Bibliographies

Annotated Bibliography of Space Science and Technology; A History of Astronautical Book Literature--1931-1962 by Frederick I. Ordway III (reprinted by permission)

In 1962, Frederick Ordway, III compiled the third revision of his bibliography of astronautical book literature from 1931 to 1961. With his gracious consent, we have reproduced that bibliography here. Our version is slightly different from the original in that we have excluded the Astronomical Supplement and moved some books that were out of alphabetical order. This material remains the copyright of Frederick Ordway, III.
We reproduce this as an aid to our customers. We do NOT have copies of all of these in stock.

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Annotated Bibliography of Space Science and Technology with an Astronomical Supplement; A History of Astronautical Book Literature—1931 through 1961

By Frederick I. Ordway, III
Foreword by Frederick C. Durant, III
Originally published by Arfor Publications, Washington, DC
Third edition, 1962
© 1962 Frederick I. Ordway, III (appears here by permission of the author)

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
FOREWORD
PREFACE
Titles Appearing in the 1930s
Titles Appearing in the 1940s
1950 Titles
1951 Titles
1952 Titles
1953 Titles
1954 Titles
1955 Titles
1956 Titles
1957 Titles
1958 Titles
1959 Titles
1960 Titles
1961 Titles

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The outstanding cooperation of dozens of American and European publishers was invaluable to the preparation of preparation of this bibliography and is gratefully acknowledged.

FOREWORD

     Thirty years of astronautical literature! How many reading this are acquainted with the three books of the 1930s? Who could have read more than a tiny fraction of the more than 125 books published in 1960 and 1961?
     This unique work of Fred Ordway will surely find a welcome place in any astronautical reference library. A boon to perplexed librarians given only fragmentary or incomplete data (I can never remember who published what), this reference volume will fill an important need for those wishing to check recently produced literature. Moreover, there are many classic works that belong in a well-ordered reference library. Thoughtful perusal and study of this annotated bibliography will provide the most appropriate basic list of books for any new library, oriented toward the individual’s or organization’s special interest and capabilities.
     Often one is not aware of important parallel efforts in writing, sometimes spaced several years apart. From these lists pertinent details of such works can be extracted and the book either obtained on loan from other libraries or purchased.
To me the bibliography is especially interesting for its reflection of the growth of space technology. Found herein are the rocket pioneers turned author. The names of Oberth, Goddard, Sänger and von Braun leap out from the pages. Many early books were visionary, of course. Many others were sales pitches for development funds for space flight when the subject was not considered a respectable professional activity. However, an important number of the books of the ‘40s and ‘50s are classics that provide in valuable background sources of ideas and inspiration in the relatively complex and specialized state-of-the-art today. Some of the most comprehensive works listed are those written in the early ‘50s when imagination and enthusiasm were properly disciplined by the technically trained mind though space flight was still an exciting dream.
     It was in this particular period that the first satellite programs were organized. They were based not upon fancy but upon the tremendous engineering achievement of the German rocket engineers during World War II, culminating in the V2 (A4) surface-to-surface missile. It took nearly ten years for the rest of the world to learn that only small extrapolations from V2 design techniques plus the use of staging were required to achieve satellite velocity. But at the same time there were dozens of engineers with stars in their eyes who were convinced that useful artificial Earth-circling satellites could be launched and that men would fly to the Moon in their lifetime. Many of these men are among the authors listed in this bibliography. Their excitement and confidence are clearly evident in their writings. Many other authors are professional free lance writers with reportorial skill but unfortunately lacking the technical appreciation and judgment gained only from years of working on and dreaming about rockets.
     Fred Ordway is unusually well qualified to compile this bibliography. For many years he has appreciated space flight not only as an exciting dream but as one which would be realized. He was the only American attending the first organized congress of the International Astronautical Federation in Paris in 1950. At that time he was a student at the Sorbonne. Since then he has worked in and written widely about the newly created space industry.
     An avid collector of astronautical literature and esoterica, his own library contains all of the early works listed. Moreover, he knows personally most of the rocket pioneers. He is to be congratulated on the painstaking care, study, and skill required to assemble and annotate this important contribution to space literature.
     Frederick C. Durant, III
     Past President, American Rocket Society and International Astronautical Federation
     Chevy Chase, Maryland, January, 1962

PREFACE

     Appearing in 1955 and again in 1958 as “Specialized Books on Space Flight and Related Disciplines,” this standard astronautical bibliography is now in its third and greatly enlarged edition. While earlier versions included references to much supporting literature in order to provide adequate information of importance to the missile and astronautical fields, the expansion of the book literature has been so impressive that now it is possible to prepare a meaningful bibliography listing only titles directly concerned with these subjects. Thus, the reader should not expect to find descriptions of books dealing with such topics as aerodynamics, geochemistry, astrophysics, mathematics, aircraft structures, and meteorology unless they are specifically aimed, in their treatment, to furthering an understanding of the rocket, missile and space sciences and technologies.
     It is believed that all significant English-language titles since Lasser’s “Conquest of Space” (1931) are listed. Foreign-language titles have been deleted from this edition, with the exception of multi-language proceedings of key international astronautical conferences, but they are being analyzed in anticipation of the publication of a supplementary bibliography. However, many significant French, German and Soviet titles have been translated into English and are thus discussed herein. For the convenience of the U. S. reader, American editions of books originally published in Great Britain are given, when available.
     For the first time, the bibliography has been organized according to year of publication, a feature that not only leads the reader directly to the most recent works, but emphasizes the growth of missile and astronautical literature since the early 1930s. Author and title indices appear at the end. The main bibliography is believed to be virtually complete, although it must be recognized that obviously unsuitable titles (e.g. on flying saucers) have not been consulted, nor (with a few exceptions) have books been included if they were written primarily for younger readers.
     Normally, only the latest edition of a given work is annotated, with reference being given to the year it was first published. However, the first editions of key early works are annotated as well as later, usually expanded editions. This is done partly to emphasize the time period in which an important title was initially published and partly to show the original coverage in comparison with its later treatment. As an aid to researchers most modern works are reviewed in more detail than earlier works. It will be discovered that some longer books require less commentary than smaller, and often less important, works. This is a reflection of the fact that it occasionally takes more words to explain the contents of a shorter book than a longer one.
     As a supplement to the main bibliography, a listing is given of astronomical books that deal with the immediate objectives of space flight and contribute heavily to astronautical progress. General astronomical surveys with particularly good coverage of the Solar System are included unless the have a strong astronautical theme, in which case they are found in the main bibliography. Astronomical books are divided into sections dealing with “Solar System and General Astronomy,” ‘Sun,” “Venus,” “Earth,” “Moon,” “Mars,” “Jupiter,” “Asteroids, Comets and Meteors,” and “Celestial Mechanics.” In order to keep the bibliography to a practical length, astronomical titles were not annotated in this edition.
     Due to the fact that publishers constantly change prices, we cannot assure the accuracy of any figures herein. Similarly, the availability of a given title cannot be guaranteed since books frequently go out of print or out of stock (often pending a reprinting or revision). Titles marked OP are now out of print, but this does not necessarily mean that they may not be republished at some later date.
     FREDERICK I. ORDWAY, III
     Huntsville, Alabama
     January 1962

Titles Appearing in the 1930s

Cleator, P.E. ROCKETS THROUGH SPACE New York, 1936: Simon and Schuster 227 pages

Great Britain's earliest contribution to rocket-astronautical literature is a book by the founder of the British Interplanetary Society. Much in it is of historical interest including discussions of early rocket tests The book considers propellants, rocket engines and the problems of flight into and through outer space.

Lasser D. CONQUEST OF SPACE New York, 1931: Penguin Press 271 pages

Not only America's first but the English language’s first book on rocketry as applied to space travel, “Conquest of Space” did much to open up interest in the US and abroad on the possibility of manned exploration of space. It discusses the meaning of space flight, space flight in literature, rockets, the spaceship, travel in space, barriers to space flight, etc.

Philip C. G. STRATOSPHERE AND ROCKET FLIGHT (Astronautics) London, 1937: Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons Ltd 126 pages

First published in 1935, the 1937 edition of this small book represented the third and enlarged version. Chapters cover rocket history, propulsion, the stratosphere, propellants, atomic energy, interplanetary travel, and so on.

Titles Appearing in the 1940s

---- TABLES FOR THE DESIGN OF MISSILES Cambridge (Massachusetts), 1948: Harvard University Press, 226 pages

Prepared by the staff of the Harvard Computation Laboratory, the book is a collection of tables useful to the designer of guided missiles.

---- U. S. ROCKET ORDNANCE: DEVELOPMENT AND USE IN WORLD WAR II Washington, 1946: Government Printing Office, 57 pages

"U. S. Rocket Ordnance” provides a comprehensive coverage of rocket developments and operations during World War II, including aircraft rockets, beach barrage rockets, anti-submarine rockets, and JATO.

