The airplane A history of its technology

After a distinguished career as a professor of aeronautical engineering at the University of Maryland, Anderson embarked on studies of aviation history at the Smithsonian Institution. This book represents an unusually knowledgeable melding of technical and historical expertise. His earlier A History of Aerodynamics and Its Impact on Flying Machines (CH, Jun'98) focused more on theory; this new book is geared more to discussion of specific design characteristics and aircraft that represented notable advances in the progress of aviation. Moreover, he pays more attention to airplane technology since the advent of jet-propelled aircraft. About three fourths of the text represents a detailed, step-by-step description of struggles to find suitable airframes and engines, with acknowledgment of the individual designers and engineers who led the way to mature, propeller-driven planes of the mid-20th century. In clear, readable style, Anderson charts development of efficient airfoils, propellers, structures, and research that produced modern aircraft. He notes milestones in the design of both military and civilian airplanes. The book is literally peppered with photos and line drawings, carefully selected to illustrate themes addressed in the text. Not only is it very readable, but it will serve as a first-rate reference for queries about aviation technologies. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All levels. R. E. Bilstein emeritus, University of Houston--Clear Lake