The book, Planes represents a comprehensive survey of the many roles to which aircraft have been used during the 20th century including civilian, military and the unusual.  Despite the fact that the desire of man to fly is as old as man himself, progress had been slow until the advent of the 20th century.  While the Montgolfier Brothers had got their balloon into the air in the late 18th century, it was much more recently that the first successful heavier-than-air craft flight was accomplished.  Determination, commercial interests and World Wars I, & II, all contributed to the staggering technological advancement during the 20th century.  From a commercial perspective: the Anglo-French designed Concord can cross the Atlantic Ocean in 3 1/2 hours; a Boeing 747 Jumbo jet can carry 500 passengers and millions of ordinary people can now afford to fly to distant locations every year.  The major sections of "Planes" is as follows: 1) In the beginning; 2) Passenger aircraft; 3) Flying boats; 4) Military aircraft and 5) Helicopters and light aircraft.  In addition to an informative narrative, "Planes" includes the following features: 1) Approximately 19 black and white aircraft; 2) 60 color photographs and 3) 1 color illustration.  This book is in very good condition.  The author is Michael Johnstone.  Edition published in 1978.