Boyce, J. C. (ed) NEW WEAPONS FOR AIR WARFARE Boston, 1947: Little, Brown and Co., 292 pages

One of the “Science in World War II” series sponsored by the Office of Scientific Research and Development, this volume is partially concerned with guided missiles, including the glide bombs Pelican and Bat, the Roc program, guided missile components, Azon and Razon radio-controlled bombs, and the Felix target-seeker.

Burchard, J. E. (ed) ROCKETS, GUNS AND TARGETS Boston, 1948: Little, Brown and Co., 482 pages

This is a useful historical work offering a thorough coverage of World War II rocket development, e.g., Bazooka aircraft rockets, bombardment and beach barrage rockets. Another of the “Science in World War II” volumes (sponsored by the Office of Scientific Research and Development), it provides as complete a survey of its subject as available in the book literature.

Goddard, R. II. ROCKET DEVELOPMENT New York, 1948: Prentice- Hall, Inc., 291 pages (1961 edition)

Data on the American rocket pioneer’s liquid propellant rocket re searches from 1929 to 1941 are included, taken from his personal note books. The book covers experiments and flight tests conducted in Massachusetts and in New Mexico. It is what may be called a rocket engineer’s diary of events preceding and following static and flight tests. The book was republished in 1961 in a 222 page edition with a biographical essay on Goddard by G. E. Pendray.

Goddard, R. H. ROCKETS New York, l94 American Rocket Society, Inc., 101 pages

The book contains two papers of great historical interest, “A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitude” (1919) and “Liquid-Propellant Rocket Development” (1936), together with a biographical note, and appreciation by G. E. Pendray, plus an overall introduction by Goddard himself, written in May 1945.

Harper, H. DAWN OF THE SPACE AGE London, 1946: Sampson Low, Marson and Co., Ltd., 142 pages

A small book for the general reader, it is divided into three sections, one on the rocket and atomic power, one on the Moon and planetary travel, and one on spaceship design and construction.

Kooy, J. M. J. and J. W. H. Uytenbogaart BALLISTICS OF THE FUTURE Haarlem (Netherlands.), 1946: N. V. de Technische Vitgeverij H. Stam, 472 pages

One of earliest post-war books on rocketry, it includes information on the German V1 and V2 bombardment missiles, and treats vector calculus applied to general dynamics, dynamics of the solid, equations of a connected system, numerical integration, general theory of a gravitating spinning top, terrestrial dynamics of rockets, etc. The book includes interesting material on the operational use of the V2 and on the extraterrestrial aspects of rocketry.

Ley, W. CONQUEST OF SPACE New York, 1949: Viking Press, 160 pages

“Conquest of Space” contains classic Bonestell black and white and color paintings of astronomical and astronautical concepts, together with chapters treating individual planets and satellites.

Ley, W. ROCKETS New York, 1944: Viking Press, 287 pages

This is the original title of a series that has grown into the present “Rockets, Missiles and Space Travel” (see 1957 entry). In ten chapters it covers “The Beginnings of the Idea”; “The Decades of the Great Dreams”; “The Rocket’s Red Glare”; “Prophets with some Honor”; “The Battle of the Formulae”; “Success, Failure and Politics”; “The Meteorological Rocket”; “The Rocket into Cosmic Space”; “The Spaceship”; and “Terminal in Space.” As with later editions, useful appendices are included.

Nicholson, M. VOYAGES TO THE MOON New York, 1948: Macmillan Co., 297 pages (1960 edition)

This is a literary and historical book on the evolution of fictional ideas on how man could travel to the Moon. It includes accounts of schemes developed by Cicero, Lucian, Plutarch, Milton, and others. Reprinted in 1960.

Pendray, G. E. COMING AGE OF ROCKET POWER New York, 1945: Harper and Brothers, 244 pages

The author has written a good source book of historical and World War II rockets and missiles, principles of rocket propulsion, and details of general rocketry.

Rosser, R. B., R. R. Newton and G. L. Gross MATHEMATICAL THEORY OF ROCKET FLIGHT New York, 1947: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 276 pages

“Official final report of the Office of Scientific Research and Development concerning work done on the exterior ballistics of fin-stabilized rocket projectiles under the supervision of Section H of Division 3 of the National Defense Research Committee . . . . during 1944 and 1945.” The book contains chapters on the equations of motion of a rocket, motion after burning, boundary conditions, etc. A glossary of terms is included.

Sutton, G. P. ROCKET PROPULSION ELEMENTS New York, 1948: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 294 pages

First edition of book later greatly expanded (see 1956 entry), it provides an introduction to the engineering of rockets and treats rocket history, nozzle theory and thermodynamic relations, rocket propellant performance calculations, liquid rocket propellants, liquid rocket motors, liquid propellant feed systems, flight performance, rocket testing and solid propellant rockets. The book has become a standard text in its field.

Weyl, A. R. GUIDED MISSILES London, 1949: Temple Press Ltd., 140 pages

A useful work covering the principles of guided missiles, historical origins, large and small weapons, etc.; it is well illustrated and has tabular support. The book gives many little known facts on early rocket and missile developments.

Wilcox, A. MOON ROCKET London, 1946: Thomas Nelson and Sons, Ltd., 161 pages

“Moon Rocket” is a general interest rocket and space flight book covering, among other things, British Interplanetary Society rocket designs and spaceship projects.

Zim, H. S. ROCKETS AND JETS New York, 1945: Harcourt, Brace and Co., Inc., 326 pages

Zim’s book provides an interesting, non-technical treatment of rocketry, with an excellent account of the use of rockets as wartime combat weapons. It was written at the time World War II rocketry was at its height.

Zucrow, M. J. PRINCIPLES OF JET PROPULSION AND GAS TURBINES New York, 1948: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 563 pages

This is a fundamental engineering text on jet propulsion, with an extensive treatment of rocket motors. Some of the specific subjects covered are propulsion fundamentals, thermodynamics of gas flow, gas turbine power plants, air compressors, combustion chambers, and high temperature metallurgy.

1950 Titles

Bolster, C. M. ASSISTED TAKE-OFF OF AIRCRAFT Northfield (Vermont), 1950: Norwich University, 71 pages

A small but valuable work that considers JATO for use on both land and sea planes. It is by an acknowledged expert on the subject.

Proell, W. and N. J. Bowman HANDBOOK OF SPACE FLIGHT Chicago, 1950: Perastadion Press, 185 pages

A sourcebook of missile and astronautical facts, tables, curves, and figures, it has been greatly expanded and brought up to date (see 1958 entry).

Wimpress, K. N. INTERNAL BALLISTICS OF SOLID FUEL ROCKETS New York, 1950: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 214 pages

Sub-titled “Military Rockets Using Dry-processed Double-base propellant as Fuel”, the book deals with such topics as propellant gas characteristics, propellant burning properties, steady state flow of compressible fluids, nozzle performance, gas flow in rocket motors, propellant grain design, ignition, and static test equipment.

1951 TITLES

Carter, L. J. (ed) ARTIFICIAL SATELLITE London, 1951: British Interplanetary Society, 74 pages

This classic booklet includes all British papers presented at the Second International Astronautical Congress and English language résumés of foreign contributions. It covers such subject matter as meteor hazards to space stations, satellites, and aerodynamic braking descent from orbit.

Clarke, A. C. INTERPLANETARY FLIGHT New York, 1951: Harper and Brothers, 164 pages (1960 edition)

Ranging from semi-technical to technical, the book provides an excellent introduction to astronautics. Its ten chapters deal with such subjects as the history of astronautical thinking, Earth’s gravitational field, rockets, escape, lunar and interplanetary flight, atomic rockets, spaceships and space stations. The majority of mathematical arguments are found in the appendix. It was first published in 1950 in Great Britain. A second edition appeared in 1960, 144 pages, fully revised with data on Earth satellites and space probes.

Durham, F. P. AIRCRAFT JET POWERPLANTS New York, 1951: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 304 pages

There are chapters on principles of thrust and the energy equation, thermodynamic properties of air and gas, combustion chambers, turbines, ramjet engines, rocket engines, etc., in this large size, illustrated book.

Marbarger, J. P. (ed) SPACE MEDICINE Urbana (Illinois), 1951: University of Illinois Press, 83 pages

Six chapters, by different contributors, cover space medicine in the US Air Force, multistage rockets and artificial satellites, physiological considerations on the possibility of life under extraterrestrial conditions, astronomy and space medicine, orientation in space, and bioclimatology of manned rocket flight. Although short, it was an important pioneering publication effort in a new branch of medical science.

Ross, F., Jr. GUIDED MISSILES: Rockets and Torpedoes New York, 1951: Lothrop, Lee and Shepard, Co., Inc., 186 pages (revised edition)

While aimed at the younger reader, the book contains a wealth of information on guided missiles, including vintage models, not readily available in other sources. It considers, in six chapters, historical missiles, German missiles, US World War II missile development, foreign developments, and the future of missiles.

1952 TITLES

Clarke, A. C. EXPLORATION OF SPACE New York, 1952: Harper and Brothers, 199 pages (1959 edition)

“Exploration of Space” rapidly became a very popular treatment of astronautics, with emphasis on lunar and interplanetary bases, travel through space, spaceships, communications, navigation, and medical aspects of man in space. Two chapters cover “Other Suns than Ours” and “To the Stars”. Black and white and color plates enhance the book. A somewhat revised 200 page edition was later published (1959).

