DIAMONDS IN THE SKY A Social History of Air Travel

Many amateurs of aviation history have, like train spotters, a connoisseur's passion for the technical minutiae. But aviation history is about the people as well as the planes, and DIAMONDS IN THE SKY is about the passengers who for sixty years have taken their courage in both hands and decided to fly. 

This is a highly readable and entertaining account of the ways in which flying has ministered to human needs, whims and follies. The tone is not one of unqualified admiration. The greatest thing the aeroplane has had to offer is speed. But its accommodation is cramped, its operations are easily disrupted by bad weather, and over the years what started as an adventure and a status symbol for the privileged few has become something of a trial of fortitude and patience for millions.

Profusely illustrated with sixteen pages in full color and many black and white photographs, this book is based on a major BBC television series which Julian Pettifer presented.