Smithsonian Atlas of World Aviation
Adult/High School&mdash;This well-written, copiously illustrated, slender volume would be a necessary addition to school and public libraries even if there was no narrative, because its outstanding photographs and other graphics are worth the purchase price alone. Bell's writing, however, adds immeasurably to the value of this atlas: it is articulate, clear, informative, and, above all, accurate. The author begins with a succinct history of ballooning and segues to a valuable account of those attempting to master heavier-than-air flight, ending with Orville and Wilbur Wright and their essential innovations and inventions. He covers the relatively slow improvements in airplanes between 1903 at Kitty Hawk and the guns of August 1914, lingering after 1914 on improvements to airplanes during World War I and the interwar period. World War II receives brilliant treatment with subchapters, among others, on the critical Battle of Britain, strategic bombardment, and the cross-Channel invasion at Normandy. Aviation in post-World War II conflicts&mdash;the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars&mdash;is amply treated. Two elements make Bell's book unique: his substantial coverage of civilian aviation and his graphic treatment of aviation's peripherals: maps, charts, air-traffic control, etc. Teens will understand, enjoy, and appreciate this book.&mdash;Alan Gropman, National Defense University, Washington, DCCopyright &copy; Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.