Gatland, K. W. DEVELOPMENT OF THE GUIDED MISSILE New York, 1952: Philosophical Library, Inc., 133 pages

This is the short, original version of a book that was greatly enlarged two years later (see 1954 entry).

Kölle, H. H. (ed) PROBLEME AUS DER ASTRONAUTISCHEN GRUNDLAGEN FORSCHUNG-PROBLEMS OF ASTRONAUTICAL RESEARCH Stuttgart, 1952: Gesellschaft für Weltraumforschung e.v., 256 pages

The book contains 26 German and English papers presented at the Third International Astronautical Congress, and is the official proceedings. Many aspects of astronautics, rocketry, space medicine, etc. are covered. German language papers incorporate an English summary.

Ryan, C. (ed) ACROSS THE SPACE FRONTIER New York, 1952: Viking Press, 147 pages

With its striking color illustrations and contributions by W. von Braun, W. Ley, F. L. Whipple, H. Haber, J. Kaplan and O. Schachter, the book offers a good general discussion of space flight, satellites, orbital stations and space medicine.

Sänger, E. and I. Bredt ROCKET DRIVE FOR LONG RANGE BOMBERS Whittier (California), 1952: Robert Cornog, 175 pages

This Navy translation of the 1944 Sanger-Bredt antipodal bomber report is an important contribution to the astronautical literature. It includes chapters on fundamentals, the aircraft, launching and climb, gliding flight and landing, bombing, attacks, and development of the bomber.

White, C. S. and O. O. Benson, Jr. (eds) PHYSICS AND MEDICINE OF THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE Albuquerque (New Mexico), 1952: University of New Mexico Press, 611 pages

The first detailed study of the aeropause, the book rapidly became a standard reference of high altitude physics and aviation and space medicine. It contains chapters on almost every aspect of these subjects, prepared by leading authorities on upper atmosphere physics, meteor astronomy, acceleration, weightlessness physiology, space cabin structures, etc. No comparable work was published until 1960 (see Benson and Strughold entry).

1953 TITLES

Braun, W. von MARS PROJECT Urbana (Illinois), 1953: University of Illinois Press, 91 pages

The book is a technical demonstration of how a manned round trip to Mars may take place based on chemically-propelled spaceships. Departing from an Earth satellite orbit, ten vehicles would travel to Mars, assemble in Martian orbit, permit a party to descend to the surface, then return to Earth. Overall voyage would take some three years. Chapters are entitled “Three-stage Ferry Vessels”, “Space Ships”, “Landing Boats”, “Ferry Flights and General Logistics”, “Power Plant Performance” and “Interplanetary Radio Communication”.

Cleator, P. E. INTO SPACE London, 1953: George Allen and Unwin, Ltd., 159 pages

By the founder of the British Interplanetary Society and author of “Rockets through Space” (1936), this book contains an historical appraisal of the space flight concept, commentaries on current progress, and provides a prognosis of future developments. “Into Space” is exceptionally well, and often amusingly, written.

Gatland, K. W. and A. M. Kunesch SPACE TRAVEL New York, 1953: Philosophical Library, Inc., 205 pages

At the time it was written “Space Travel” presented one of the most penetrating surveys of problems and prospects of space travel. Typical subjects are air-conditioning of spaceships, construction of interplanetary rockets, landing on bodies without atmospheres, and travel to the stars. The book is very well illustrated.

Haber, H. (ed) FRONTIERS OF MAN-CONTROLLED FLIGHT Berkeley (California), 1953: University of California Press, 109 pages

This work is the proceedings of a symposium on extreme altitude flight and advanced aviation medicine, and, among other things, contains many data of practical importance given by test pilots.

Haber, H. MAN IN SPACE Indianapolis, 1953: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Inc., 291 pages

“Man in Space” presents a non-technical account of space medicine and its problems and progress. Illustrated by cartoon-like sketches, it deals with radiation and meteorite hazards to space vehicles, acceleration, the phenomenon of weightlessness, nutrition, atmospheric control in spaceships, mental effects of long duration voyages, closed cabin ecology, and so forth.

Leonard, J. N. FLIGHT INTO SPACE New York, 1953: Random House, Inc., 245 pages

Leonard’s book gives a science writer’s coverage of space flight and its reliance on rocket and missile technology. It is a well prepared account for the interested layman.

MacShane, E. J., J. L. Kelly, and T. V. Reno EXTERIOR BALLISTICS Denver, 1953: The Swallow Press, 834 pages

This work provides a highly technical and complete survey and analysis of its subject.

Newell, H. E., Jr. HIGH ALTITUDE ROCKET RESEARCH New York, 1953: Academic Press, 298 pages

This title represents the first systematic treatise of the use of rockets as upper atmospheric research tools. It describes the various rocket vehicles used as instrument carriers (V2, Viking. Aerobee, etc), gives firing summaries, and covers the nature of the atmosphere, vehicle performance, payloads, motions, data recovery, measurements, radiations, high altitude photography, etc.

Ryan, C. (ed) CONQUEST OF THE MOON New York, 1953: Viking Press, 126 pages

Characterized by excellent paintings prepared by Bonestell, Freeman, and Klep, it contains chapters by W. von Braun, W. Ley, and F. L. Whipple on space stations, moonships, “personnel spheres,” the Moon voyage, the establishment of bases on the Moon, lunar exploration, and the Moon-Earth trip.

1954 TITLES

---- SPACE-FLIGHT PROBLEMS Biel-Bienne (Switzerland), 1954: Laubscher & Cie., 224 pages

The book is the proceedings of the IVth International Astronautical Congress (Zurich, 1953) and contains contributions in English, French, and German covering many phases of rocketry and space exploration techniques and proposals.

Boyd, R.. L. F., and M. J. Seaton (eds) ROCKET EXPLORATION OF UPPER ATMOSPHERE New York, 1954: Pergamon Press, Inc., 376 pages

The book contains a collection of the papers presented by the US Upper Atmosphere Rocket Research Panel and the British Gassiot Committee of the Royal Society. It concerns what its title states, with chapters on rocket research techniques; pressures, densities, tempera and composition determinations of the high atmosphere; radiation and geomagnetic investigations, and so forth.

Buedeler, W. TO OTHER WORLDS London, 1954: Burke Publishing Co., Ltd., 224 pages

This is the English translation of the German book “Telescope, Raketen, Gestirne,” revised and up-dated. As the German title suggests, its three parts are concerned with telescopes, rockets, and stars, making it partially astronomical and partially astronautical in character. The book is for the general reader.

Burgess, E. ROCKET PROPULSION New York, 1954: Macmillan Co., 235 pages

This is the second revised edition presenting a semi-technical treatment of rocket propulsion, with a mathematical supplement. Its chapters deal with propellants, tankage, and feed systems, rocket motors, flight control, long range missiles, interplanetary travel and atomic energy.

Caiden, M. ROCKETS AND MISSILES—PAST AND FUTURE New York, 1954: McBride Co., Inc., 208 pages

A general history is presented of missiles and rockets, grouped largely by nation: Germany, Japan, Russia, Britain, and USA.

Caiden, M. ROCKETS BEYOND THE EARTH New York, 1954: McBride Co., Inc., 319 pages

This is the second edition of a 1952 book with drawings by F. Wolff and J. J. Schlamp, covering the history of rockets, rocket airplanes, proposals for satellites space stations, spaceships, and so forth.

Caiden, M. WORLDS IN SPACE New York, 1954: Henry Holt and Co., Inc., 212 pages

“Worlds in Space” is a profusely illustrated (paintings by F. Wolff) general space flight survey.

Clarke, A. C. EXPLORATION OF THE MOON New York, 1954: Harper and Brothers, 112 pages

Largely pictorial (paintings by R. Smith), the book is concerned with many aspects of lunar flight, colonization, and exploitation.

Coombs, C. SKYROCKETING INTO THE UNKNOWN New York, 1954: William Morrow and Company, 256 pages

A well-illustrated book for the general reader on advanced jet and rocket airplanes, research vehicles, and missiles, Of particular interest are the sections on the Skyrocket, X1 and X1A rocket powered air planes.

Dornberger, W. V-2 New York, 1954: Viking Press, 281 pages

Translated from the German “V-2—Der Schuss ins Weltall”, the book is by the former commanding general of the Peenemünde rocket development center of wartime Germany fame. It probes into the history, background, development and operational use of the V2 bombardment rocket, and provides interesting details on a number of other missiles.

Eames, J. P. TURBINE AND JET-PROPELLED AIRCRAFT POWER PLANTS New York, 1954: Chartwell House, Inc. 240 pages

The book discusses jet powerplants and their components, and includes a chapter on “The Rocketjet Powerplant” that covers rocket propulsion, solid and liquid propellants, the Me163, Baka, JATO and RATO units, and so forth.

