The Grand Designers

John D. Anderson, Jr is an icon in the science and technology of aeronautics, and equally revered for his knowledge of the history of aeronautics, aircraft design, and the people who pioneered these fields. He combines this deep knowledge with the most accessible writing style of any author I have read, explaining difficult concepts in such a way that the reader cannot fail to understand. Anyone with an interest in the history of flight will love this book.' Michael D. Griffin, former Administrator at NASA

'Pioneering historian of aeronautical engineering and technology, John D. Anderson, Jr gives us an engaging and in-depth study of the methodology designers used to create high-performance military and commercial aircraft from World War I to the Cold War. Anyone seeking insight into the nature of conceptual design and its central role in the development of some of the most iconic aircraft in history will want to read The Grand Designers.' Jeremy R. Kinney, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution

'John D. Anderson, Jr traces the exponential improvement in airplane design for over a century, following the Wright Brothers' inaugural flight in 1903. He succinctly defines and codifies 'The Seven Intellectual Pivot Points for Conceptual Design' that all aeronautical architects exhibit. The airplanes of Anderson's selected Grand Designers fly because they were meant to, and the methodologies employed constitute a compelling book for general students and serious scholars alike.' Evan Davies, Institute of Historical Survey, New Mexico

'The Grand Designers is an approachable and informative study for anyone interested in the history of technical design, iconic British and American aircraft, and the development of aeronautical engineering.' Marc J. Alsina, Technology and Culture

John D. Anderson, Jr is currently the Curator for Aerodynamics at the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, and Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland. Dr Anderson has published eleven books including A History of Aerodynamics (Cambridge, 1999). He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, an Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

1. Introduction: before the beginning; 2. The beginning: the Wright Brothers and their design process; 3. Setting the gold standard: the design methodology of Frank Barnwell; 4. Products of the first design revolution: Arthur Raymond and the DC-3; 5. Design for speed: R. J. Mitchell and the Spitfire; 6. Design perfection: Edgar Schmued and the P-51 Mustang; 7. Defying the limits: the jet airplane, the second design revolution, and Kelly Johnson; 8. Airplane design and the grand designers: the end game; Appendices; References and notes; Index.