🚁🚀🛬
April 21, 2023
Cursory review for visual content, all pages good ; check back matter and other features. Read parts and perused the TOC and glossary. Love it so far.
August 10, 2022
An excellent visual history of aviation.
January 22, 2024
Beautiful pictures, content with interesting details.
October 17, 2013
My husband was in the Air Force during Vietnam and also used his flying skill while in the police force. He has volunteered when a B-52 is brought in for display, leading tours and such. And he excitedly calls me into his man cave to listen to various planes on YouTube (between you and me, I can't tell the difference between any of them. They just sound loud.) I thought that this book would be of interest to him.
I know that some reviewers were disappointed that the book seemed to only deliver a couple of lines for some planes. I think that, as the title suggests, this is more of a visual history, rather than an in-depth guide to each plane that has ever existed.
The book itself is well-made and contains gorgeous full-color photography. If you have a mild interest in aviation, I think that this book is a great start for you. I guess I would call it the adult equivalent of a picture book. If you're looking for a book as a reference, this is not the book for you.
I know that some reviewers were disappointed that the book seemed to only deliver a couple of lines for some planes. I think that, as the title suggests, this is more of a visual history, rather than an in-depth guide to each plane that has ever existed.
The book itself is well-made and contains gorgeous full-color photography. If you have a mild interest in aviation, I think that this book is a great start for you. I guess I would call it the adult equivalent of a picture book. If you're looking for a book as a reference, this is not the book for you.
September 7, 2014
I found this book at the bookstore today and spent some time looking through it. This isn't a full-blown encyclopedia but covers a lot of aircraft (both military and civil) and gives a short description to each (however some aircraft are covered more extensively.)
The layout for the aircraft pages is decent. However, some of the images are questionable, as well as the omission of several aircraft.
In the end, this is book is an enjoyable encyclopedia. It's big and packed full of images.
The layout for the aircraft pages is decent. However, some of the images are questionable, as well as the omission of several aircraft.
In the end, this is book is an enjoyable encyclopedia. It's big and packed full of images.
April 11, 2015
Provides a great overview of the development of all types of aircraft. Given the breadth of the topic it is understandable that relatively little detail is given for most of the entries. However, certain key examples are given good coverage and the profiles of key companies is well chosen.
The book is beautifully presented; a joy to read and handle.
The book is beautifully presented; a joy to read and handle.
May 25, 2017
While this book mentions and shows photographs of many hundreds of planes, the short paragraph describing each does no justice to the individual attributes of each of the machines. I did learn a few new things, especially about some of the aviation pioneers, including Frank Robinson, who was born on Whidbey Island, WA.
I read the Norwegian edition of this book.
I read the Norwegian edition of this book.
November 10, 2021
A comprehensive compilation of aviation history with great visuals although somewhat superficial on the data presented. Avgeeks seeking all the technical data should go to wikipedia or elsewhere on the internet. Also, some important/famous models are missing, but it's understandable when you have to make compromises regarding the size of the book.
March 23, 2019
Anything the Smithsonian Publishes is always top drawer.
April 29, 2020
324 - 2020
December 23, 2024
Well done as almost always. At points the pages and pages of 10+ aircraft per are a bit overwhelming if still fun to see. The write ups about the individual companies, planes and engines are great.
May 10, 2017
great read, if you are seaking knowlege about any aircraft tech or just aircraft in general this is the book for you, usual aircraft books only show a couple of aircrtaft types but this shows them all and gives an enoumose variety of facts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2023
Lovely work -- I clearly enjoyed going through this.
I mainly checked this to check about engines.
The Engine market is close to $50 billion.
My jaws drop, when I noticed how they are designed, manufactured and improved.
Specifically Jet Engines, the amount of Research & Development over a century!
That is insane!
I can think of few Indian companies:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
National Centre for Aerospace Innovation and Research (NCAIR)
Mahindra Aerospace.
We ask a Language Model -- how to build a Prototype Jet Engine?
Here's a very general overview of the process:
1. *Design & Planning*: This involves a team of aerospace engineers using computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create detailed plans of the engine. Simulations are run to test the engine's performance and efficiency.
2. *Material Selection*: Jet engines are made from a range of specialized materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. Common materials include titanium, nickel alloys, and other heat-resistant metals.
3. *Casting & Forging*: Many parts of the engine, like turbine blades, are produced through casting or forging processes.
4. *Machining*: Parts are machined to precise specifications using CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machines.
5. *Assembly*: Components like the compressor, combustion chamber, turbines, and exhaust are assembled in a specific order.
6. *Testing*: Once assembled, the engine undergoes a series of tests to ensure it functions correctly and safely. This includes static tests, where the engine is run at full power on the ground, and flight tests.
7. *Quality Control & Inspection*: Every part and assembled engine undergoes thorough inspection to detect any flaws or defects.
8. *Installation*: Once approved, the engine can be installed on an aircraft and integrated with its systems.
9. *Maintenance*: Regular checks and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the engine's longevity and safety.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
I mainly checked this to check about engines.
The Engine market is close to $50 billion.
My jaws drop, when I noticed how they are designed, manufactured and improved.
Specifically Jet Engines, the amount of Research & Development over a century!
That is insane!
I can think of few Indian companies:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
National Centre for Aerospace Innovation and Research (NCAIR)
Mahindra Aerospace.
We ask a Language Model -- how to build a Prototype Jet Engine?
Here's a very general overview of the process:
1. *Design & Planning*: This involves a team of aerospace engineers using computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create detailed plans of the engine. Simulations are run to test the engine's performance and efficiency.
2. *Material Selection*: Jet engines are made from a range of specialized materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. Common materials include titanium, nickel alloys, and other heat-resistant metals.
3. *Casting & Forging*: Many parts of the engine, like turbine blades, are produced through casting or forging processes.
4. *Machining*: Parts are machined to precise specifications using CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machines.
5. *Assembly*: Components like the compressor, combustion chamber, turbines, and exhaust are assembled in a specific order.
6. *Testing*: Once assembled, the engine undergoes a series of tests to ensure it functions correctly and safely. This includes static tests, where the engine is run at full power on the ground, and flight tests.
7. *Quality Control & Inspection*: Every part and assembled engine undergoes thorough inspection to detect any flaws or defects.
8. *Installation*: Once approved, the engine can be installed on an aircraft and integrated with its systems.
9. *Maintenance*: Regular checks and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the engine's longevity and safety.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
November 29, 2013
Good introduction for a youngster despite the unwieldy (coffee table book) size.
April 6, 2016
very interesting book, totally love it!
Read
February 19, 2018Good
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews