World War One was the true beginning of combat aircraft, with both the planes and the pilots of that time holding a glamorised place in history. However, this book does not only describe the outstanding aeroplanes and airmen, but also how this period was one of great trial and error in which some were luckier than others. The book tracks an amazing age of aeronautical endeavour, during which aircraft became key in the war effort and aircraft began to be created in in ever more forms and purposes