Aircraft Encyclopedia by Bill Gunston (1978, 3rd Impression) | Military Aviation Reference | WWI to Modern Warplanes | Illustrated HC

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Explore the Evolution of Combat Aircraft

This 1978 edition of The Encyclopedia of the World's Combat Aircraft by Bill Gunston is a must-have for aviation buffs, military history readers, and vintage book collectors alike. Covering warplanes from World War I through the Cold War era, this richly illustrated guide features:

  1. Over 200,000 words of detailed analysis
  2. More than 500 accurate drawings and 40 technical cutaways
  3. Full-color profile art and technical data for over 1500 aircraft variants

Each aircraft entry includes origin, armament, dimensions, performance stats, and a history of its combat role. Whether you’re researching a specific model or fascinated by the full sweep of military aviation, this book offers a visual and factual deep dive into the world of warplanes.

Quick Specs:

  • Title: The Encyclopedia of the World's Combat Aircraft
  • Author: Bill Gunston
  • Publisher: Chartwell Books / Salamander Books
  • Edition: Third Impression, 1978
  • Format: Hardcover with dust jacket
  • Pages: 229
  • Size: 12 x 9 x 0.5 in
  • Language: English
  • Genre: Military Reference / Aviation History
  • Condition Notes: Dust jacket shows visible wear and a taped repair on the back (see photos). Hardcover is clean and sturdy. Interior pages are crisp, bright, and unmarked

Why You'll Love It:

  • Perfect gift for military and aviation enthusiasts
  • Excellent source for model builders, educators, and historians
  • Vintage Cold War era publication with detailed artwork and stats

Disclaimer:
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved. As is typical for vintage pieces, they may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide. If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.

Please Note:
These pieces are an estate find and have been surface cleaned, but a more thorough cleaning may be desired.

About Reading Vintage:
At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.

Good to Know Before You Buy

Yes. Every photo on this page is the actual item you will receive. Not a stock photo, not a similar copy. What you see is what ships.

Honestly. This is vintage, so expect some age. When I find wear, writing, stains, loose pages, chips, or missing pieces, I note them and show them in the photos. Some marks add character. Some are just flaws. I tell you which is which so you can decide if this is the right one for you.

With care. Old books and fragile pieces are wrapped and boxed so they arrive the way they left me. Careful packing is one of the things buyers mention most in their reviews. Orders of $35 or more ship free.

Probably not. Everything here is one of a kind, and I rarely find the same item twice. Once it sells, it is gone. Vintage does not restock neatly.