The third edition amounts to an extensive rewriting of Jenkins' history of the technology that began "the true space age." It includes more data on early concepts, more background on the politics and funding issues surrounding the decision to build the space shuttle, and information about missions through the 100th flight. Printed on heavy coated stock, with copious b&w and color photos, the work provides a wealth of technical details from 80 years of spacecraft development. Jenkins is a Florida-based aerospace expert. Distributed by Voyageur Press. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)