The airplane has experienced phenomenal advancement in the twentieth century, changing at an exponential rate from the Wright brothers to the present day. In this ground breaking work based on new research, Dr John D. Anderson, Jr, a curator at the National Air and Space Museum, analyzes the historical development of the conceptual design process of the airplane. He aims to answer the question of whether airplane advancement has been driven by a parallel advancement in the intellectual methodology of conceptual airplane design. In doing so, Anderson identifies and examines six case histories of 'grand designers' in this field, and challenges some of the preconceived notions of how the intellectual methodology of conceptual airplane design advanced. Filled with over one hundred illustrations which bring his words to life, Anderson unfolds the lives and thoughts of these grand designers.

John D. Anderson, Jr is an icon in the science and technology of aeronautics, and equally revered for his knowledge of the history of aeronautics, aircraft design, and the people who pioneered these fields. He combines this deep knowledge with the most accessible writing style of any author I have read, explaining difficult concepts in such a way that the reader cannot fail to understand. Anyone with an interest in the history of flight will love this book.'

Michael D. Griffin - former Administrator at NASA

'Pioneering historian of aeronautical engineering and technology, John D. Anderson, Jr gives us an engaging and in-depth study of the methodology designers used to create high-performance military and commercial aircraft from World War I to the Cold War. Anyone seeking insight into the nature of conceptual design and its central role in the development of some of the most iconic aircraft in history will want to read The Grand Designers.'

Jeremy R. Kinney - National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution

'John D. Anderson, Jr traces the exponential improvement in airplane design for over a century, following the Wright Brothers' inaugural flight in 1903. He succinctly defines and codifies 'The Seven Intellectual Pivot Points for Conceptual Design' that all aeronautical architects exhibit. The airplanes of Anderson's selected Grand Designers fly because they were meant to, and the methodologies employed constitute a compelling book for general students and serious scholars alike.'

Evan Davies - Institute of Historical Survey, New Mexico

‘The Grand Designers is an approachable and informative study for anyone interested in the history of technical design, iconic British and American aircraft, and the development of aeronautical engineering.’

Marc J. Alsina Source: Technology and Culture