From Publishers Weekly
Produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, this volume of capsule histories and archival images traces the history of flight with all the sepia-toned authority of a public broadcasting documentary. Offering thumbnail profiles of aviation heroes and inventors and a plethora of diagrams and photos, the oversized tome straddles the line between something to put on a coffee table and something to give to a panting, preteen armchair pilot. Sections on space travel, commercial flight and early daredevilry fascinate, but take second stage to the story of flight as it interweaves with a century-long history of war-conflict being the catalyst for much of aviation's greatest innovations and adventures. Most of the book's pages recount bombing raids and dogfights through the decades, but others showcase popular, pioneering or just plain weird designs (the part-plane, part-car Aerocar, the miniscule Sky Louse, the capsule-shaped Gee Bee Super Sportster and the Caproni Ca 60 Transaero, an eight-engine triplane). This hefty volume is a flight museum sandwiched between two covers: careful, informative and educational-and a bit overwhelming. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
This sweeping compendium of milestones in 20th-century aviation history is published in association with the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, which may account for its rigorous attention to detail. Grant (The Berlin Wall) offers a wealth of supportive information to complement his engagingly written text. Succinct offset biographies sketch the lives and contributions of aviation's pioneers (both men and women), scientists, promoters, businessmen, barnstormers, racers, designers and manufacturers, aces (from World War I to Vietnam), and astronauts and cosmonauts. Fascinating sidebars also treat early flight, assorted inventions, famous air races (1910-39), the gradual transformation of the role of the fighter pilot, the evolution of aerial weaponry, training programs, navigational technology, aerial exploration, landmark altitude and long-distance flights, Zeppelin travel, power plants, Hitler's jet and rocket programs, the breaking of the sound barrier, the Cold War space race, and America's current shuttle program. The impressive illustrations include over 300 gorgeous, full-color profiles of the world's major military and civilian aircraft and space vehicles. The result is a work of greater overall scope and depth than Bill Gunston's Aviation: The First 100 Years. Highly recommended for all military, aviation, and transportation collections and public libraries.John Carver Edwards, Univ. of Georgia Libs., Cleveland Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Hundreds of photographs from the Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum enhance this captivating history of flying that profiles 300 planes. Grant, a writer with 20 books to his credit, divides this book into sections that include a prehistory of flight and the Wright brothers; accounts of air combat in World War I; and a focus on the "golden age" that recounts the flights of Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Jimmy Doolittle, and the great airships and flying boats. He also presents a history of aircraft's role in World War II (the Battle of Britain, the air war at sea, and the Allied bombing raids on Axis cities); the cold war and Vietnam; space travel; and jet passenger travel. Here is an encyclopedic work on a fascinating subject, for all public libraries. George Cohen
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description
From the early pioneers to the latest spaceflight technology, this groundbreaking book charts the inspirational story behind humankind's conquest of the skies. In the 100 years since the Wright brothers' first powered flight, aviation has witnessed many memorable events. From record-breaking flights and aerial warfare, to advances in aircraft design and the race for space, Flight covers the most memorable moments in the history of aviation. Describing the feats of the brave men and women who piloted the early flying machines, to the pioneers of long-distance flight and the test pilots who ushered in the jet age, Flight is a gripping narrative of humankind's quest to conquer the skies and explore space. Loaded with spectacular full-color photographs, dramatic first-hand accounts, and fact-filled profiles on a huge range of aircraft, this is an enthralling account of a century of innovation and adventure.

About the Author
The Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum maintains the largest collection of air and spacecraft in the world. It is also a vital center for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight. R.G. Grant has published more than 20 books on social life and military conflict in the 20th century. His works include a biography of Winston Churchill, a history of the Berlin Wall, and a study of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

FROM OUR EDITORS

In the inimitable DK style, Flight: 100 Years of Aviation presents aerial flight from its early pioneers to the latest space flights. This attractive volume offers a text of 200,000 words, enhanced by more than 1,500 photos and illustrations. The extensive coverage of both military and nonmilitary aircraft ensure that the book will appeal to aviation enthusiasts of all persuasions.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From the early pioneers to the latest spaceflight technology, this groundbreaking book charts the inspirational story behind humankind's conquest of the skies.

In the 100 years since the Wright brothers' first powered flight, aviation has witnessed many memorable events. From record-breaking flights and aerial warfare, to advances in aircraft design and the race for space, Flight covers the most memorable moments in the history of aviation. Describing the feats of the brave men and women who piloted the early flying machines, to the pioneers of long-distance flight and the test pilots who ushered in the jet age, Flight is a gripping narrative of humankind's quest to conquer the skies and explore space. Loaded with spectacular full-color photographs, dramatic first-hand accounts, and fact-filled profiles on a huge range of aircraft, this is an enthralling account of a century of innovation and adventure.

Author Biography: The Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum maintains the largest collection of air and spacecraft in the world. It is also a vital center for research into the history, science, and technology of aviation and space flight. R.G. Grant has published more than 20 books on social life and military conflict in the 20th century. His works include a biography of Winston Churchill, a history of the Berlin Wall, and a study of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

SYNOPSIS

Illustrated with thousands of color images drawn from the pictorial resources of the Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum, this volume presents the history of aviation from the first medieval attempts at flight, to passenger flight and the space shuttle program. Coverage includes planes and pilots, triumphs, tragedies, innovations and adventures, and the future of flight—from anti- terrorist strategies to light aircraft, pilotless planes, and space vacations. Oversize: 10.5x12". Annotation c. Book News, Inc.,Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum, this volume of capsule histories and archival images traces the history of flight with all the sepia-toned authority of a public broadcasting documentary. Offering thumbnail profiles of aviation heroes and inventors and a plethora of diagrams and photos, the oversized tome straddles the line between something to put on a coffee table and something to give to a panting, preteen armchair pilot. Sections on space travel, commercial flight and early daredevilry fascinate, but take second stage to the story of flight as it interweaves with a century-long history of war-conflict being the catalyst for much of aviation's greatest innovations and adventures. Most of the book's pages recount bombing raids and dogfights through the decades, but others showcase popular, pioneering or just plain weird designs (the part-plane, part-car Aerocar, the miniscule Sky Louse, the capsule-shaped Gee Bee Super Sportster and the Caproni Ca 60 Transaero, an eight-engine triplane). This hefty volume is a flight museum sandwiched between two covers: careful, informative and educational-and a bit overwhelming. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal