The History of Aviation: Airliners, Military Aircraft, Pioneers, Landmarks, Rec

by Robert Jackson

Flight has gripped the imagination of humankind ever since our earliest ancestors stared in wonder at the birds and insects soaring effortlessly above their heads. From the mythical flying machines of ancient India to the hi-tech stealth bombers and airliners of today, humans have pursued a tireless quest to ascend ever higher and travel ever faster, exploring the upper reaches of the atmosphere and beyond. The success enjoyed by the early pioneers of light triggered more than a century of innovation and experimentation, given impetus by the demands of warfare and the opportunities of commerce. The results have allowed humans to traverse continents in a single day, to set foot on the moon, to travel at supersonic speeds for war and pleasure, and to navigate the glove for fun and profit. Illustrated with more than 400 photographs and artworks, this is an elegantly designed and exhaustively researched celebration of humankind's desire to conquer the skies. From the earliest musing on the mechanics of a bird's wings to the super-efficient computer-controlled aircraft of tomorrow, this book explores the way aviation has shaped the modern world.

Genres: Aviation

448 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Robert Jackson was born in 1941 in the North Yorkshire village of Melsonby. A former pilot and navigation instructor, his active involvement with aviation lasted many years. Following his retirement from the RAFVR in 1977 as a squadron leader, he became a full-time aviation writer and aerospace correspondent and lectured extensively on strategic issues. He speaks five languages, including Russian, and has written more than forty nonfiction works on military affairs. He is also the author of the popular Yeoman and SAS fiction series.