Anderson, John D., Jr.,
Introduction to Flight
, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1978.
Excellent introduction to the study of aerodynamics with brief treatment of the history of aviation as well as laws of physics and principles of flight.
Arey, Charles Kenneth,
Aeronautics
, New York: Macmillan Co., 1942.
Teachers guide to “elementary science for the air age’’. Charts, diagrams, student projects, glossary. A classic oldie but goodie!
Boyne, Walter J. ,
The Smithsonian Book of Flight
, Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Books, 1987.
Well written and lavishly illustrated single-volume history of flight covering the evolution of aviation technology from the Wright Flyer of 1903 to the Gossamer Condor of 1987. Includes photo of the Paul MacCready computer-assisted model of the ptertosaur, a reptile that flew by flapping its wings 70 million years ago.
Campbell, Joseph,
The Hero With a Thousand Faces
, Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1949; 2nd edition, 1968.
The classic study, through examination of another hero myths, of man’s eternal struggle for identity.
Canby, Courtlandt,
A History of Flight
, Boston: Van Nostrand, 1963.
Excellent chronology and illustrations.
Cohen, Rose N.,
Flying High
, New York: Macmillan, 1942.
Anthology of aviation literature for junior and senior high readers. Good source for classic short stories and poems.
Gibbs-Smith, Charles Harvard,
Flight Through the Ages
, New York: Crowell, 1974.
Complete illustrated chronology from dreamers of early history to the age of space exploration; lacking in treatment of human-powered flight.
Grosser, Morton, Gossamer Odyssey:
The Triumph of Human Powered Flight
, New York: Houghton-Mifflin, 1984.
Detailed and lively account of the development of the Gossamer human powered planes by Paul MacCready and their successful capture of the human-powered flight records.
Hart, Ivor Blashker:
Mechanical Investigations of Leonardo da Vinci
, Berkeley: UCal press, 1963.
Detailed discussion of the genius of da Vinci designs for many purposes including flight.
Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft
, London: Jane’s Publishing, Inc., 1983-84.
Published semi-annually, the definitive catalog of world aircraft providing photos and specifications. If it is flying, you will find it in Jane’s!
Michels, Tim,
Solar Energy Utilization
, New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 1979.
Useful guide for discussion of potential of solar powered flight.
Robinson, Pearle Thurber,
Before You Fly
, New York:Holt, 1943.
Simplified explanation of the essentials of aeronautics. Helpful chapters on Laws of Physics and forces affecting flight.
Taylor, John W.R. and Munson, Kenneth,
History of Aviation
, New York: Crown Publishers, 1978.
One of several classroom reference texts covering the whole span of aviation history, providing over 1500 colorful illustrations and brief biographies of hundreds of famous designers and pilots. The first few chapters provide fascinating details of early myths, legends and disastrous attempts at flight.
Taylor, Michael J.H.,
Fantastic flying Machines
, London: Jane’s Publishing, Inc., 1983.
Broad historical reference, but noteworthy because of inclusion of chapter on glass fiber and foam construction and human-powered flight.
Taylor, Michael J. H. and Mondey, David,
Milestones of Flight
, London: Jane’s Publishing, Inc., 1983.
Another excellent classroom reference including a thorough aviation chronology of milestones from 863 BC to the present.
Time-Life,
The Epic of Flight
, Alexandria: Time-Life Books, 1982.
23 volume reference set in typical Time-Life format presenting the glorious accomplishments of flying. Emphasis on 20th century; however,Volume 1, “The road to Kitty Hawk’’, provides early legends and history.
Warner, Rex,
The Stories of the Greeks
, New York: Farrar, Straus & Firoux, 1967.
Complete guide to Greek mythology, written with clarity and brevity.
