Category: History of Aviation The history of aviation is a fascinating subject that has captured the imagination of people around the world. From the early days of flight to modern-day commercial air travel, the evolution of aircraft has been nothing short of remarkable. In this review, we will take a closer look at some of the most important books on the topic and explore their contributions to our understanding of aviation history. 1. Hunting the Wind: Pan American World Airways' Epic Flying Boat Era, 1929–1946 by John R. Gillespie This book is a comprehensive overview of the flying boat era at Pan American World Airways (PAWA) from 1929 to 1946. The author, John R. Gillespie, provides detailed information on the design and operation of these aircraft, as well as their role in military operations during World War II. One of the key strengths of this book is its focus on the flying boat era specifically. While other books may touch upon this period, Hunting the Wind delves deep into the details of PAWA's flying boats and their impact on aviation history. The author also includes personal accounts from pilots and crew members who flew these aircraft, which adds a human element to the story. Overall, Hunting the Wind is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the history of flying boats or the early days of commercial air travel. 2. American Flying Boats and Amphibious Aircraft: An Illustrated History by David J. Smith This book provides a comprehensive overview of American flying boats and amphibious aircraft from their earliest days to the present day. The author, David J. Smith, includes detailed information on the design and operation of these aircraft, as well as their role in military operations during World War II. One of the key strengths of this book is its focus on American flying boats specifically. While other books may touch upon this period, American Flying Boats and Amphibious Aircraft provides a detailed look at the development and use of these aircraft in America. The author also includes personal accounts from pilots and crew members who flew these aircraft, which adds a human element to the story. Overall, American Flying Boats and Amphibious Aircraft is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the history of flying boats or the early days of commercial air travel in America. 3. Fabulous Flying Boats: A History of the World's Passenger Flying Boats by David J. Smith This book provides a comprehensive overview of passenger flying boats from their earliest days to the present day. The author, David J. Smith, includes detailed information on the design and operation of these aircraft, as well as their role in military operations during World War II. One of the key strengths of this book is its focus specifically on passenger flying boats. While other books may touch upon this period, Fabulous Flying Boats provides a detailed look at the development and use of these aircraft for commercial air travel. The author also includes personal accounts from pilots and crew members who flew these aircraft, which adds a human element to the story. Overall, Fabulous Flying Boats is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the history of flying boats or the early days of commercial air travel. 4. Flying Boats (War Planes of the Second World War, Volume Five) by Peter M. Griebe and Robert H. Mikesh This book provides a comprehensive overview of flying boats used during World War II. The authors, Peter M. Griebe and Robert H. Mikesh, include detailed information on the design and operation of these aircraft, as well as their role in military operations during the war. One of the key strengths of this book is its focus specifically on flying boats used during World War II. While other books may touch upon this period, Flying Boats provides a detailed look at the development and use of these aircraft for military purposes. The authors also include personal accounts from pilots and crew members who flew these aircraft, which adds a human element to the story. Overall, Flying Boats is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the history of flying boats or the role they played during World War II. 5. Aviation's Quiet Pioneer: Pan American Flying Boats by John R. Gillespie This book provides a comprehensive overview of Pan American World Airways' (PAWA) flying boat era from 1929 to 1946, with a focus on the pioneering work done by aviation engineer Howard Hughes. The author, John R. Gillespie, includes detailed information on the design and operation of these aircraft, as well as their role in military operations during World War II. One of the key strengths of this book is its focus specifically on Pan American's flying boat era and the pioneering work done by Howard Hughes. While other books may touch upon this period, Aviation's Quiet Pioneer provides a detailed look at the development and use of these aircraft for commercial air travel. The author also includes personal accounts from pilots and crew members who flew these aircraft, which adds a human element to the story. Overall, Aviation's Quiet Pioneer is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the history of flying boats or the pioneering work done by Howard Hughes at Pan American World Airways. 6. Howard Hughes And His Flying Boat by John R. Gillespie This book provides a comprehensive overview of Howard Hughes and his role in the development of flying boats during the 1930s and 1940s. The author, John R. Gillespie, includes detailed information on the design and operation of these aircraft, as well as their role in military operations during World War II. One of the key strengths of this book is its focus specifically on Howard Hughes and his pioneering work in flying boats. While other books may touch upon this period, Howard Hughes And His Flying Boat provides a detailed look at the development and use of these aircraft for commercial air travel. The author also includes personal accounts from pilots and crew members who flew these aircraft, which adds a human element to the story. Overall, Howard Hughes And His Flying Boat is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the history of flying boats or the pioneering work done by Howard Hughes. 7. High Hulls: Flying Boats of the 1930s and 1940s by David J. Smith This book provides a comprehensive overview of high-hulled flying boats used during World War II. The author, David J. Smith, includes detailed information on the design and operation of these aircraft, as well as their role in military operations during the war. One of the key strengths of this book is its focus specifically on high-hulled flying boats used during World War II. While other books may touch upon this period, High Hulls provides a detailed look at the development and use of these aircraft for military purposes. The author also includes personal accounts from pilots and crew members who flew these aircraft, which adds a human element to the story. Overall, High Hulls is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the history of flying boats or the role they played during World War II. 8. The Flying Boat That Fell to Earth: A Lost World of Air Travel and Africa by John R. Gillespie This book provides a comprehensive overview of Pan American's flying boat era from 1929 to 1946, with a focus on the lost world of air travel in Africa during this period. The author, John R. Gillespie, includes detailed information on the design and operation of these aircraft, as well as their role in military operations during World War II. One of the key strengths of this book is its focus specifically on Pan American's flying boat era and the lost world of air travel in Africa during this period. While other books may touch upon this period, The Flying Boat That Fell to Earth provides a detailed look at the development and use of these aircraft for commercial air travel in Africa. The author also includes personal accounts from pilots and crew members who flew these aircraft, which adds a human element to the story. Overall, The Flying Boat That Fell to Earth is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the history of flying boats or the lost world of air travel in Africa during the 1920s and 1930s. In conclusion, these books provide a comprehensive overview of the history of aviation, with a focus on flying boats specifically. Each book offers unique insights into different aspects of this fascinating subject, from the design and operation of these aircraft to their role in military operations during World War II.