Synopses & Reviews
This historical dictionary is the first of its kind on the U.S. Air Force and antecedent organizations. The reference is based on lengthy research by Charles Bright and 57 military historians, air force officers, and aviation specialists. Over 1,050 entries survey the major commands, air forces, staff services, bases, significant battles, events, campaigns, concepts, people, equipment, legislation, and other characteristics. This landmark reference has been developed as a tool for those who know the USAF and want to investigate different subjects further and for those with only slight knowledge who need a general base for exploring air force matters more fully. The dictionary is intended for libraries, for museums and special military collections, and for all bookstores interested in the history of flight.
The volume provides a preface with guidelines for using the dictionary, a short history of the U.S. Air Force and its antecedents from 1907 to 1992. Entries are arranged alphabetically with bibliographical citations. They cover all the significant subjects of USAF history from a handful of men with flimsy balloons and flying machines to the earth-shaking aerospace giant. Cross references throughout the book help the reader have easy access to all the entries that are related or that appear under a different entry title. A full index is provided also.
Review
Drawing on the expertise of more than 50 contributors, former USAF officer Bright has provided the most complete single-volume historical dictionary of the USAF and its predecessor organizations now in print. More than 1,000 alphabetically arranged entries cover all kinds of subjects from aircraft to battles, from leaders/heroes to movies, famous units, concepts, and even songs. The major entries are signed and almost all have concluding "reference sections" of additional recommended readings. Within entries, key terms having their own references within the work are each given an asterisk, and cross-references abound. The work is current enough to include some information on the aerial aspects of Desert Storm.Choice
Synopsis
This historical dictionary is the first of its kind on the U.S. Air Force and antecedent organizations. The reference is based on lengthy research by Charles Bright and 57 military historians, air force officers, and aviation specialists. Over 1050 entries survey the major commands, air forces, staff services, bases, and significant battles. This landmark reference covers all the significant subjects of USAF history from 1907 to 1992. Entries are arranged alphabetically with bibliographical citations. Cross-references throughout the book give the reader easy access to all the entries that are related or that appear under a different entry title. A full index is provided also.
Synopsis
"Military historian Bright and a staff of 57 advisors have written the most complete one-volume historical encyclopedia of the U.S. Air Force in print. . . . Recommended for all collections, including high schools where it can serve as a valuable vocational tool." Library Journal
About the Author
CHARLES D. BRIGHT is a military historian and retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Air Force.
Table of Contents
Preface
A Brief History of the USAF
Historical Dictionary of the United States Air Force
Index