Even after a century of commercial air travel, and in spite of the tens of thousands of safe plane trips taken every day, air disasters continue to fascinate. In this gripping book, Xavier Waterkeyn explores more than 200 notable air crashes, including bizarre accidents, hijackings and tales of miraculous survival. These exhaustively researched accounts are contextualized with information about the history and development of aviation, while incredible full-color photographs demonstrate the terror and destruction wrought.<br><br><br><br> From developments in mechanics and safety procedures, to in-depth explorations of changing airport security and the way accidents are investigated, <em>Air Disasters </em>paints a fascinating picture of aviation through the decades.<br><br><br><br> <br><br><ul><br><br> <li><br><br> An ideal gift for anyone with an interest in air travel, mechanics or popular history, and with a broad range of international incidents covered.</li><br><br> <li><br><br> Colour photographs illuminate the text.</li><br><br> <li><br><br> Revised and updated with new air disasters up to 2013.</li><br><br></ul>