From the winged gods of mythology to the technology of the Stealth Bomber, Aviation: A Smithsonian Guide presents the thrilling panorama of world aviation. It combines fast-paced narrative by Flying Tiger pilot Don Lopez with stunning color visuals from the National Air and Space Museum. Seven thematic sections detail landmark events, technological advances, and the drama of the men, women, and aircraft that soared ever higher, farther, and faster. Here are balloonists and barnstormers, stunt fliers and jet pilots, the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Chuck Yeager, and many more. Fact boxes and diagrams explain such concepts as wing design and jet propulsion, while two-page portraits feature planes. Aviation includes more than 350 illustrations, photographs, and other artworks. Events that shaped the course of aviation are presented in an 8-page foldout illustrated timeline, an instant reference to the entire subject. The 40-page photo glossary offers easy identification and concise explanations of technical and scientific terms, plus biographies of major people.