The Aviation Book: A Survey of the World's Aircraft
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Book Overview
In an incredible combination of personal passion and exhaustive research, Fia O Caoimh presents a visual encyclopedia of aircraft, with special emphasis on obscure or forgotten planes. In exquisite illustrations of planes and helicopters, each accompanied by detailed technical specifications, the author recreated the progression of aircraft, beginning with the early days of flight. Included are the Bcker B-133 'Jungmeister, ' aerobatic champion of Europe from 1933; the Piaggio P.180 'Avanti, ' now associated with the great Ferrari racing marque; the Japanese seaplane Shin Meiwa US-1, able to carry out rescue in 15 ft-high waves; and the legendary Ryan B1-Brougham, 'Spirit of St. Louis, ' first to cross the Atlantic east to west. The book also features a beautifully illustrated timeline of man's attempts to flyfrom the myths and legends of ancient times to modern day space exploration. More than 10 years in the making, and with more than 850 illustrations, this unique, engrossing, and heartfelt tribute to aircraft is certain to resonate with professionals, and amateurs alike. Just open its pages and you will be astonished by this labor of love.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0811856186
ISBN13:9780811856188
Release Date:November 2006
Publisher:Chronicle Books (CA)
Length:352 Pages
Weight:0.20 lbs.
Dimensions:1.4" x 11.8" x 11.9"
Age Range:13 years and up
Grade Range:Grade 8 to Postsecondary
Customer Reviews
3 ratings
A LOOK BACK AT AVIATION
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
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.
A great book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
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.
Work of Art
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
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.
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