Wings of Yesteryear: The Golden Age of Private Aircraft

by Geza Szurovy

Book Overview

A nostalgic look at open-cockpit and cabin-class aircraft of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0760303975
• ISBN13: 9780760303979
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Motorbooks International
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 2.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 10.4" x 10.4"

Customer Reviews

A pleasant flight back in time

Wings of Yesteryear is a very nice overview of the Golden Era of aviation (period approximately 1919 to 1939--between the world wars). The text and pictures describe a story of how new government airmail contracts drove aircraft development early on, followed by the influence of air racing on aircraft design later in the era. It also shows the change in aircraft over this era as flying went from a wealthy person's pursuit to an activity priced within the means the middle-class with the advent of comparatively inexpensive aircraft (Cubs and the like), though the great majority of space is devoted to the "Ferraris and Lamborghinis" of the air (Stinsons and WACOs, et al) rather than the "Fords and Chevys" (Cubs and Luscombes). Well-illustrated throughout with many black and white period photos and aircraft ads intercut with several color photos of restored and flying Golden Era aircraft today. Where else are you going to see so many Stinsons, WACOs, Howards, Spartans, stagger-wing Beeches and the like all in one place? Recommended for any Golden Era aviation enthusiast or anyone interested in the history of private aviation. After receiving my copy I purchased another for my dad from whom I learned my appreciation for Golden Era aircraft and aviation.

Interesting presentation of the Golden Age of Aviation.

Geza Szurovy has put together a very interesting and educational presentation of the private aircraft of the the Golden Age of Aviation. The book is compete with lots of high quality photos and very concise history behind the development of each aircraft and those who contributed to their development. I recommend this book to anyone interested in in general aviation and the technological advancements that enhanced the development of private aircraft.

A superbly executed book with a unique focus.

Geza Szurovy, a pilot and photographer who is extremely knowledgeable on aviation and its history, has published many books and articles on various aspects of the subject.Wings of Yesteryear, The Golden Age of Private Aircraft is the first book I've encountered that focuses on the history of aircraft as private transportation.Szurovy chronicles the development of private aviation from the early Bleriots to the apogee of aircraft as individual and executive transport in the 1930s and 1940s with superb cabin class aircraft such as the Beechcraft Staggerwing, the Stinson Reliant, the Waco series, and the Howard DGAs. (This latter is an airplane that is often overlooked in aviation history books, but finally gets its due here as the roomy, luxurious, capable, and quite fast airplane it was. And continues to be for those lucky enough to own a restored one.) The history covers the great sportsman aircraft such as the Monocoupes and continues on through the post-war era that began the popularization of private flying through the less luxurious, but more affordable, easier to fly airplanes like the Cubs, Champs, Ercoupes and Cessna 140s.Szurovy's chronicle is richly photographed, exquisitely reproduced, and entertainingly written, with plenty of sprightly anecdotes to leaven the thoroughly researched facts.Its perspective is such that Wings of Yesteryear does not often overlap other histories. And extensive photographs and commentary on restored examples of the great planes refreshes the story. A definite recommendation for the library of anyone who loves the great vintage private aircraft.