Publisher's Weekly Review
This book is for everyone who's ever wondered how something gets into the air, stays there and lands safely. A close look at the aerodynamics of wings introduces the basic concepts of lift, thrust, drag and weight, the basic forces that affect flight. While the principles don't differ between animals and machines, design and purpose do. Bird and insect wings have evolved to provide lift and maneuverability, ward off predators and attract mates. Manmade flyers, on the other hand-even sailplanes-require a separate means of thrust to create lift. Alexander, who teaches biology at the University of Kansas and studies biomechanics, explains how birds and machines hover; how rotary plane and jet engines work; what keeps airplanes, with their rigid wings, stable in the air; and how various tools help pilots fly "blind." Sections on flying predators and aerial combat, as well as human-powered flight, are especially interesting. Extensive references, a glossary and suggested reading should give even novices a good understanding of flight and how it works. B&w illus. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Choice Review
There are literally thousands of books available on the flight of aircraft or of animals. All of them touch on one or the other form of flight, but this volume concentrates specifically on the comparison of the two. Alexander (entomology, Univ. of Kansas; Nature's Flyers, CH, Oct'02, 40-0906) covers basic aerodynamics, flight control and sensors, soaring and hovering flight, and aerial combat. The book also contains interesting chapters on human-powered flight and human attempts to mimic bird flight. Given the author's background, the flight of insects is covered unusually well. In most cases, aircraft seem to get more interesting coverage, especially from a historical viewpoint. The cartoon-like illustrations are disappointing in view of the wealth of superb photographs, and illustrations (including videos) of animal flight available. Some important topics such as dynamic soaring are omitted or glossed over. The work will not satisfy the engineer or the biologist, but will interest the general reader, although perhaps less than would a fine video of the topic. Includes extensive references and a glossary. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty; two-year technical program students; general audiences. T. C. Williams emeritus, Swarthmore College