Into the Wild Blue Yonder: An early history of the U.S. airlines, their people and the planes they f

This amazing book is the most comprehensive account ever written on early airline history. From their formative years to the jet age, it contains the fascinating history of virtually every airline ever conceived, bios on key people in the industry as well as data on the aircraft that made up the airline fleets. (Have you ever heard of the Curtis Condor?) It also covers many airlines that didn't survive the dog-eat-dog world of airline star-ups. You will find out how the early airlines overcame enormous challenges, such as starting an airline when many people were afraid of flying. Or trying to launch an airline during the Great Depression, when people couldn't even afford to eat!

Because the airlines evolved from the risky business of flying the mail, the history of air mail and the air mails acts are covered, including the infamous 12 day-long "Spoils Conference" that was either the breath of life or death knell, for many airlines. (It was the demise of Delta Airways, but they would be resurrected!)

This book will answer such questions as: Who was the most famous pilot in the world in 1935? (Hint, he made the cover of the December 2nd issue of Time magazine, and it wasn't Lindbergh!)
Which airline wrecked both of its planes on the day before it was supposed to inaugurate service?
Why were there fist fights in the Douglas factory during the production of the DC-1, and how did Donald Douglas stop them?
Which airline grew out of the air mail route that went from "nowhere to nowhere"?
Which airline had to bribe a pilot, who didn't even work for the airline, to make the first flight? (This airline would become a transcontinental giant!)

If you're an aviation, airline, or history aficionado, you have to get this book!