Gatland, K. W. DEVELOPMENT OF THE GUIDED MISSILE New York, 1954: Philosophical Library, Inc., 292 pages

At its time the most complete book in its field, “Development of the Guided Missile” presents a thorough survey of guided missiles, propulsion systems, guidance, control, tactics, artificial satellites, and interplanetary flight, and contains detailed tables on individual military, test and sounding vehicles. It is the revised and enlarged second edition of a book that first appeared in 1952.

Goodwin, H. L. SCIENCE BOOK OF SPACE TRAVEL New York, 1954: Franklin Watts, Inc., 213 pages

The book provides a very general, but accurate, survey of space travel for the interested public.

Haber, H. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE FLYER San Antonio (Texas), 1954: U. S. Air Force School of Aviation (now Aerospace) Medicine, 179 pages

This work gives a basic scientific survey of upper atmosphere physics, aviation and space medicine, and the interrelationships between man, vehicle, and the environment.

Koelle, H. H. and H. J. Kaeppeler LITERATURZEICHNIS DER ASTRONAUTIK-LITERATURE INDEX OF ASTRONAUTICS Tittmoning/Oberbayern, 1954: Verlag Walter Pustet, 100 pages

It consists of a German and English index of literature titles by subject and author, as well as an early version of the Sänger astronautical classification system.

Leyson, B. W. MAN, ROCKETS AND SPACE New York, 1954: E. P. Dutton and Co., 188 pages

A survey type book for the general reader, it has chapters on the origin of the Earth and its atmosphere, the functioning of the rocket, research rockets, cosmic radiation, plans for the conquest of space, man in space, and objectives of space travel.

1955 TITLES

Bridgeman, W. and J. Hazard LONELY SKY New York, 1955: Henry Holt and Co., Inc., 316 pages

“Lonely Sky” tells the personal story of test pilot of the D-558-2 “Skyrocket” rocket powered airplane.

Burgess, E. FRONTIER TO SPACE New York, 1955: Macmillan Co., 174 pages

A technical survey is provided of the exploration of the upper atmosphere, particularly by means of rocket-borne instrumentation. There are chapters on upper atmosphere physics, sounding rockets, instrumentation, solar radiation, ionospherics, cosmic radiations, and satellites and space vehicles.

Hecht, F. (ed) BERICHT ÜBER DEN V INTERNATIONALEN ASTRONAUTISCHEN KONGRESS (Proceedings of the Vth International Astronautical Congress) Vienna, 1955: Springer-Verlag, 307 pages

Contained herein are a collection of papers, mostly in English and German, but some in French and Italian, on space flight mechanics, space ship propulsion, control systems for rockets, artificial satellites, and other astronautical subjects.

Locke, A. S. GUIDANCE Princeton (New Jersey), 1955: D. van Nostrand Co., Inc., 729 pages

The first volume in the “Principles of Guided Missile Design” series (G. Merrill, ed), “Guidance” covers such topics as fundamental problems of missile guidance, terrestrial and celestial reference, radio wave trans mission, infrared, servo system theory, tactical considerations, detection and information gathering, target considerations, analysis of flight paths pre-launching and launching, missile airframes, computation, and telemetry.

Lundgren, W. ACROSS THE HIGH FRONTIER New York, 1955: William Morrow and Co., Inc., 288 pages

This is the story of US Air Force test pilot Major C. E. Yeager who flew the X1A rocket airplane to Mach 2.5 and to an altitude of over 90,000 ft.

Mallan, L. MEN, ROCKETS AND SPACE RATS New York, 1955: Julian Messner Publishers, Inc., 335 pages (1961 edition)

“Men, Rockets and Space Rats” gives an account of the development of rockets, rocket airplanes, and space-aviation medicine by an observer who personally visited dozens of installations and had first-hand interviews with scientists and engineers engaged in space oriented re search. The book was revised in 1958 and again in 1961 (368 pages). In the latest edition information is included on US Mercury suborbital flights and Soviet orbital flights.

Moore, P. EARTH SATELLITE London, 1955: Eyre and Spottiswoode, 8 pages

“Earth Satellite” discusses the history of satellite theoretical developments, high altitude rocket research, military satellites, manned satellites, and space flight.

Mullins, B. P. SPONTANEOUS IGNITION OF LIQUID FUELS London, 5: Butterworth’s Scientific Publications, 117 pages

One of the AGARD series, the book treats such topics as the effects fuel additives, ignition delay, and applications (including rocket motors id pulsejets).

Partel, G.. TECHNICAL DICTIONARY OF ROCKETS AND ASTRONAUTICS Rome, 1955: Associazione Italiana Razzi, 107 pages

This multi-language dictionary provides equivalents, in Italian, German, English, and French, of more than 1,000 words.

Rosen, M. W. VIKING ROCKET STORY New York, 1955: Harper and Brothers, 242 pages

The history and development of the Viking sounding rocket is scribed by the man who was project director of the program. The count includes information of the twelve individual vehicles that were initially built, including flight firings.

Vaeth, J. G. 200 MILES UP New York, 1955: Ronald Press Co., 261 pages

In its revised second edition (the book first appeared in 1951 with 207 pages), “200 Miles Up” describes the conduct of upper atmosphere re search with balloons and rockets, principles and features of sounding rockets, artificial satellites as research tools, and related subjects.

Williams, B. and S. Epstein ROCKET PIONEERS New York, 1955: Julian Messner Publishers, Inc., 241 pages

This book performs two main tasks: (1) it presents biographies of Congreve, Verne, Tsiolkowski, Goddard and Oberth, and (2) it records the history of the early German space flight society, The American Rocket Society, the Peenemünde rocket development group, and the evolution of the V2 rocket.

1956 TITLES

---- EARTH SATELLITES AS RESEARCH VEHICLES Philadelphia, 1956: Franklin Institute, 115 pages

The proceedings of a symposium, the book contains papers on the IGY program, Moon rockets, space medical research with automatic satellites, astrophysical research with satellites, orbital perturbations, celestial navigation systems, and recovery.

---- PROCEEDINGS OF THE VII INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL CONGRESS Rome, 1956: Stabilmente Fotomeccanico del Ministere Difesa-Aeronautica, 927 pages

More than 40 German, English, and Italian papers are included in this collection. They deal with such diverse matters as ferry rockets, Mars and Venus trips, lunar observatories, satellite mechanics, and solar propulsion.

Bergaust, E. and W. Beller SATELLITE New York, 1956: Hanover House, 287 pages

“Satellite” provides the lay reader with an interesting account of the background to artificial satellite development and plans generated in the US that led to the launching of the first vehicles.

Bonney, E. A., M. J. Zucrow, and C. W. Besserer AERODYNAMICS, PROPULSION, STRUCTURES AND DESIGN PRACTICE Princeton (New Jersey), 1956: D. van Nostrand Co., Inc., 595 pages

The second volume in the “Principles of Guided Missile Design” series (G. Merrill, ed) covers missile aerodynamics, wind tunnels, ballistic ranges, trajectories, aerodynamics of launch and boost phases; propulsion systems, momentum theory, gas dynamics, flow through nozzles, turbojet, ramjet and rocket engines; airframe design, environ mental loads, characteristics of materials, fabrication methods, reliability, packaging engineering and composite design.

Burgess, E. INTRODUCTION TO ROCKETS AND SPACEFLIGHT London, 1956: Hodder and Stoughton, 96 pages

The book gives a simplified explanation of rockets, satellites, space probes and Moon vehicles.

Crocco, L. and Sin-I Cheng THEORY OF COMBUSTION INSTABILITY IN LIQUID PROPELLANT ROCKET MOTORS London, 1956: Butterworth’s Scientific Publications, 200 pages

One of the AGARD series, it considers the combustion process, unstable combustion, and longitudinal high frequency instability, with discussions of comparisons between experimental data and theory, and so forth.

Gartmann, H. MEN BEHIND THE SPACE ROCKETS New York, 1956: David McKay Co., Inc., 185 pages

An interesting book for the general reader, it contains bibliographies of Ganswindt, Tsiolkovski, Goddard, Oberth, Valier, Sänger, Zborowski and von Braun, with shorter discussions of other space and rocket pioneers.

Gaul, A. COMPLETE BOOK OF SPACE TRAVEL New York, 1956: World publishing Co., 160 pages

Of large size format and well illustrated, the book considers the historical, fictional, and astronomical aspects of interplanetary travel.

Humphries, J. ROCKETS AND GUIDED MISSILES New York, 1956: Macmillan Co., 229 pages

This is a well conceived and prepared semi-technical survey of solid and liquid rockets, components, testing procedures, guidance, aerodynamics, many types of missiles, nuclear energy and space flight.

Kosmodemyansky, A. KONSTANTIN TSIOLKOVSKY Moscow, 1956: Foreign Languages publishing House, 102 pages

Translated by X. Danko, the book not only provides a biography of the great space pioneer, but looks into Russian rocket history, space dynamics, and other subjects.

