The Aviation Book: A Survey of the World's Aircraft

The book has two major sections. The first major section has drawings of aircraft from all major types of aircraft (lighter-than-air, light planes through to modern jet fighters). There are anecdotes about these aircraft and some history. In the second section, one will find aircraft drawings arrange in order with their technical data. The cover depicts the type of drawings you will find within. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and passed it on to someone who enjoyed it as I did.

I purchased this book for my friend who is a pilot after reading about it in a catalog, where their price was $50. I have no real interest in flying, but I really enjoyed this book! The format is large with the illustrations correspondingly so, and I appreciated the time and detail that went into the drawings. Had it been a book of photographs, I doubt I would have given it more than a passing glance. I did read the intro pages, which were quite informative, and where the author says if you find any inaccuracies or missing details to e-mail him and he'll include them in his next edition. If you're a pilot or just interested in aviation, you should love this book.

This book contains some of the forgotten gems of aviation history. The author's love for aircraft comes out in his astoundingly detailed illustrations. Every page in this book is a work of art. He also puts at the reader's fingertips, a great deal of historical and technical information related to the aircraft and to aviation history in general. I usually prefer photographs to illustrations but the illustrations in this book are nothing less than breathtaking. The author is a true artist with a great love and passion for aviation. It is a must-have for every aviation-lover.