Wings: A History of Aviation from Kites to the Space Age

I enjoyed this book. It was the main textbook for a class I took. This is very good overview of Aviation history. There is some good depth into particular events and people but given the scope of Aviation history, this single book can only go so deep. Nonetheless, a great read for those that love history and aviation.

Quick disclaimer: While reading Wings, I sensed that its release was timed to generally coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' flight (for many, the real origin of aviation as we know it). There are about a dozen or so typos and/or other generally minor mistakes which, to me, indicate a less than thorough proof-reading or editing job--perhaps in a rush to get the book to the printers. While the errors are not show-stoppers in and of themselves, they do take the polish off a bit of an otherwise fine book. I hope a second edition will catch them. Even with these, however, I feel I can state that this is the book I've always wanted but didn't realize it, put out by one of my favorite publishing houses to boot (W.W. Norton; I'm an O'Brian fan as well). Aviation buffs have always had their favorite aircraft, be they air superiority fighters or superior air freighters, but this book deals with them all, in a style readable for the generalist as well as the enthusiast. The editorial reviews will give you a flavor of what Mr Crouch covers in this history, which is more of a biography of flight in many ways. The book does not generally dwell on any one particular aircraft or type (the author took a balanced approach toward both the military and commercial aspects of flight, as well as how they typically complement each other). Landmark aircraft or events in aviation history do get decent face time--and though purists may quibble over whether "their" aircraft got sufficient treatment here, I believe Mr Crouch has done more than a creditable job in bringing this century of aviation into focus for most folks. Perhaps Wings' most enjoyable and interesting aspects are covered in the chapters and/or sections which detail the lesser known facets of early aviation--both the pioneers and their birds--as well as the business side of aviation, an equally if not more important part of the story in many cases. There are numerous aviation books which examine narrow niches, from specific aircraft to sub-epochs in aviation history to notable individuals, and these are fine choices for those who crave such levels of detail. I have my share of each of these, and make no bones about it. But I sense that Wings, interspersed with some great photos and written by the curator of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, is just right in terms of having sufficient heft and credibility for those who want a serious treatment of a century defined by flight, without putting off those who merely find the subject interesting or who want to give a well-thought-out gift for the aviation buff in their lives. This book will not disappoint either way.

An excellent clearly written overview of aviation history with lots of technical details, something that I appreciated. Particularly good at depicting key figures in this history. Major weakness was ignoring the link between technical development and the military's mission. America often seems obsessed with state-of-the-art wonders such as the B-2 bomber but for what purpose? Flying 15,000 miles to drop a few bombs on camel herders hiding in caves? Nor does he seriously address whether the Soviet stuff worked as advertised. I've been told by friends who know this sort of stuff that Soviet air power was often poorly made and often failed in combat. Nevertheless, this was conveniently overlooked in the rush to spend ever more on super weapons. But these slights do not detract from Wings being an excellent book on its subject.

"Wings" by Couch is really worth the read. I am reading it for a class, and have learned everything from the Wright Brothers Flight, previous attempts at "Heavier than air" flight. Ballooning was actually very pioneered, except perhaps for engines. But now, the first aviation companies are forming, including the Wrights, and Glenn Hammond Curtiss. This read is very fascinating, and informative on the history of aviation.

Thank you for the quick response to my request! The book was in even better shape than what I expected, and it arrived in record time. Multiplied thanks!

This book was required reading for a semester in my masters program, It was actually a pretty good read and very informitive.

I loves airplanes. I started this book by getting it from the library, but couldn't get enough of it, so I had to buy it!

Neither

Very interesting indeed. Unfortunately, too many french names - and there are many of them, as regards a story of aviation - of people or places are mis-spelt.

Poor quality reprint.