Charming, reader-friendly chronicle by a famous pioneer in aerodynamic research traces the development of dynamic flight from the time of Newton through the 20th century. It recounts struggles of engineers and physicists with problems associated with lift, drag, stability, aeroelasticity, and the sound barrier. 72 figures. 1957 edition. Unabridged republication of the edition published by Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York, 1954.
Here's a sample of other books in this Dover category
Rockets by Robert Goddard Two of the most significant publications in the history of rocketry and jet propulsion: "A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes" (1919) and "Liquid Propellant Rocket Development" (1936). 96 black-and-white illustrations.
Progress in Flying Machines by Octave Chanute One of the most important books in the history of aviation, this volume contains research from 1891 to 1893 that proved invaluable to the Wright Brothers. 90 illustrations.
Basic Wing and Airfoil Theory by Alan Pope This self-contained treatment by a pioneer in the study of wind effects covers flow functions, airfoil construction and pressure distribution, finite and monoplane wings, and many other subjects. 1951 edition.
Project Vanguard: The NASA History by Constance McLaughlin Green, Milton Lomask, Paul Dickson This authoritative, illustrated history chronicles the Vanguard project, which placed one of the United States' earliest successful man-made satellites into Earth orbit. It analyzes scientific and technical challenges, impact on subsequent missions, and Cold War influences.
An Introduction to the Theory of Aeroelasticity by Y C Fung Geared toward advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this outstanding text surveys aeroelastic problems, their historical background, basic physical concepts, and the principles of analysis.
Fundamentals of Astrodynamics by Roger Bate Teaching text developed by U.S. Air Force Academy develops the basic two-body and n-body equations of motion; orbit determination; classical orbital elements, coordinate transformations; differential correction; more. 1971 edition.