THE INTERNATIONAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AVIATION – The complete book of flight and rocketry

One of the most ambitious works on aviation ever published, this international encyclopedia opens up the complex world of flight and rocketry. Its unusual approach combines reference data, history and forecasts into one integrated, comprehensive and eminently readable volume.

Twenty-eight chapters cover all aspects of aviation including those rarely found in general surveys, such as aerodynamics, air law and aerospace medicine. 

The traditional elements of the aviation story are also to be found here- the classic achievements of Cayley, Hargrave, Lilienthal and the Wright brothers; the formidable war machines; the civil airlines; and the pioneering, heroic flights of Alcock and Brown, Lindbergh, Earhart and others.

Unique to this book is the care taken to explain the technical basis of aviation's achievements. Individual chapters explore engines, airframes and technology. 

The encyclopedia does not stop at the present, but, based on sober assessments of recent developments, looks into the future to a time when B-1 bombers and Cruise Missiles might be the latest deterrents in America's arsenal and Space Shuttles might fly regular missions to space factories.

Other important features of this book include biographies of great names in aviation; a chronology of historic dates; a glossary of technical terms; and a guide to aviation museums worldwide.

Source : publisher's summary printed on the cover