With the Airmen [Air Men]

283 pp. Color plates by Cyrus Cuneo, drawings by Max Millar. Details the early history and rapid evolution of human flight. The work is structured as if the authors are walking readers through the Hendon Aerodrome, discussing the feats of famous flyers and the mechanics of early aircraft. It chronicles the development of flight across five distinct stages: Haphazard tests: Early, often fatal, unguided experiments; Scientific research: The study of bird flight and lifting planes; Engineered machines: Large power-driven craft that lacked control; Gliding: Learning balance through wing-based apparatus; Powered flight: The perfection of control combined with petrol motors.