Mechanical engineer Connors joined the airplane engine company in 1948, and worked in engineering, domestic and international marketing, and program management until he retired in 1983. Then he worked to resurrect the dormant Pratt & Whitney Archives, which he uses, along with the testimony of 25 fellow engineers, to trace the history of the company's piston and gas turbine engines. He balances descriptions of the engines with stories about the people, and the origin and course of the engine programs. Among the stages are the piston engine experience, the end of World War II and the beginning of turbojet development, transition to turbofans, going commercial, high-bypass fans, and the modern era. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)