Review Of "Why Don't Jumbo Jets Flap Their Wings?: Flying Animals, Flying Machines, And How They Are Different" By D. E. Alexander

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

12-1-2009

Published In

Choice

Abstract

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.

Comments

This work is freely available courtesy of Choice Reviews. The review has been reproduced in full in the abstract field.

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