Many people have what some might call... an obsession. For some, it's trains. For others, the Civil War. And for some it's airplanes. If you know someone like that (or really, anyone with a pilot's license), then these books would make a great gift.
by Barnaby Conrad
The vintage photographs alone are worth the price of the book. I must say, even if you don't have an interest in airlines or aviation, you still won't be able to put this book down. It is just that beautiful. It's also wonderful to read not just about Pan Am history, but to take a wider glimpse at American History from the 1920's to the 1990's.
edited by Sharon Lucas, Bill Gunston
This book starts out in the 1500's and proceeds from there. The narrative carries the reader through year by year with historical accounts of aviation history. It's formatted to look like a newspaper, and let me tell you... this book is a gem. You could literally spend hours and hours just thumbing through this amazingly researched tome. You just have to see this book to believe it.
edited by F. Robert Van Der Linden
This beautiful book was written by one of the Aeronautics curators at the National Air and Space Museum. If you are unable to visit the museum, this is the next best thing to being there.
edited by Anne Collins Goodyear
This gorgeous reference book celebrates the centenary of flight with over 400 photographs and an engaging narrative.
by Philip Makanna
Even if you don't read one word of this well-researched book, you'll transported by the absolutely stunning photographs.
by Michel Fraile, Frederic Beniada
This large book is filled with wonderful photographs of the production, interiors and exteriors of this incredible plane. The narrative is filled with interesting historical facts about this important aircraft.
by Jeffrey Ethell
This book contains a comprehensive history of airplane nose art with lots of great photographs.
by Geza Szurovy
This book is filled with photographs and historical information on over 50 American airports.
Flashlight Worthy
Recommending books so good, they'll keep you up past your bedtime. more...
About Leah Smith
Leah lives near Washington D.C. and is an obsessive list maker. She loves lists so much that she creates topical bibliographies -- for fun. She also collects volvelles, nutcrackers, unusual names and map hankies. She talks about books and many other things on her blog, Fig Newtons and Scotch.
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Newest book lists
President Obama's Favorite Books of 2017
Books for an Adventurous Childhood
Visiting Venice Through (Mostly) Fiction
Childhood Remembered: Books Of Indelible Childhood Memories
Novels on Art, Artists and Art World Shenanigans
Picture Books with Fun (and Sometimes Friendly) Monsters
Robert Rodi’s Favorite Books About Italy
Fractured Novels that Mirror the Uncertainty of Everyday Life