This first-of-its-kind, definitive book offers a fascinating textual and visual tour of civilian, military, and commercial aviation from the earliest balloon flights to today's most advanced aircraft. Featuring 100 newly commissioned and historic maps as well as 200 related photographs, navigation charts, and historic artifacts, the Smithsonian Atlas of World Aviation charts the awe-inspiring history of flight around the world. Dana Bell, a leading expert on aviation history, explains the fascinating stories behind aviation's great technological advances and provides historic and social context that highlights the many ways in which these advances have changed the course of human history. Groundbreaking maps and charts include: Locations of first flights and early transatlantic flights Pan American Airways international mail and passenger routes Air sequences of the Battle of Britain, Battle of the Bulge, and Berlin Airlift Modern-day flight charts, national aircraft markings, and civil aviation codes History's greatest aviation achievements come alive as never before through detailed visualization and compelling narrative. A must-have for all flight and history enthusiasts.