The Lore of Flight

As a new millenium approaches, the magic of flying has become as accepted as browned bread from a toaster. In fact, it seems aircraft only grab our attention when they fail to deliver their passengers safely. "The Lore of Flight" revisits the early designs of men consumed with the dream of leaving the from generations of 'Bird Men' who tried (and died) to replicate feathered flyers; to two French paper-makers, Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier, who designed the first balloon to carry a man off the ground; to the most famous of aircraft pioneers, Wilbur and Orville Wright, and their wooden-frame biplane; to the designers of the jet-powered aircraft of today.

Fascinating in its descriptions of the development of flight, this oversized book is a real eye-pleaser. Intricate and spectacularly-detailed illustrations aircraft structures, landing gears, flying controls, flight decks, even 'cabin comforts' are laid out with manual-like precision. Cross-sections of gas turbines, armaments, fuselage, turboprops, powerplants, flight directors, and airborne systems break the miracle of flying down to its working parts. Readers are even led through the details of a typical flight and are provided with instructions for flying "general aviation" aircraft. 10 1/2" x 12". B&W & color illus