American Aviation: The First Half Century

From the publisher

The story of American aviation in the first half of the 20th century is one of innovation, industry, commerce, and warfare. The first successful flight of a powered, heavier-than-air flying machine occurred in the United States in late 1903. Within five decades, those with the appropriate means could buy their own aircraft and learn to fly it, or sip cocktails above the clouds while being conveyed to exotic locations at high speeds.

Control of the air became the key prerequisite for success on the battlefield, while aircraft carriers became the most powerful warships afloat. From humble beginnings, the American aviation industry went on to build more warplanes than those of the UK and USSR combined during World War Two.

American Aviation: The First Half-Century provides an overview of the vast variety of aircraft built in the United States during the first 50 years of the 20th century – from the pioneering machines that helped establish the industry to those pushing the boundaries in the immediate post-war period – through 170 stunningly colorized period photographs.