The airplane has come to dominate global transport, militaries and commerce in ways that could not have been imagined just a century ago. This authoritative and profusely illustrated guide to the development of flying machines -- from balloons, gliders and biplanes to the latest supersonic jets and stealth aircraft -- is meticulously researched from the world's principal aeronautic museums and libraries and includes: a thematic overview with statistical tables and diagrams; a spectacular 16-page timeline with gatefold pages, fully illustrated and depicting the history of flight; a comprehensive factfinder providing information on the most significant aircraft ever flown; double-page spreads concentrating on specific aspects of aviation and revolutionary aircraft; and an invaluable bibliography and directory to museums and collections.