Designed to convey the awe of a visitor first walking into the world''s largest showplace of aviation history, this Autobiography headlines the incredible collections, both on view and behind the scenes, of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The official story and insiders'' tales of the museum are shared by its curators, the people who know it best. Spectacular photography and fascinating backstage glimpses show off the jaw-dropping collection, including well-known and beloved artifacts like Lindbergh''s Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 command module, as well as rare treasures not displayed to the public. For aircraft and spaceflight enthusiasts, for readers interested in science and technology, and for all who admire the civil and military legacy of aviation, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: An Autobiography will be a welcome adventure.

Authors and editors all serve as curators at the National Air and Space Museum and several are published authors: Michael Neufeld, chair of the division of space history at NASM; Tom D. Crouch, aeronautics senior curator; Ted Maxwell, senior scientist; aeronautics curators Alex Spencer, Dominick Pisano, and Dik Daso; and Bob van der Linden, chair of the aeronautics division. General John R. Dailey (USMC, Ret.) is the Director of the National Air and Space Museum and recently former Associate Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He served 36 years in the United States Marine Corps, served two tours in Vietnam, and has earned numerous decorations for his service in the Marine Corps and NASA.

Designed to convey the awe of a visitor first walking into the world's largest showplace of aviation history, this "Autobiography" headlines the incredible collections, both on view and behind the scenes, of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. The official story and insiders' tales of the museum are shared by its curators, the people who know it best. Spectacular photography and fascinating backstage glimpses show off the jaw-dropping collection, including well-known and beloved artifacts like Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" and the Apollo 11 command module, as well as rare treasures not displayed to the public. For aircraft and spaceflight enthusiasts, for readers interested in science and technology, and for all who admire the civil and military legacy of aviation, "Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: An Autobiography" will be a welcome adventure.