Best of the National Air and Space Museum

This book was a gift for my husband who is an aircraft fanatic. We live near an airbase, which is now out of commission, but in the past, there was an aircraft museum with information about aircraft, which fascinated my husband. This book was a great surprise for him because it is not just full of pictures, but also includes text about the history, building, and uses of each aircraft.

I recently visited the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. It was the first time I'd been there since they moved into their current facility in the mid-1970's. It was breathtaking. The best way to describe the effect of walking in the main entrance is to envision the bedroom of a boy who hangs model airplanes from the ceiling. Only at the NASM, the "models" hanging from the ceiling are full-size. I was a model-building boy in the 1950's, and my favorites were planes I'd built from kits. Unfortunately, the museum was undergoing some of its regular updating and a few of my favorite planes weren't on view, such as the F89 Super Saber. Fortunately, that plane and most (if not all) the permanent collection are profiled in the Best of the National Air and Space Museum. If at all possible, visit the museum. If you can't get there, buy the book. Actually, buy the book in either case. You won't be disappointed.

This is the second time I’ve ordered a gift book via Amazon and it’s arrived looking used. Very disappointing as I don’t have time replace before Christmas.

This is one of those books that makes you wish you were there. Lots of pictures and tidbits of information. A good quality book physically as well. We get their magazine and this is one of many books we have both from and about the museum. Highly Recommended.

i'm an engineer- worked rocket motors, and various satellite programs. this book was recommended by associate after visiting the museum at Langley. The pics are super, with short descriptions, and moderate on the tech. It's an amazing pulse of this wild history, and mostly is from America's lineage. St. Louis, Mercury, Atlas, and up to current Shuttle. There's also the SST, and unique turn of the century early birds. A fine read to be shared with a youngster (my son 10, digs it), or for the history or engineering buff. amazon has it cheaper than at the museum.

This is enjoyable for those who really appreciate background of the Museum's top exhibits; the author clearly enjoys his detail. Some will be confused by strict alphabetical order instead of a timeline, but just appreciate it as a rich historical collage, far more than just a coffee table volume.

Nice book.

Great book, son loves it.

terrific book!

Très bon livre sur le Smithsonian.Dommage qu'il soit un peu abîmé sur la tranche.Car sinon c'est un magnifique livre.