The History of Aviation — Robert Jackson Hardcover

Flight has gripped the imagination of mankind ever since our earliest ancestors stared in wonder at the birds and insects soaring effortlessly above their heads. From the mythical flying machines of ancient India to the hi-tech stealth bombers and airliners of today, humans have pursued a tireless quest to ascend ever higher and travel ever faster, exploring the upper reaches of the atmosphere and beyond.\n\nThe success enjoyed by the early pioneers of flight triggered more than a century of innovation and experiment, given impetus by the demands of warfare and the opportunities of commerce. The results have allowed humans to traverse continents in a single day, to set foot on the moon, to travel at supersonic speeds for war and pleasure, and to navigate the globe for fun and profit.\n\nIllustrated with more than 400 photographs and artworks, this is an elegantly designed and exhaustively researched celebration of humankind\u2019s desire to conquer the skies. From the earliest musing.