A century after Lewis and Clark explored the newly purchased lands west of the Mississippi River; Olin D. Wheeler set out on his own epic journey. Using the explorers' original journals as a guide; he followed the old trail and recorded the changes to the land and landscape. Wheeler traveled by train; steamboat and pack train accompanied by a photographer. The Trail of Lewis and Clark is a fascinating look at the still burgeoning west; a century after that ambitious exploration of America's new frontier
#1735349 in Books Specialty Pr Pub Wholesalers 2009-07-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.00 x .50 x 10.00l; 2.80 #File Name: 1580071325228 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Finest Single Reference Available on Naval Attack Aircraft.By JCALAn excellent history of USN Attack aircraft. The chapters start with the changing requirements during WWII and the BuAer missteps as they struggled to find the right mix of size and capability within the VB; VS; and VT communities along with the impact the changes in the VF community were having in gradually blending various capabilities into a single aircraft.The history of the A-6; A-7; and F-18 were particularly spot on and unbiased. The history of the A-12 is probably as complete as it could be at the time of the writing. Having spun wrenches on the J52; J57; J79; TF30; TF41; and the F404 and interacted with a significant number of these aircraft on the flight line and the flight deck (A-4 onshore only; missed the RA-5 by one cruise.) I was pleased to catch a little bit more than what I was able read in the contemporary press or heard as various bits of rumor. The early nuclear operations get excellent coverage as well as the T40 derived failures. Pleasant surprises were the little tidbits on the seagoing Neptune and the Seaplane Striking Force. (Surprising considering they were "hook free".) I was a little surprised to see no reference to the "Lehman Wing" which was done with two A-6 squadrons (VA-75 and VA-85) and completely sans A-7 in 1983. Too bad the lessons were forgot in my opinion as the Navy has had no deep strike aircraft now for 20 years and NavAir has never recovered.(As much as I disliked the F-18 from a mission standpoint; I loved having the F404 in my shop. Turnaround time was typically 25% of a TF30 or a J52 and you could do more to it as far as getting it back out the door instead of canning it up and sending it off the ship. That's great when you only own four rails and have to share space with the buddy stores. Turnaround time was such that I only had to work my crew more than 24 hours straight only twice in six months.)Mr. Thomason is undoubtedly the doyen of technical and aircraft development writing about US Naval Aviation. (Apologies to Mr. Tillman.) If you're looking for squadron operational histories you'll probably be a little disappointed.If you want a chronological history of the technical development and overlapping histories of post war naval attack aircraft this is a great purchase.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A fine and detailed look at Naval Attack and Strike aviation since WWIIBy Flying PhotographerWe have been spoiled by Mr. Thomason in the past; and once again he has succeeded in putting together an interesting; entertaining; well researched and nicely produced volume about US Naval Attack and Strike aviation.This book covers the period between WW II and up to the development of the jack-of-all-trades F/A 18 and F-35. While there is a wealth of information in the chapters covering the many aircraft developed during this period; the author succeeds in never overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details. As with his other books; and in particular with the natural companion book;U.S. Naval Air Superiority: Delevelopment of Shipborne Jet Fighters - 1943-1962; the quality of the production is superb; with many interesting and well-chosen pictures accompanying the informative text. With the many aircraft types developed during these years it is impossible to go into much detail of each one; but the reader is given enough information to understand the overall context and the many problems encountered. Strike and Attack Naval aviation has considerably developed since the torpedo-carrying Devastators and the dive-bombing Dauntless from WWII; and Mr. Thomason brilliantly presents the most important issues and facts of this long journey.Overall this is an authoritative presentation of the subject; and as such represents an excellent summary of US Naval Strike and Attack aviation - highly recommended.14 of 14 people found the following review helpful. Simply wonderful book chronicling the past 60 years of U.S. Navy attack aircraftBy James L. SpingarnThis is wonderfully comprehensive and well written history of U. S. Navy attack aircraft and aviation over the past 60 years. The evolution of all the significant first-line planes and those that didn't quite make the grade and those that simply never left the drawing board is all presented in extremely readable and interesting fashion by Mr. Thomason. The quality and uniqueness of the photos and illustrations is excellent. The explanations of the differences; improvements; development of the aircraft and their weaponry is the best on the subject I've ever seen. A truly exceptional aviation volume; well above the usual offering. It expertly handles a complicated subject with great skill and accuracy. A fascinating and unique book; which I would unhesitatingly recommend to anyone interested in the subject matter. Additionally; is offering it at a very attractive price.
