Great Aviators and Epic Flights: Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum Book

Flight is now so universal that it reaches into every corner of life, from transportation and commerce to diplomacy and defense. Great Aviators and Epic Flights celebrates 18 of the most significant flights of the twentieth century. Beginning with the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk, the book traces spectacular technological achievements and feats of human courage through the milestones of flight - Louis Bleriot crossing the English Channel in 1911, Charles Lindbergh and The Spirit of St. Louis, and Valery Chkalov's transpolar flight originating in Russia, to name a few. Also included are insights into how aircraft have been used to bring both destruction and salvation, and to expand knowledge of the Earth and its inhabitants. Von Hardesty's thoughtful text and over 350 stunning color and black-and-white vintage and contemporary photographs give the reader an exhilarating ride through a rich history.