The Grand Designers: The Evolution of the Airplane in the 20th Century (Cambridge)

Advance praise: John D. Anderson, Jr is an icon in the science and technology of aeronautics, and equally revered for his knowledge of the history of aeronautics, aircraft design, and the people who pioneered these fields. He combines this deep knowledge with the most accessible writing style of any author I have read, explaining difficult concepts in such a way that the reader cannot fail to understand. Anyone with an interest in the history of flight will love this book.' Michael D. Griffin, former Administrator at NASA

Advance praise: 'Pioneering historian of aeronautical engineering and technology, John D. Anderson, Jr gives us an engaging and in-depth study of the methodology designers used to create high-performance military and commercial aircraft from World War I to the Cold War. Anyone seeking insight into the nature of conceptual design and its central role in the development of some of the most iconic aircraft in history will want to read The Grand Designers.' Jeremy R. Kinney, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution

Advance praise: 'John D. Anderson, Jr traces the exponential improvement in airplane design for over a century, following the Wright Brothers' inaugural flight in 1903. He succinctly defines and codifies 'The Seven Intellectual Pivot Points for Conceptual Design' that all aeronautical architects exhibit. The airplanes of Anderson's selected Grand Designers fly because they were meant to, and the methodologies employed constitute a compelling book for general students and serious scholars alike.' Evan Davies, Institute of Historical Survey, New Mexico

This book is for readers interested in the historical advancements of the airplane and in the influential designers who pioneered these advancements in aeronautical engineering. It is written in a conversational style for both non-technical and technical readers.