This book is designed to be a primary text for courses in aviation history and development and aviation in America.The seventeen chapters in "The American Aviation Experience: A History" range chronologically from ancient times through the Wright brothers through both world wars, culminating with the development of the U.S. space program. Contributors also cover balloons and dirigibles, African American pioneers in aviation, and women in aviation. These essayistsleading scholars in the fieldpresent the history of aviation mainly from an American perspective."The American Aviation Experience "includes 335 black-and-white photographs, two maps, and an appendix, Leonardo da Vinci and the Science of Flight. An on-line test guide is available for instructors."