A history of early rocketry, both theoretical and practical, published long before the moon landing. The chapters cover either the contributions of an individual, e.g., Robert Goddard, or an organization, like the amateur associations that formed in Germany and America. The last chapter covers the development of the V-2 rocket during WWII. A clear, straightforward exposition with an optimistic outlook for the space voyaging of the future. Some fine photographs, but could have done with a good few more diagrams to illustrate the workings of the various engines and other machinery that controlled the rockets. ( )