They Made Aviation History (AWB 1942 book)

Historic Aviation Book: Zij maakten luchtvaartgeschiedenis

This fascinating antiquarian book provides an in-depth look at the early technological evolution and the pioneers of global aviation. Published in Utrecht during the wartime year of 1942, this work is a valuable collector's item for both aviation history enthusiasts and WWII book collectors.

Complete Overview of the 20 Historical Chapters

The book stands out for its detailed technical documentation, containing rare archival photographs, structural diagrams, and specification tables. Each of the twenty chapters is dedicated to an iconic aircraft that shaped the history of flight:

• Chapter I: Wright Biplane
• Chapter II: Bleriot Type XI Monoplane
• Chapter III: Etrich "Taube"
• Chapters IV to X (Fokker): Extensive documentation of Dutch aviation history featuring the Fokker F.2, F.3, F.7, F.7a, and the legendary trimotor F.7/3m.
• Chapter V: Junkers F.13 (including schematic drawings of the corrugated duralumin skin and wing profiles).
• Chapter VI: Koolhoven FK.26
• Chapters XI & XII (Dornier): The impressive Dornier "Wal" and the gigantic flying boat Dornier Do. X.
• Chapters XIII, XIV & XX (Junkers Giants): Technical specifications of the Junkers G.38, the iconic Junkers Ju.52/3m ("Auntie Ju"), and the Ju.90.
• Chapter XV: Glenn Martin 130 "Clipper"
• Chapters XVI, XVIII & XIX (Boeing): The revolutionary Boeing 247, the Boeing 307 "Stratoliner", and the majestic Boeing 314 "Clipper" flying boat.
• Chapter XVII: Douglas DC.2

Unique Features of this Antiquarian Copy

What makes this specific copy extraordinary is the handwritten and signed inscription on the flyleaf. This adds significant historical value, turning the book into a personal time capsule from the German occupation period in the Netherlands:

"Ter aanmoediging (For encouragement). 's-Hertogenbosch, 7 Juli 1942. Vader (Father). Moeder (Mother)."

The dedication is personally signed by family members (including Max and Ward) and includes an original ownership note in the bottom right corner naming P.J. Noorden, residing at Vuchterweg 83, 's-Hertogenbosch.