Aircraft: The Definitive Visual History

From the first prototypes of flying machines to today’s supersonic jets, the history and roles of aircraft are explored in this beautifully illustrated guide.

Aviation enthusiasts of all stripes and ages will welcome learning more about key brands and big players from yesterday and today – whether it’s the marvels of hot air balloons or the fantastic engines of Boeing, Lockheed, and more.

Planes are divided equally between military and commercial aircraft, and iconic aircraft of each era, such as the Supermarine Spitfire and Concorde, are showcased in beautifully photographed spreads with „virtual tours“ that reveal the anatomy of these legendary planes.

Produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution.

Editorial Reviews

Review

„[Aircraft] should delight readers. The layout is compelling and makes flipping through the book easy and enjoyable.“ – General Aviation News

„The book offers history and roles of aircraft, from the first prototypes of flying machines to today’s supersonic jets.“ – AOPA.org (Aircraft owners and Pilots Association)

„[E]ach page of Aircraft is beautifully illustrated, balanced with captions and relevant details.“ – Cumberland Times-News

„This well laid out coffee table book presents the evolution of aircraft from the earliest beginnings up to present day by presenting excellent photographs of each type. It is rare these days to find an aviation book of this size that is four-color throughout and with the quality of printing this work exhibits.“ – American Aviation Historical Society Flightline Magazine

About the Author
Philip Whiteman is an award-winning aviation journalist and consulting engineer, specializing in fuel and engine technology. He has contributed to numerous aviation publications, and has flown a number of aircraft. He operates a 1944 Piper L-4H Cub.

DK was founded in London in 1974 and is now the world’s leading illustrated reference publisher and part of Penguin Random House, formed on July 1, 2013. DK publishes highly visual, photographic nonfiction for adults and children. DK produces content for consumers in over 87 countries and in 62 languages, with offices in Delhi, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York, and Toronto. DK’s aim is to inform, enrich, and entertain readers of all ages, and everything DK publishes, whether print or digital, embodies the unique DK design approach. DK brings unrivalled clarity to a wide range of topics with a unique combination of words and pictures, put together to spectacular effect. We have a reputation for innovation in design for both print and digital products. Our adult range spans travel, including the award-winning DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, history, science, nature, sport, gardening, cookery, and parenting. DK’s extensive children’s list showcases a fantastic store of information for children, toddlers, and babies. DK covers everything from animals and the human body, to homework help and craft activities, together with an impressive list of licensing titles, including the bestselling LEGO® books. DK acts as the parent company for Alpha Books, publisher of the Idiot’s Guides series and Prima Games, video gaming publishers, as well as the award-winning travel publisher, Rough Guides.

About the Author
Philip Whiteman is an award-winning aviation journalist and consulting engineer, specializing in fuel and engine technology. He has contributed to numerous aviation publications, and has flown a number of aircraft. He operates a 1944 Piper L-4H Cub.

DK was founded in London in 1974 and is now the world’s leading illustrated reference publisher and part of Penguin Random House, formed on July 1, 2013. DK publishes highly visual, photographic nonfiction for adults and children. DK produces content for consumers in over 87 countries and in 62 languages, with offices in Delhi, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York, and Toronto. DK’s aim is to inform, enrich, and entertain readers of all ages, and everything DK publishes, whether print or digital, embodies the unique DK design approach. DK brings unrivalled clarity to a wide range of topics with a unique combination of words and pictures, put together to spectacular effect. We have a reputation for innovation in design for both print and digital products. Our adult range spans travel, including the award-winning DK Eyewitness Travel Guides, history, science, nature, sport, gardening, cookery, and parenting. DK’s extensive children’s list showcases a fantastic store of information for children, toddlers, and babies. DK covers everything from animals and the human body, to homework help and craft activities, together with an impressive list of licensing titles, including the bestselling LEGO® books. DK acts as the parent company for Alpha Books, publisher of the Idiot’s Guides series and Prima Games, video gaming publishers, as well as the award-winning travel publisher, Rough Guides.