Lewis, B., R. N. Pease, and H. S. Taylor (eds) COMBUSTION PROCESSES Princeton (New Jersey), 1956: Princeton University Press, 670 pages

This second volume of the “High Speed Aerodynamics and Jet Propulsion” series (T. von Kármán, H. K. Dryden and H. S. Taylor, eds) deals with expansion processes, fundamentals of chemical kinetics, combustion waves in non-turbulent explosive gases, diffusion flames, combustion of liquid fuels and of solid fuels, combustion of liquid propellants and of solid propellants, energy production by nuclear reactions, etc.

Ley, W. and W. von Braun EXPLORATION OF MARS New York, 1956: Viking Press, 176 pages

The book presents a beautifully illustrated (C. Bonestell) narrative treatment, based on astronomical realities and engineering projections. The first part of the book reviews modern knowledge of the planet Mars, while the remainder details a plan on how to get there. Tables are included giving performance information on orbital supply, interplanetary and “relief” vehicles. The book includes a thorough bibliography of Martian literature.

Merrill, G., H. Goldberg, and R. H. Helmholz OPERATIONS RESEARCH, ARMAMENT, LAUNCHING Princeton (New Jersey), 1956: D. van Nostrand Co., Inc., 508 pages

The third volume of the “Principles of Guided Missile Design” series (G. Merrill, ed) is divided into three sections in accordance with its title. The operations research part of the book shows how missile requirements are derived, performance specifications set, systems evaluated, and employment plans made. The armament section covers characteristics for armament, targets, warheads, fuzes, arming and safety components, etc., while the launching section deals with boosters, catapults, airborne launchers, design principles, and so forth.

Moore, P. EARTH SATELLITES New York, 1956: W. E. Norton and Co., Inc., 157 pages

“Earth Satellites,” an expanded edition of an almost identical 1955 title published in England, offers a general-interest level account of the history of satellite theory and the development of rocket technology. Information on lunar and interplanetary rockets is included at the end, as well as available details on Project Vanguard.

Parson, N. A., Jr. GUIDED MISSILES IN WAR AND PEACE Cambridge (Massachusetts) 1956: Harvard University Press, 161 pages

The book provides a sometimes interesting, sometimes superficial survey of the historical development of military missiles, missile categories, tactics, combat employment, etc. Sections are included on peacetime potentialities of missiles, guided missile navies, guidance, and principles of rocket propulsion.

Sutton, G. P. ROCKET PROPULSION ELEMENTS New York, 1956; John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 483 pages

This nicely organized text and reference book has been greatly enlarged from the first (1949) edition. The book covers three basic subjects: (1) liquid propellant rockets, propellants and design, (2) solid propellant rocket fundamentals, propellants and design, and (3) thermo dynamics, chemistry, heat transfer, flight theory and testing. Introductory chapters deal with rocket history, nozzle theory, and propellant performance calculations.

Van Allen, J. A. (ed) SCIENTIFIC USES OF EARTH SATELLITES Ann Arbor (Michigan), 1956: University of Michigan Press, 316 pages

An important contribution to artificial satellite literature, the book contains the 33 papers presented at the 1956 Upper Atmosphere Rocket Research Panel meeting. It is divided into eight parts: optical tracking and interpretation of tracking data, instrumentation, atmospheric density and meteorology, solar and other astronautical observations, cosmic rays and auroral radiations, geomagnetic field, ionosphere, and meteorites. A second, 326 page, edition appeared in 1960.

1957 TITLES

---- ADVANCES IN ASTRONAUTICAL SCIENCES—Volume 1 New York, 1957: Plenum Press, Inc., 176 pages

The first volume of a series, the book contains the papers presented at the Third Annual Meeting of the American Astronautical Society, and covers such subjects as space vehicles as tools for research in relativity, ecological systems and satellite lifetimes.

---- PROCEEDINGS OF THE VI INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL CONGRESS Copenhagen, 1957: Danish Astronautical Society, unnumbered pages

These proceedings collect all papers presented at Copenhagen during the 1955 VI International Astronautical Congress scientific sessions, except those published in the Astronautica Acta. Among the subjects of the volume are cosmic ray effects on matter, astronautical programs, a satellite orbit synchronizing system, and rocket development.

Bates, D. R. and P. Moore (eds) SPACE RESEARCH AND EXPLORATION New York, 1957: British Book Centre, 244 pages

Space navigation, orbits, cosmic radiation, biological factors in space flight, upper atmospherics, and conditions on the Moon and nearer planets are among the subjects in this book. Many leading British scientists and engineers have contributed to it.

Beard, R. B. and A. C. Rotherham SPACE FLIGHT AND SATELLITE VEHICLES New York, 1957: Pitman Publishing Corp., 150 pages

The contents of this book include an historical space flight survey, basic principles, future prospects, and uses of artificial satellites.

Benecke, Th. and A. W. Quick HISTORY OF GERMAN GUIDED MISSILE DEVELOPMENT Brunswick (Germany), 1957: Verlag E. Appelhaus and Co., 420 pages

In 26 chapters by various contributors, the history emphasizes guidance and control aspects of wartime German rocket and missile developments. Typical chapter titles are “Guidance and Control of the Henschel Missiles,” “The Aerodynamic Development of the V-2,” “Development and Testing of the V-i Auto Pilot,” “A Guiding System Using Television,” “BMW Developments,” “The Development of the V-2 Rocket Engine,” and “The Design and Development of the Solid-Fuel Rocket and its Performance.”

Bowman, N. J. HANDBOOK OF ROCKETS AND GUIDED MISSILES Chicago, 1957: Perastadion Press, 328 pages

Based on references to the widely scattered trade and engineering literature, useful tabulated data on world rockets and missiles, old and modern, are developed. Sideviews of many missiles are also included. While a very commendable effort, many inaccuracies exist, largely the result of the security barrier and the acceptance of figures found in the source literature that were not subsequently verified.

Buedeler, W. OPERATION VANGUARD London. 1957: Burke Publishing Co., Ltd., 128 pages

“Operation Vanguard” discusses research rocketry. the Vanguard satellite, future satellites, man in space, an so on (it was translated from the German).

Burgess, E. GUIDED WEAPONS New York, 1957: Macmillan Co., 22 pages

Guided missiles are treated by categories (ground-to-air, air-launched, ground-to-ground); and in addition chapters are found on systems, propulsion and propellants, guidance and control, testing and test facilities, and production and development. Many individual missiles are discussed.

Burgess, E. SATELLITES AND SPACEFLIGHT New York, 1957: Macmillan Co., 192 pages

The book surveys geophysical and astrophysical explorations with instrumented satellites and space probes, manned space stations, lunar bases, deep space travel, advanced propulsion concepts, aspects of space medicine, conditions on the Moon, Mars, and Venus. etc.

Caiden, M. VANGUARD New York, 1957: E. P. Dutton and Co., Inc., 228 pages

This is one of several accounts of the background and development of the Vanguard Earth satellite vehicle program.

Carter, L. J. (ed) REALITIES OF SPACE TRAVEL New York, 1957: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 431 pages

The book places under one cover many of the significant scientific and engineering articles appearing earlier in the Journal of the British Inter planetary Society. Individual contributions are organized into ten sections: introduction to astronautics, satellite vehicles, interplanetary flight, physical factors in space flight, biological aspects of space flight, lunar and planetary objectives, the development of astronautics, missile establishments and test stations, history of astronautics, and interstellar flight.

Clarke, A. C. MAKING OF A MOON New York. 1957: Harper and Brothers, 205 pages

This is an accurate and readable story of the Vanguard Earth satellite vehicle program, being concerned with the background to the program, launching techniques, instrumentation, and uses. In addition, it discusses satelloids, space stations, and orbital operations.

Coombs, C. ROCKETS, MISSILES, AND MOONS New York, 1957: William Morrow and Co., Inc., 256 pages

A general interest level survey of rockets and missiles, it contains a chapter on project Vanguard and two on space considerations.

Gilzin, K. TRAVEL TO DISTANT WORLDS Moscow. 1957: Russia Today Book Club, 50 pages

This book explains space travel, problems, and Soviet accomplishments to the average interested reader.

Joubert de Ia Ferté, P. ROCKET New York, 1957: Philosophical Library, Inc., 190 pages

Essentially, this book is the story of the German VI and V2 missiles seen from the British side; it discusses the history of German developments, preparations of V-weapon attacks on Britain, the British raid on Peenemünde, defense against the V1, etc. It should be read in conjunction with Dornberger’s “V-2” (see 1954 entry).

Ley, W. ROCKETS, MISSILES AND SPACE TRAVEL New York, 1957: Viking Press, 528 pages

This is the revised and expanded edition of the standard Ley work that thoroughly covers the history of rocketry and astronautical concepts, with detailed attention being accorded the rise of rocket developments in Germany through the Peenemünde period. Valuable appendices and bibliographic materials are found at the end. (The book is an outgrowth of “Rockets,” first published in 1944, expanded to “Rockets and Space Travel” in 1947 and to the present title in 1951). A revised, 1961 edition is now available.

Muller, W. MAN AMONG THE STARS New York, 1957: Criterion Books, Inc., 307 pages

The book probes the beginnings, prospects, and significance of man’s imminent venture into space. It is philosophic in nature, considering such subjects as religion in space, the mind and the universe, the meaning of the exploration of space, “creatures that may await us,” and the urge for discovery.

