Flight: The Complete History of Aviation

by R.G. Grant

A stunning visual celebration of the world's aircraft and the pioneers who made a dream become reality. Introducing Flight - a historical and visual exploration of awe-inspiring aviation over a period of one hundred years, from the earliest aeroplane prototypes to today's supersonic jets, this all-encompassing book about aeroplanes takes you on an action-packed flight to explore some of the greatest commercial and military aircraft ever made. So fasten your seatbelt and prepare for takeoff as DK takes you on a journey to -Spectacular photographs and evocative archive images from the Smithsonian collection capture the most memorable events in the history of flight -300 profiles showcase iconic aircrafts, providing key facts -Offers a clear and compelling account of aviation history in short, self-contained episodes Explore stunning photographic galleries of planes, helicopters, and airships, each accompanied by its vital statistics. From the Wright brothers' first powered flight to Concorde's final voyage, Flight takes you sky-high, swooping you through world aviation history. Featuring spectacular photography of iconic aircraft, this book also recounts the feats of pioneers, trailblazers, and jet test pilots, and traces the technological developments so important to aviation's progress. Memorable moments of aerial warfare and record-breaking flights are recalled alongside more than 250 profiles of innovative aircraft in this book packed with flight facts for the aviation enthusiast. The human experience of flying is documented too, and historical quotes give a glimpse into the thoughts and ambitions of key figures in flight history. A must-have volume for anyone interested in aircraft, whether a gift or a self-purchase, Flight is an all-encompassing airplane book that has something for everyone to love and enjoy. Aviation enthusiasts of all stripes and ages will be captivated by DK's Flight- a comprehensive and beautifully presented guide to the s...

456 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2003

About the author

R.G. Grant is a historian who has written extensively on many aspects and periods of history. Among his more than fifty published books are: Battle, Soldier, and Battle at Sea (2005, 2007, 2008). He was also a major contributor to the ITV Visual History of the Twentieth Century (1999) and consultant for Chronology of World History (1995). He is also a contributor to 1001 Battles That Changed the Course of History, where earlier versions of his contributions to Britannica first appeared.