Exploring the Skies: A Journey Through Aviation History

The story of aviation begins with the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, whose first successful powered flight in 1903 marked a new era for humanity. While the flight itself lasted only 12 seconds, it was the start of something monumental—opening the door to air travel, military aviation, and the global connectivity we take for granted today.

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough offers a fascinating and accessible narrative about the Wright brothers. His book is a blend of biography and history, detailing the brothers’ struggles, successes, and the broader social and technological context that allowed their dream to take flight. McCullough’s rich storytelling makes this book an excellent introduction to the pioneers of aviation. This title is available in standard print, large print, digital audiobook and CD audiobook.

World War I was a critical period in the evolution of aviation. Aircraft went from being used primarily for reconnaissance to playing a significant role in combat. The war saw the rise of famous fighter pilots, such as the Red Baron, and the development of more advanced aircraft. This period also introduced the concept of air combat, leading to the emergence of dogfights and the need for specialized pilots.

The Aviators by Winston Groom. Winston Groom’s “Aviators” is the fascinating story of three extraordinary heroes who defined aviation during the great age of flight. These cleverly interwoven tales of their heart-stopping adventures take us from the feats of World War I through the heroism of World War II and beyond, including daring military raids and survival-at-sea, and will appeal to fans of Unbroken, The Greatest Generation, and Flyboys. This title is available in standard print and digital audiobook versions.

The years between the two World Wars were considered the Golden Age of Aviation. This period saw incredible advances in aviation technology, including the development of transatlantic flights, commercial aviation, and the rise of legendary pilots such as Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Howard Hughes. The first non-stop solo transatlantic flight by Lindbergh in 1927 and Earhart’s pioneering solo flight across the Atlantic in 1932 were landmarks in aviation history.

Fly Girl by Ann Hood. Follow Ann Hood’s adventurous years as a TWA flight attendant. In 1978, in the tailwind of the Golden Age of air travel, flight attendants were the epitome of glamor and sophistication. Fresh out of college and hungry to experience the world, Ann joined their ranks. She carved chateaubriand in the first-class cabin, found romance on layovers in London and Lisbon, and walked more than a million miles in high heels, smiling as she served thousands of passengers. She flew through the start of deregulation, an oil crisis, massive furloughs, and a labor strike. As the airline industry changed around her, Hood began to write-even drafting snatches of her first novel from the jump-seat. She reveals how the job empowered her, despite its roots in sexist standards. This title is available in standard print and digital audiobook versions.

World War II saw aviation reach new heights of importance. The development of long-range bombers, advanced fighters, and the use of air power in strategic bombing campaigns changed the face of warfare. The war also accelerated technological advancements that would eventually pave the way for modern aviation. Iconic aircraft like the Spitfire, B-17 Flying Fortress, and P-51 Mustang are still revered by aviation enthusiasts today.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. On a May afternoon in 1943, an American military plane crashed into thePacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary sagas of the Second World War. The lieutenant’s name was Louis Zamperini. This title is available in standard print, large print, digital audiobook and CD audiobook – There is also a film adaptation of the book which we offer in both DVD and Blu-Ray!

The post-war years continued to see rapid advancements in aviation technology. The introduction of the jet engine revolutionized air travel, leading to the era of commercial airliners that could fly faster and farther than ever before. At the same time, the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union pushed the boundaries of human achievement even further, culminating in the Apollo moon landing in 1969.

The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe. Wolfe’s masterpiece tells the story of the men and women who were part of the U.S. space program, beginning with the test pilots and military aviators who laid the groundwork for the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space missions. With its in-depth interviews, lively prose, and exploration of the personal and professional challenges faced by the astronauts, “The Right Stuff” is a fascinating read that combines aviation history with the history of space exploration. This title is available in standard print – There is also a film adaptation of the book which you can check out on DVD!

Today, aviation is a vital part of global transportation. The commercial aviation industry has grown exponentially, making air travel more accessible to millions of people worldwide. Meanwhile, advancements in technology continue to push the boundaries of flight, from the development of supersonic aircraft to the potential for electric and autonomous planes in the future.

Flying Blind by Peter Robison. A fast-paced look at the corporate dysfunction, and the ruthless cost-cutting, toxic workplaces, and cutthroat management that contributed to one of the worst tragedies in modern aviation Boeing is a century-old titan of American industry. The largest exporter in the US, it played a central role in the early days of commercial flight, World War II bombing missions, and moon landings. It remains a linchpin in the awesome routine of air travel today. But the two crashes of its 737 MAX 8, in 2018 and 2019, exposed a shocking pattern of malfeasance, leading to the biggest crisis in the company’s history. How did things go so horribly wrong at Boeing? Flying Blind is the definitive exposé of a corporate scandal that has transfixed the world. It reveals how a broken corporate culture paved the way for disaster, losses that were altogether avoidable. This title is available in standard  and large print formats.