From Props to Jets Commercial Aviation's Transition to the Jet Age 1952-1962

Proctor,Jon, Mike Machat and Craig Kodera

ISBN 10: 1580071465 / ISBN 13: 9781580071468

Published by Speciality Press, 2010

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 058640

Bibliographic Details

• Title: From Props to Jets Commercial Aviation's Transition to the Jet Age 1952-1962
• Publisher: Speciality Press
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1580071465
• ISBN 13: 9781580071468
• Binding: Hardback
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Book Type: Book

About this title

Synopsis

The authors provide a well-researched and well-illustrated history of commercial aviation's transition to the age of jet airliners--from 1952 to 1962. They describe the planes that made commercial flight possible, from the earlier propeller-driven aircraft to the Lockheed Constellation to piston engines and Douglas and Boeing designs. A special chapter is devoted to the Boeing 707. Many photos, ads, and drawings are included. All three of the authors have had long careers in the airline industry: Proctor is an author, editor, and photographer; Mike Machat is a former aviation artist and illustrator, and served as editor of Wings & Airpower magazine; Craig Kodera is an airline pilot and an aviation artist. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Review

Sub-titled `Commercial Aviation's transition to the Jet Age 1952-1962 this book tells the story in both words and pictures. What strikes me is not just the aircraft design but also the passenger comfort to be found in these early post war years, when only the affluent could travel by air. For instance the TWA Super Constellation featured a seven-seat lounge at the rear of the cabin, from which snacks would be served, and can you imagine the stewardess coming down the isle dispensing fresh coffee into your `cup' via a coffee pot! But to crown it all, how about Lufthansa's Senator Service with the steward (dressed like a waiter)' serving food from a trolley - prepared by a chef, complete with a chef's hat.
But now to the actual aircraft. We start with the previously mentioned Constellation and the mighty Stratocruiser, plus the DC-7 and, from the UK, the Viscount.
When it came to pure jets the DH Comet came first and then we get, from the States, the highly successful Boeing 707 and the DC-8. These are just a few of the subjects discussed and illustrated.
Whatever your favourite airliner you will find it here, this was an age before the `flying holiday coaches' that fill the skies these days - if only air travel was like this today!
Ernie Lee
--Military Aircraft Monthly, October 2010

One of the latest titles from American publishers Specialty Press is From Props to Jets. This 158-page hardback title is very much photographic, both in colour and black and white. The narrative deals with each main era, so kicks off by setting the scene for the 1946-1950 period, then looks at the premature start to the jet age in the 1949-1952 period with the D.H. Comet. The 1952 period through to 1962 is covered in the next seven chapters, dealing with the last days of the piston-powered airliners through to the first jets and on to the fanjets. The final section is a special salute to the Boeing 707, with lots of period publicity material and colour photos. --Model Airplane International - Issue 67, Feb 2011