Oberth, H. MAN INTO SPACE New York, 1957: Harper and Brothers, 232 pages

“Man in Space” consists of a series of essays on the advanced ideas of the great German astronautical pioneer, including chapters on satellites, spacemen and their support equipment, space stations, space mirrors, electrically propelled spaceships and Moon cars. A 50-odd page mathematical appendix terminates the book.

Penner, S. S. CHEMISTRY PROBLEMS IN JET PROPULSION New York, 1957: Pergamon Press, Inc., 394 pages

In three parts, the work deals with atomic and molecular structure, combustion thermodynamics, and combustion.

Shapiro, I. I. PREDICTION OF BALLISTIC MISSILE TRAJECTORIES FROM RADAR OBSERVATIONS New York, 1957: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 208 pages

The book develops methods to determine ballistic missile trajectories. Its chapters cover: general discussion of prediction methods, method of maximum likelihood, approximate solution to the likelihood equations, iterative least squares estimation method, composite least squares estimation method, error analysis methods, etc.

Stine, G. H. ROCKET POWER AND SPACE FLIGHT New York, 1957: Henry Holt and Co., Inc., 182 pages

This book provides a rocket-space flight coverage for the general reader, offering some details on original space vehicle designs.

Zelikof T. M. (ed) THRESHOLD OF SPACE New York, 1957: Pergamon Press, Inc., 342 pages

Covering chemical phenomena of the Earth’s outer atmosphere, high speed flight, and atmospheric photochemistry (Earth and Venus), it also looks into rocket sounding and other subjects.

1958 TITLES

---- ADVANCES IN ASTRONAUTICAL SCIENCES—Volumes 2 and 3 New York, 1958: Plenum Press, Inc., 484 and 544 pages, respectively

These two volumes contain the proceedings of the Fourth Annual Meeting and the First Western Regional Meeting of the American Astronautical Society, with the subject matter ranging from astrobiology and isolation and confinement in space to space communications and distribution and erosion effects of interplanetary dust.

---- GUIDED MISSILES—OPERATIONS, DESIGN AND THEORY. New York, 1958: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 575 pages

This book is based on an Air Training Command manual with well presented and illustrated chapters on aerodynamics, propulsion, physics, controls, guidance, trajectories, etc. It is also available under the title: “Fundamentals of Guided Missiles” (see 1960 entry).

---- METALS FOR SUPERSONIC AIRCRAFT AND MISSILES Cleveland, 1958: American Society for Metals, 432 pages In 12 chapters

This book presents information on heat tolerant metals for aerodynamic vehicle applications, metallurgy, design, fabrication, and testing. Typical chapter titles are “Metals for Structures Exposed to Aerodynamic Heat “Protective Metal Coatings,” and “Fundamentals of Metal-Ceramic Combinations.”

---- RUSSIAN LITERATURE OF SATELLITES—Volumes 1 and 2 New York, 1958: International Physical Index, Inc., 181 and 178 pages, respectively

This two-volume work contains papers translated from a USSR Academy of Sciences physical science publication. The subject matter includes problems of launching artificial satellites, satellite lifetimes, orbital perturbations, satellite motions, lunar flight dynamics, solar batteries, atmospheric composition, and interplanetary matter determinations.

---- SOVIET WRITINGS ON EARTH SATELLITES AND SPACE TRAVEL New York, 1958: Citadel Press, 253 pages

The book includes numerous translations of Soviet astronautical arti cles, discussing the sputniks, man in space, orbits, spaceships, etc.

---- TEN STEPS INTO SPACE Philadelphia, 1958: Franklin Institute, 202 pages

“Ten Steps into Space” contains the contributions of ten authors writing on the history of the space travel concept, rocket operations, propellant comparisons, space physics, orbital mechanics, satellites, satellite motions, Martian and Venusian atmospheres, biophysics and advanced propulsion.

Adams, C. C., F. I. Ordway, III, H. E. Canney, Jr., and R. C. Wakeford SPACE FLIGHT New York, 1958: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 373 pages

When it first appeared, “Space Flight” offered as complete a coverage of a many faceted subject as was available in the book literature. It includes chapters on the history of astronautics, the history of rocketry, rocket propulsion theory, satellites, the problem of escape, spaceships, man in space, space communications, the lunar objective, planetary astronomy, navigation in space, and interstellar travel.

Alperin, M., M. Stern and H. Wooster (eds) VISTAS IN ASTRONAUTICS New York, 1958: Pergamon Press, Inc., 330 pages

The contents of this book is based on papers presented at the First Annual Air Force Office of Scientific Research Astronautics Symposium (1957) and is grouped into five main areas: re-entry, tracking and communications, environment and measurements, propulsion, and orbits. It is a very useful research volume.

Bergaust, E. and S. Hull ROCKET TO THE MOON Princeton (New Jersey), 1958: D. van Nostrand Co., Inc., 220 pages

“Rocket to the Moon” gives a general coverage of plans and programs designed to assure the conquest of the Moon, a history of lunar voyages in the fictional literature, a résumé of knowledge of the Moon, lunar flight attempts, etc.

Berkner, L. V. (ed) MANUAL OF ROCKETS AND SATELLITES 1958: Pergamon Press, Inc., 508 pages

This is the sixth volume of the “Annals of the International Geo physical Year,” and concentrates on research rocketry and the use of artificial satellites for geophysical and astrophysical research. Chapter 2 on the IGY Rocket Program is divided by nation: Australia, Canada, France, Japan, USSR, United Kingdom and the USA. Chapter 3 deals with the IGY Earth Satellite Program, and treats general satellite information, the USSR program, and the USA program, as well as other national support (e.g. tracking) programs. Chapter 4 covers the CSAGI conferences and World Data Centers, and Chapter 5 offers a bibliography from the Russian “Uspekhi fizicheskikh nauk.” There are two appendices, references, and an index.

Besserer, C. W. MISSILE ENGINEERING HANDBOOK Princeton (New Jersey), 1958: D. van Nostrand Co., Inc., 600 pages

The “Handbook” contains useful data of interest to missile designers and developers, as well as students, in the form of explanatory paragraphs, curves, formulae, tables, etc. A glossary of terms is included. It is the fourth volume in the series “Principles of Guided Missile De sign” (G. Merrill, ed) and deals with atmospheric properties, materials, structures, aerodynamics, propulsion, space flight, etc.

Bussard, R. W. and R. D. deLauer NUCLEAR ROCKET PROPULSION New York, 1958: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 370 pages

Chapters on rocket performance, systems analysis, heat transfer, fluid flow, materials, nucleonics, system control, testing, and advanced propulsion (fusion energy, decay energy, fission energy, reaction systems) make up this first detailed treatment of its subject in the book literature.

Caiden, M. COUNTDOWN FOR TOMORROW New York, 1958: E. P. Dutton and Co., Inc., 288 pages

This is an aviation writer’s opinion as to why the USSR won the race to orbit satellites and leads in the field of astronautics in general. The book is concerned with both USSR and US satellite program organization, Vanguard, rocket history, Sputniks 1 and 2, IRBM and ICBM progress, etc.

Casamassa, J. V. and R. D. Bent JET AIRCRAFT POWER SYSTEMS New York, 1958: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 329 pages

This revised second edition is fully illustrated, with 22 chapters on such topics as gas turbines, theory of jet propulsion, rockets, ramjets, pulsejets, etc. Missile powerplant operational data are included.

Cox, D. and M. Stoiko SPACEPOWER Philadelphia, 1958: John C. Winston Co., 262 pages

Dealing with the social impact of space science and technology on 20th century civilization, the book goes into such topics as the legal aspects of space exploration, military overtones and “education for the space world of tomorrow.”

Davis, L., Jr., J. W. Follin, and L. Blitzer EXTERIOR BALLISTICS OF ROCKETS Princeton (New Jersey), 1958: D. van Nostrand Co., Inc., 457 pages

The basic theory of the exterior ballistics of rockets without moving control surfaces is developed. The book is divided into two main parts: (1) fin-stabilized rockets, and (2) spin—stabilized rockets. Typical chapters cover motion during burning, the launching process, and motion after burning. There are appendices: glossary of symbols; integrals, series and asymptotic expansions; and tables of Fresnel integrals and characteristic functions.

Dow, R. B. FUNDAMENTALS OF ADVANCED MISSILES New York, 1958: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 567 pages

In nine chapters the book considers kinematics of flight, application of fluid mechanics to aerodynamics and propulsion, dynamics, applications of probability and statistics, properties of microwaves, application of infra red radiation, radar, guidance and guided missile systems.

Everest, F. K., Jr. FASTEST MAN ALIVE New York, 1958: E. P. Dutton and Co., Inc., 253 pages

This is the story of the Bell X2 rocket powered research airplane by its test pilot. In this plane the author made 13 of 18 flights and flew to nearly Mach 3 (over 1,900 mph). Details are included on the Xl and X1A airplanes as well.

