First-of-its-kind, definitive Smithsonian book offers a fascinating textual and visual tour of civilian, military, and commercial aviation from the earliest balloon flights to today's most advanced aircraft. Book features 100 newly commissioned and historic maps and 200 related photographs, navigation charts, and historic artifacts. Book charts the awe-inspiring history of flight around the world. Includes fascinating stories behind aviation's great technological advances and provides historic and social context that highlights the many ways in which these advances have changed the course of human history. Groundbreaking maps and charts include: Locations of first flights and early transatlantic flights; Pan American Airways international mail and passenger routes; Air sequences of the Battle of Britain, Battle of the Bulge, and Berlin Airlift; and Modern-day flight charts, national aircraft markings, and civil aviation codes. “History's greatest aviation achievements come alive as never before through detailed visualization and compelling narrative�.