Rapid developments in aviation technology from the period immediately following World War II to the early 1970s brought high-speed air travel to the public and, in the process, seriously reduced the size of the world. This history of the American airliner's embryonic years bridges the propliner era, famous for classic aluminum aircraft like the elegant Lockheed Constellation and stout Douglas DC-3, with the dawn of early jetliners like the DC-8, Boeing 707 and Convair 880. A combination of modern and period photography transports readers back to this heady era, helping to detail the evolution of American airliners and the days of luxury air travel. Each of these pioneering aircraft is depicted in a variety of liveries representing American airlines of the time.About the AuthorBill Yenne is the author of more than three dozen books, mainly on historical topics. Before turning to a career as an author, Mr. Yenne was a nationally-recognized artist and illustrator. His illustrations have appeared in a number of national magazines, including Rolling Stone, and several of his paintings are in the official collection of the US Air Force. He is the author of the 2003 title The American Brewery, also from MBI Publishing Company. He lives in San Francisco, California.