Air Force One: The Aircraft That Shaped the Modern Presidency - Hardcover

Von Hardesty

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1559718943 ISBN 13: 9781559718943

Publisher: Northword Pr, 2003

Synopsis

The evolution of the president's airplane is charted here, beginning with FDR's first tentative steps into the air as the first American president to actually fly in an airplane, through early incarnations of the aircraft and the current high-tech, speed luxury jet that represents America's station as a superpower.

About this title

About the Author

Von Hardesty is the curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where he has worked for two decades on publications and exhibits about aviation history. He is the author of Lindbergh: Flight's Enigmatic Hero, among numerous other books and articles. He is currently the editor of the "Cambridge Centennial of Flight" series.

From School Library Journal

Grade 6 Up-An attractive cover is only the beginning of an interesting and informative presentation by the curator of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Divided into seven chapters, the text is basically a chronology of presidential travel. Brief mention is made of James Monroe's two treks by horseback through the northeastern states, and then through the South. The train later became the presidents' unofficial mode of long-distance transportation. Beginning with the Guess Where II used by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, the author describes the type, design, accommodations, and uses of the planes by each administration. Among those described are Sacred Cow, Independence, Columbine, and the various models known as Air Force One. Considerable space is devoted to how the interiors were redesigned to suit the personality of each leader. Double-columned text, sidebars, detailed captions, and wide margins result in a pleasing format. The text is generously illustrated with black-and-white vintage and color photos of all sizes. This title is not just a history of presidential aircraft, but is also a history of the presidency and how each plane played an important part in diplomatic and historical occasions, including the role of Air Force One on 9/11. A short epilogue lists where the retired planes may be viewed. Andrew Santella's Air Force One (Millbrook, 2003), which is much shorter, is for a younger audience, and focuses more on the planes than on history. However, it makes an excellent companion to this title. A first-class production.
Eldon Younce, Harper Elementary School, KS
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Northword Pr
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1559718943
• ISBN 13: 9781559718943
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 192