Ocean Liner Posters

by Cadringher & Massey

Ocean-crossing passenger ships did not make the world a global village but they were, especially when steam replaced (or augmented) sail which allowed them to overcome the capriciousness of wind and current, the first and for quite a long time only means of personal transport to different parts of the planet on a more or less repeatable and predictable basis.

Railway Posters

by Thierry Favre

This opulent large-format book is the English version of a book that first appeared in 2010 in its original French. It presents a micro-history of the development of passenger rail travel, mostly in the Western hemisphere, in the form of travel posters.

Vikings at Waterloo: The Wartime Work on the Whittle Jet Engine by the Rover Company

by David S. Brooks

This is, sad to say, a dull book about an exciting topic. It concerns itself with the wartime development work on the Whittle jet engine done by the Rover, Lucas, and Rolls-Royce companies up to 1943 in the Waterloo Mill area of England.

Aston Martin: Power, Beauty and Soul

by David Dowsey

Unlike the mostly premium-priced Aston Martin cars, this refreshingly cheap Aston Martin book leaves the buyer with the distinct satisfaction of having received great value for money (unless you must have the 2007 first edition which will set you back a pretty penny). And like the cars, this book is upscale, in presentation as much as in content.

The Ambulance: A History

by Ryan Corbett Bell

Bell surveys the critical moments in ambulance history “from the dusty byways of Byzantium to our modern asphalt boulevards.” reaches deeper than merely describing the vehicular aspects of ambulances but aims to explain their origin, purpose, and development in the larger context of advances in medical care and societal growth.

Art of the Muscle Car

by David Newhardt & Peter Harhold

This book surveys 47 some of the more emblematic specimens along with a few surprises. Philosophically, muscle cars of course harken back to hot rods: small car/BIG engine. You may recall a book with a similar title and done by the same photographer but one is very different in scope.

Via Corsa Car Lover’s Guide

by Ronald Adams

For the traveler with automotive interests, the specificity of these books far surpass the generic tourist guides. The first two releases in this new series cover Arizona and Southern Germany. Having lived in both of these places, this reviewer can say with conviction that they are thorough enough to surprise even the locals with their level of detail.

Sänger: Germany’s Orbital Rocket Bomber in World War II

by David Myhra

Everyone knows NASA’s Space Shuttle. Many know the X-15 and -20. But few outside the rocketry community know the craft or the man that provided key theoretical underpinnings for their propulsion systems and the principle of the lifting body, Eugen Sänger.

Survivor: The Unrestored Collector Car

by Kris Palmer

Yes, “it’s original only once.” But when is fading paint hallowed patina and when is it ugly “car acne”? What is the dividing line between benign neglect and being just cheap? Is a Bugatti more deserving of restoration than a bread and butter first-generation Honda Accord?

Flying Cars, Amphibious Vehicles and Other Dual Mode Transports

by George W. Green

This book lists just about everyone from 1900 to 2010 who has ever publicly stated an intention to build either a flying car, a car/boat combination, or any other land/sea/air multi-use vehicle. Green briefly summarizes what is known about each effort and in rare cases, its success or failure.

The British at Indianapolis

by Ian Wagstaff

The race that bills itself as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” turned 100 in 2011. This book celebrates the British contribution to the race, not just the drivers but the mechanics, engineers, designers, and even officials.

From Balloon to Boxkite: The Royal Engineers and Early British Aeronautics

by Malcolm Hall

It’s not for nothing that the British Royal Engineers’ motto is “Ubique” (Everywhere). In their 900-year history they have been involved in every major conflict the British Army has fought in the far-flung British Empire, here and there and—everywhere.

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