Gantz, K. F. (ed) UNITED STATES AIR FORCE REPORT ON THE BALLISTIC MISSILE: ITS TECHNOLOGY, LOGISTICS, AND STRATEGY Garden City (New York) 1958: Doubleday and Co., 338 pages

Such subjects as command and control of ballistic missiles, organization of ballistic missile units, test programs, warfare with missiles, ballistic missile defense, missile testing and operations are included in this book.

Garthoff, R. L. SOVIET STRATEGY IN THE NUCLEAR AGE New York, 1958: Frederick A. Praeger, 283 pages

Included are chapters that deal with Soviet missile firing submarines, rockets versus bombers, ballistic missile projects, defense against long- range ballistic missiles, and operational control of ballistic missiles. The discussions on strategic deterrent forces, strategic objectives and planning, etc., are also concerned with missiles.

Gatland, K. W. (ed) PROJECT SATELLITE New York, 1958: British Book Centre, 169 pages

“Project Satellite” contains four chapters by Wernher von Braun (rocket history in Germany and planning for satellites), K. W. Gatland (satellites, including Vanguard and Sputnik), H. E. Ross (orbital bases, space stations) and A. V. Cleaver (interplanetary flight, advanced propulsion systems).

Gavin, J. M. WAR AND PEACE IN THE SPACE AGE New York, 1958: Harper and Brothers, 304 pages

Missiles are considered from the point of view of potential offensive and defensive strategy. Satellite interceptors, reconnaissance satellites, military satellites, etc., are also discussed in this broad treatment.

Green, R. L. INTO OTHER WORLDS New York, 1958: Abelard Schuman, 190 pages

This most interesting book traces the development and growth of the space flight concept in the fictional literature from “Lucian the Loftie Traveller” to the works of C. S. Lewis (“Out of the Silent Planet” and “Perelandra”). In between, the well-known writings of such authors as Francis Godwin, Cyrano de Bergerac, Jules Verne, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and others are discussed.

Haley, A. G. ROCKETRY AND SPACE EXPLORATION Princeton (New Jersey), 1958: D. van Nostrand Co., Inc., 334 pages

Another general survey of rocketry and space flight, it contains some interesting highlights and lesser known incidents from rocket history.

Hecht, F. (ed) VIIIth INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS Vienna, 1958: Springer-Verlag, 607 pages

With English, German, French, and Russian contributions, the book deals with relativistic rocket mechanics, space navigation, recoverable circumlunar rockets, nuclear and ion propulsion, interplanetary probes, satellite attitude control, etc. Its eight main sections deal with general astronautics, astrophysics, astronautical engineering, propulsion, satellites, space biology and medicine, and space law.

Hesse, W. J. JET PROPULSION New York, 1958: Pitman Publishing Corp., 567 pages

This is a textbook on jet propulsion, with chapters entitled: “Review of Principal Definitions, Concepts, and Basic Physical Laws,” “Principle of Jet Propulsion and Engine Classification,” “Aerothermodynamics of Steady, One-Dimensional Isentropic Compressible Flow,” “Compressible Flow in Constant-Area Ducts and the Thermodynamics of Shock Waves,” “Diffuser and Nozzle Flow with Friction,” “Energy Transfer in Turbo- Machinery,” “Centrifugal Compressors,” “Axial - Flow Compressors,” “Combustion Chambers, Fuels, and Controls,” “Gas Turbines,” “The Turbojet Engine,” “Thrust Augmentation of the Turbojet Engine,” “The Turbopump Engine,” “High Flight Mach Number Air-Breathing Engines,” and “The Rocket Engine.”

Holmes, D. G. WHAT’S GOING ON IN SPACE New York, 1958: Funk and Wagnalls Co., 256 pages

This book offers a broad-brush account of space programs and progress, as seen by a naval officer.

Howard, N. E. HANDBOOK FOR OBSERVING THE SATELLITES New York, 1958: Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 136 pages

The “Handbook” covers fundamentals of celestial mechanics, observation means and aids, construction of Moonwatch telescopes, the Moon- watch Program, acquisition and tracking, photography, scientific uses of satellites, etc. There are ten useful appendices.

Krieger, F. J. BEHIND THE SPUTNIKS: A SURVEY OF SOVIET SPACE SCIENCE Washington, 1958: Public Affairs Press, 380 pages

“Behind the Sputniks” provides an interesting and informative in sight into the Soviet rocket-astronautical field. It includes a history of Russian rocketry and astronautical planning: translations of missile, rocket, and space flight articles and reports; and a bibliography, all based on a Rand Corp. two-volume “A Casebook on Soviet Astronautics.” Specific sections are entitled “Space Flight Comes of Age,” “Problems of Astronautics,” “Biological Factors,” “Lunar and Cosmic Factors,” “Rocket and Missile Developments,” “Satellite Plans,” and “The Sputnik.”

Odishaw, H. and S. Ruttenberg (eds) GEOPHYSICS AND THE I.G.Y. Washington, 1958: American Geophysical Union, 210 pages

This is a geophysical monograph containing studies of the upper atmosphere, IGY rocket programs, satellites, instrumentation, etc.

Proell, W. and N. J. Bowman HANDBOOK OF SPACE FLIGHT Chicago, 1958: Perastadion Press, 458 pages

The second revised and greatly expanded edition of an earlier book (1950), it contains hundreds of tables and figures useful to researchers in rocketry and space technology. Typical entries are: properties of liquid rocket fuels, data on meteors entering the Earth’s atmosphere, basic designs of spaceships, and radiation from a black body to empty space.

Sternfeld, A. INTERPLANETARY TRAVEL New York, 1958: Imported Publications and Products, 59 pages

“Interplanetary Travel” discusses spaceships, life in spaceships, dangers of space flight, construction and uses of artificial satellites, and Moon, Mars, Venus, and space voyages.

Vassiliev M. and V. V. Dobronravov SPUTNIK INTO SPACE London, 1958: Souvenir Press, 147 pages

This is a translated Russian book on satellites, Moon travel and deep space flight for the general reader; it contains a number of obvious inaccuracies.

Warren, F. A. ROCKET PROPELLANTS New York, 1958: Reinhold Publishing Corp., 218 pages

“Rocket Propellants” covers propellant systems, solids, liquids, igniters, manufacturing and processing, combustion, safety, evaluation and quality control, future of propellants, etc. It is the first book dealing exclusively with its specific subject.

Woodbury, D. 0. AROUND THE WORLD IN NINETY MINUTES New York, 1958: Harcourt, Brace and Company, Inc., 248 pages

A description is given of artificial satellite problems, utility, conceptual development and prospects. Information is presented on Sputnik 1.

Zaehringer, A. J. SOLID PROPELLANT ROCKETS Wyandotte (Michigan), 1958: American Rocket Co., 306 pages

A revised and expanded edition of a book that first appeared in 1955, it is concerned with interior ballistics, processing solid propellants, exterior ballistics, static and dynamic testing, applications of solid rockets, propellant technology, hybrid rockets, and safety. An 800-reference bibliography is included.

Zucrow, M. AIRCRAFT AND MISSILE PROPULSION—Volumes 1 and 2 New York, 1958: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 538 and 636 pages, respectively

Volume 1, “Thermodynamics of Fluid Flow and Application to Propulsion Engines,” reviews fundamentals, propulsion systems, flow through nozzles, flow through diffusers, etc. Problems and answers are given.
Volume 2, “The Gas Turbine Power Plant, the Turboprop, Turbojet, Ramjet and Rocket Engines” considers gas turbine power plant cycles and analysis of ideal cycles, analysis of gas turbine power plants and the turboprop engine, the turbojet engine, the ramjet engine and rocket jet propulsion. It would be difficult to find a more complete and authoritative treatment of the subjects.

1959 TITLES

---- ADVANCES IN ASTRONAUTICAL SCIENCES—Volume 4 New York, 1959: Plenum Press, Inc., 450 pages

Volume 4 contains the proceedings of the Fifth Annual Meeting of the American Astronautical Society and is divided into six sections dealing with upper atmosphere research and re-entry mechanics, space vehicle design, rockets and satellites, satellite mechanics and space exploration, guidance and instrumentation, and man’s environment in space.

---- HIGH ALTITUDE AND SATELLITE ROCKETS New York, 1959: Philosophical Library, 136 pages

The book contains the proceedings of a joint Royal Aeronautical Society-British Interplanetary Society symposium covering research and sounding rockets, re-entry, recovery, instrumentation, telemetry, guidance, sealed cabin problems, satellites, etc. It was first published by these societies in 1958.

Ahnstrom, D. N. COMPLETE BOOK OF JETS AND ROCKETS Cleveland, 1959: World Publishing Co., 159 pages

The evolution of jet and rocket devices from 120 B.C. to the present is traced; revised edition of a book that first appeared in 1957.

Alperin, M. and G. P. Sutton (eds) ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS New York, 1959: Pergamon Press, Inc., 237 pages

“Advanced Propulsion Systems” contains the papers delivered at the First Advanced Propulsion Systems Symposium sponsored by the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research and North American Aviation, Inc. Propulsion systems, power sources, propellants, etc., are considered, with chapters on ion propulsion systems, solar heating, thrust from plasma, ozone and fluorine propellants, use of metals and metal hydrides, stabilized free radicals, magnetohydrodynamic generators, nuclear power- plants, and so forth.

