Flight: The Complete History

This is a great gift to give those who really like or love planes but never really knew the history as a whole aviation. It has a lot of little fascinating stories about significant planes with technical specs and why they made a difference in history. Lots of great and historic photographs to keep any kid happy, with enough rich history and stories to make any grown man feel happy like a kid.I would highly recommend this for all ages, even if you have well knowledgeable pilot friends, this is a great coffee book to keep around for friendly discussions, instead of having everyone huddle around a computer and search stuff on wiki (which is all fine and dandy, but having a physical book is still nice). I'd recommend buying used to save a few bones since in my experience, most people tend to take care of these larger, text book sized paper backs better than others; unless its a gift.I would also recommend The Nation's Hanger: Aircraft Treasures of the Smithsonian as another great read that really showcases other planes of historic value. I bought both at the same time and really go hand in hand as other's have suggested to me.

I bought this for my husband. He wasn't into planes until about 3 months ago, so along with all the documentaries he's been watching, this book fits right in and ties the plane technology together with all he's watched in the past few months. My daughter also is in love with the book. She's 2 and considers it bed time, afternoon, and morning reading- move over Good Night Moon.The book is comprehensive and makes planes interesting for even the person not interested (me). I am impressed with the documentation, historical accuracy and pictures. I'm also impressed with the ease of reading. This book is meant for anyone who wants to learn about planes, not just the folks who know all the lingo already.The only thing I was hoping to see more of were pictures of inside the cockpit and all the gadgets, how the cockpit has changed throughout history and what the gadgets do. I have yet to find an all inclusive book that combines this history with a pictorial comparison from the first flight to today of what the pilot and copilot sees from their seat while flying the plane.Aside from this, I couldn't ask for a more comprehensive compilation of material on flight. Kudos to the publisher and authors for continuing to release updated volumes with more current material.

This is an amazing great big book. There are hundreds of big glossy books of planes and aviation history in bookstores, and with the 100 years of powered controlled flight anniversary, there will no doubt be a few more bowing the shelves. But if you want to buy just one, say for a present, then this is the one to buy. It is balanced, it is complete, it has pictures and text in harmony -- and it is not slapped together like some other slightly embarrassing flying tomes.Over 400 pages perfect for a youngster, yet written well enough for any adult. Is it perfect? No. But 400 pages of perfection would be hard. I would have put in RJ's rather than the F-28 in the current small airliner section, but complaining about a couple of details should not hide the fact that this is one big cool book. Whatever more detailed specialized books about flying you get later, you will not need to get a great big glossy exciting celebration of flight book again. You'll already have one of the best.

My husband and I fell in love with DK (especially the Smithsonian line) during a trip to the Smithsonian museums. The books are filled with an immense amount of information which is presented in a fascinating, readable way. Of course the author couldn't include absolutely every single detail about the subject at hand, but they still did a wonderful job. The photos are gorgeous and a perfect complement to the information being presented. The books themselves have sturdy binding and stout construction.

I give this four stars because of the very very small text. Otherwise, this book is packed with great photos and information in the history of flight. A must own for the flight enthusiast.

Bought this for my husband for Christmas. As a former USMC Naval Aviator, he absolutely loved it. It has included pictures and descriptions of planes, helicopters, etc. not found elsewhere.This is a Smithsonian book, which should tell you about the quality and content.I only wish I could have gotten a hard bound copy.

I wanted a book about aviation history for my nephew's seventeenth birthday, since he plans to become an aerospace engineer. We have had other books from Dorling Kindersley, so I thought it would be good, but it was even better than I had hoped, filled with an extraordinary wealth of information and pictures. Since it was published several years ago there are a few recent developments that are not included, but I encourage anyone else that has a family member with a desire to know more about aviation history to consider this book for a birthday or Christmas present.

I bought this book for my 12 year old brother as a gift. Within one month he read it cover to cover. He absolutely loved it and even reread some sections. Great detail, great pictures. Well organized and clearly easy enough for young readers. I think anyone that enjoys aviation would appreciate it. i definately recommend it!