The Airplane - How Ideas Gave Us Wings

The Airplane by aerospace industry writer Jay Spencer, former assistant curator of the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum and the Museum of Flight in Seattle, is the definitive history of how we invented and refined the amazing flying machines that enabled humankind to defy gravity. A fascinating true account certain to enthrall and delight aviation and technology buffs, The Airplane is lavishly illustrated with more than 100 photographs and is the first book ever to explore the development of the jetliner through a fascinating piece-by-piece analysis of the machinery of flight.

Go beyond the familiar stories of aviation history and discover the engineering marvels that gave us wings:

The Invention of the Airplane: From Sir George Cayley’s first scientific imaginings to the Wright brothers’ breakthrough at Kitty Hawk, uncover the sequence of ideas that turned humankind’s oldest dream into reality. Anatomy of a Flying Machine: Follow the evolution of each critical component—from fuselage and wings to flight controls and landing gear—and understand how they work together. From Propellers to Jet Engines: Trace the history of aero propulsion, from the lightweight piston engines that powered the first biplanes to the turbine technology that launched the jet age. Pioneers of the Sky: Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with innovators like Otto Lilienthal, Igor Sikorsky, and Jimmy Doolittle and share the “aha” moments that solved aviation’s greatest technical challenges. Lavish Historical Illustrations: Explore a rich visual archive with over 100 photographs and diagrams that bring the history of flight to life, curated by a former Smithsonian expert.