Watson O'Dell Pierce

I picked up this gem of a book a few months ago and am pleased I did. It's a pleasant review of aeronautical history up to the inter-war period along with the authors views on the current state of affairs as at 1937. I found the authors view of the world as it was in 1937 particularly interesting: "Since civilisation, in its present phase, can spare no considerable sums for any other purpose than defence in the apparently inevitable clash of competing imperial powers, and since the further development of airships involves colossal expenditure, it is probable that little progress will be made until the advent of a new social and economic order"

Along with a review of general aeronautical history covering the first efforts of man to fly/glide/float & finally reaching heavier than air flight with the Wright Brothers, the book also covers the military aspects of aeroplane development and potential effects of scientific advancements. There's also a few paragraphs of rather poignant insight, especially so considering how events later unfolded in the late 1940s: "When the bombs fall again in a major imperial war, the extent of death and destruction they will cause is difficult to forecast accurately. But our civilisation can rest content that the best technical brains in all countries will do a thorough job. The extent of devastation caused will be their great memorial.

The author certainly was correct about that; the utter destruction of Berlin & the obliteration of Hiroshima & Nagasaki were a testament to the power of Soviet & US military prowess.… (más)