Legacy of Wings is a fascinating history of the early development of the aircraft industry in the US, as well as the story of a pioneer in this industry who has generally been forgotten. Harold Pitcairn should not be forgotten for he designed and built the most successful series of planes specifically designed to carry the US Air Mail, and founded a company that carried the mail along the east coast; this company eventually became Eastern Airlines. He went on to pioneer the design and production of autogiros, becoming the largest producer. Autogiros were the first rotary winged aircraft, similar to a helicopter but the rotor blades were not powered except briefly for takeoff. Autogiros can take off and land vertically like a helicopter, although they cannot hover in place. His company held numerous patents on the design of the rotors and their control for flight. This technology was used in helicopters under license from the Pitcairn Autogiro Company. This book is well documented and contains numerous photographs and design details.

I have reread this book 20 years later. I have become more amazed and appreciative of (great uncle) Harold's contributions to the field of aviation, and more understanding of the challenges he faced in trying to secure justice for use of his patents during World War II---the benefits of which were not recognized until after 26 years of litigation.

Even if I weren't related, this is great stuff for anyone to read about the pioneering days of American aviation, from the early mail service (later becoming Eastern Airlines) to the co-development work on the autogiro---the precursor of the helicoptor.

Go for it!