This book is about three types of airplanes, several individuals, and a new concept in overseas travel. The airplanes commonly called "Clippers," are the Sikorsky S-42, the Martin M-130, and the Boeing B-314. The individuals include Juan Trippe, founder of America's pioneering overseas airline, Pan Am. The new concept, formulated by Pan Am during the Depression days of the 1930s, involved island-hopping by air. The ocean to conquer was the vast Pacific. "Wings to the Orient" is the first attempt to portray this massive undertaking through the use of historical photographs, some of which have never been published. It is fitting to bring out this book in 1985, for April 1985 is the 50th anniversary of Pan Am's first survey flight over the Pacific, and November marks the 50th anniversary of the first airmail flight from San Francisco to Manila.