INTRODUCTION

The drama of the conquest of the skies throughout the XX century is presented through 25 stories about men and machines from 1913 until 1999. Connecting the early flights of fragile aeroplanes, covered with canvas and braced with wires, to supersonic jet fighters, is the area of the former Yugoslavia. Although on the periphery of the main centres of aviation development, the richness of this heritage is amazing. Captured through the lenses of the diverse participants in these events, curious onlookers or professional photographers, preserved in private collections and public institutions around the globe, 219 authentic photographs, most of which are published for the first time, bring back to life the known and unknown airmen – from Serbia, Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, United States, Soviet Union, Israel and Yugoslavia – who left a unique, important and permanent impact on the history of aviation.

Depicted in the book are no less than 60 aircraft types: Blériot XI; Arsenal S8; Lohner Typ M, P, T & TL; Etrich A.II; Rumpler B.I; Hansa Brandenburg B.I & C.I; Nieuport XXI & XXIII; Spad VII, Phönix C.I & D.I; Aviatik Berg; Ufag C.I; Albatros D.III; FBA Tipo H; Aero A-15; Ikarus ŠM & IK-2; Dornier Do Wal, Do D & Do 17; SiM X & XII; Loire-Gourdou-Leseurre B3; Hawker Fury & Hurricane; Messerschmitt Bf 108; Fieseler Fi 156; Potez 25; Rogožarski R-100, PVT & IK-3; Zmaj R-1; Avia BH.33E; Fizir FN & FP-2; Spartan Cruiser; Breguet XIX; Caproni Ca.310; Henschel Hs 126; Bristol Blenheim; Junkers Ju 52; Cant Z.1007; Macchi C.205; Consolidated B-24; Yakovlyev Yak 1 & UYak 9; Ilyushin Il 2; Supermarine Spitfire; Lockheed T-33; Augusta-Bell AB-47; Republic F-84; McDonnell Douglas DC-9; Northrop F-5E; Mikoyan Gurevich MiG 21 & MiG 29.