Alperin, M. and H. F. Gregory (eds) VISTAS IN ASTRONAUTICS— Volume 2, New York, 1959: Pergamon Press, Inc., 318 pages

Topics discussed by various contributors are grouped into five subjects: space environment and vacuum research; control and propulsion of space vehicles; manned space flight; departure, space navigation and re-entry problems; and the Moon. There are 25 separate articles with such diverse titles as “Experiments from a Lunar Vehicle,” “Cosmic Debris of Inter planetary Space,” “A Description of a Propulsion Device which Employs a Magnetic Field as the Driving Force,” “Utility of Manned Space Operations for Photogrammetry and for a Physics Laboratory in Space,” “Flight Mechanics of Low-Thrust Spacecraft,” and “Dust on the Moon.”

Barker, A., T. R. F. Nonweiler, and R. Smelt JETS AND ROCKETS London, 1959: Chapman and Hall, Ltd., 254 pages

Chapters deal with momentum theory of jet and rocket propulsion, rocket motors, constructional details of typical bipropellant rockets, elementary rocket performance calculations, jet propulsion, ramjets, performance of rocket projectiles, etc. A competent technical treatment is given.

Besserer, C. W., and H. C. Besserer GUIDE TO THE SPACE AGE New York, 1959: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 320 pages

The book presents a glossary of missile, rocket, astronautic, astronomical, and related terms. There are over 5,000 entries. Definitions are clear, concise and accurate, and there is good referencing. Basic technical terms, missile-rocket-astronautics terms, common abbreviations, slang, and short vehicle descriptions are included.

Brodie, B. STRATEGY IN THE MISSILE AGE Princeton( New Jersey) 1959: Princeton University Press, 342 pages

A penetrating look into strategy, traditional interpretations, and modern concepts is found in the pages of this book. Missiles are considered insofar as they contribute to the development of strategic offensive and defensive plannings.

Bryan, L. A., et al FUNDAMENTALS OF AVIATION AND SPACE TECHNOLOGY Urbana (Illinois), 1959: University of Illinois Institute of Aviation, 140 pages (being revised)

A survey of aviation, astronautics, rockets, and missiles is presented. Included is a glossary of terms.

Bucheim, R. W. and Rand Corp. Staff SPACE HANDBOOK: ASTRONAUTICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS New York, 1959: Random House, Inc., 330 pages In 300 odd pages

One of the most comprehensive surveys of astronautics available is given, covering a wide range of subjects. Particularly useful is the space application part of the book, explaining observation, meteorological, navigation, and other types of satellites.

Bureau of Naval Personnel PRINCIPLES OF GUIDED MISSILES AND NUCLEAR WEAPONS Washington, 1959: Government Printing Office, 284 pages

This is one of a series of volumes on Naval weapons for use in the Naval Science curriculum of NROTC universities and in other Navy training programs. The book is divided into two main parts, the first on “Guided Missiles” and the second on “Nuclear Weapons.” Chapter titles for the guided missile section are: “Introduction to Guided Missiles,” “Factors Affecting Missile Flight,” “Guided Missile Components,” “Missile Propulsion Systems,” “Missile Control Systems,” “Principles of Missile Guidance,” “Command Guidance,” “Beam-rider Guidance,” “Homing Guidance,” “Other Guidance Systems,” and “Guided Missile Ships and Systems.”

Caiden, M. SPACEPORT U.S.A. New York, 1959: E. P. Dutton and Co.. Inc., 380 pages

This is the story of the Air Force Missile Test Center at Cape Canaveral, Florida, its history, operations, programs, personnel, and facilities. Considerable information is found on past and current missiles and space carrier vehicles.

Caiden, M. WAR FOR THE MOON New York, 1959: E. P. Dutton Co., Inc., 285 pages

The nature of the Moon, lunar probing, details of US and Soviet lunar probe vehicles, future exploration attempts, etc., are treated. Paintings are by F. Wolff.

Clarke, A. C. CHALLENGE OF THE SPACESHIP New York, 1959: Harper and Brothers, 212 pages

The book contains a series of brilliant essays on the meaning of space flight, possibilities of contact with other intelligent beings in the universe, life in a space station, life on the Moon and in a lunar base, Mars trip, interstellar travel, meteors, the Sun, etc.

Compere, T. (ed) AIR FORCE BLUE BOOK Indianapolis, 1959: Bobbs Merrill Co., Inc., 382 pages

The “Blue Book” is a standard guide to the Air Force, its installations, commands, achievements, missiles and advanced systems.

Desoutter, D. M. AIRCRAFT AND MISSILES New York, 1959: John de Graft, Inc., 220 pages

While predominantly an aviation book, it contains useful sections on guided missiles and on research aircraft, including rocket propelled air planes. An excellent history of human flight is provided, with a listing of important dates from 1783 to 1953.

Feodosiev, V. I. and G. V. Siniarev INTRODUCTION TO ROCKET TECHNOLOGY New York, 1959: Academic Press, 344 pages

Translated from the Russian by S. N. Samburoff, the book treats basic relationships in the theory of reactive motion, classes of jet propelled aircraft and their construction, types of combustion in a rocket motor, flow through a nozzle, forces and moments acting on a rocket during flight, rocket flight trajectories, stabilization and steering, and ground equipment and launching devices.

Frank, I G. and W. F. Zimmerman MATERIALS FOR ROCKETS AND MISSILES New York, 1959: Macmillan Co., 124 pages

The book discusses, in 11 chapters, sheet alloys, wrought alloys, cast alloys, wrought and cast alloys of aluminum and magnesium, titanium alloys, cermets, molybenum alloys, ceramics, materials fabrication development, and data interpretation.

Gantz, K. F. (ed) MAN IN SPACE New York, 1959: Duell, Sloan and Pearce, Inc., 303 pages

Various author’s have prepared articles on manned astronautic operations, astrobiology, biodynamics of space flight, radiation hazards, weightlessness, military space operations, engineering in the space vehicle environment, etc. There are four appendices (glossary of human factor terms, bibliography, biographies of contributors, and details of project Mercury).

Gartmann, H. RINGS AROUND THE WORLD New York, 1959: William Morrow and Co., 366 pages

This interesting book relates space travel to mankind’s scientific progress (the sub-title is “Man’s Progress from Steam Engine to Satellite”). The last two chapters, entitled “Penetration into Space” and “The Race to the Stars,” cover rocket history, basic astronautics, Sputniks, Explorers, and the future.

Gilzin, K. SPUTNIKS AND AFTER London, 1959: Macdonald and Co., Ltd., 285 pages

A translation of a Soviet general-level book on space travel and inter planetary exploration, it includes accounts of the history of rockets and satellite developments. First published in Moscow in 1957, it provides little information on modern Soviet space accomplishments except to review selected aspects of the three first Sputniks. Some details are given on Soviet meteorological and geophysical sounding rockets.

Gordon, T. J. and J. Scheer FIRST INTO OUTER SPACE New York, 1959: St. Martin’s Press, Inc., 197 pages

The book is mainly concerned with the US Air Force Pioneer lunar probe project that resulted in a flight that soared over 70,000 miles from the Earth. Intimate details of the project, the people concerned with it, life in the blockhouse prior and during firing, etc., are provided.

Haley, A. 6. and W. Heinrich (eds) FIRST COLLOQUIUM ON THE LAW OF OUTER SPACE PROCEEDINGS Vienna, 1959: Springer-Verlag, 126 pages

This book is made up of the papers presented at a colloquium in The Hague, 1958, carrying such titles as “Principles for a Declaration with Reference to the Legal Nature of the Moon,” “A Definitive Study of the Concept and Scientific Strategy of Outer Space: The Challenge to all Nations to Support a Just System of Space Law,” and “Design for a Law of Space.”

Hecht, F. (ed) IXth INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL CONGRESS PROCEEDINGS Vienna, 1959: Springer-Verlag, 970 pages (two volumes)

The IXth IAF Congress proceedings is a two-volume work with approximately 75 chapters covering seven basic research areas: general astronautics, upper atmospherics, space physics, astronautical engineering, propulsion, artificial satellites, and space biology and medicine. Papers are written in English, German, French, Italian, and Russian; all include English, French, and German résumés.

Hendrickson, W. B., Jr. HANDBOOK FOR SPACE TRAVELERS Indianapolis, 1959: Bobbs-Merrill Co., Inc., 256 pages

This is a simplified explanation of space flight for the lay reader. The book is divided into five parts dealing with rockets and measuring instruments; history of research rockets and satellites; rocket bases past, present and future; mooncraft, spaceships, interplanetary and interstellar flight; and a planet-by-planet survey.

Herrick, J. W. and E. Burgess (eds) ROCKET ENCYCLOPEDIA Los Angeles, 1959: Aero Publishers, Inc., 607 pages

The book defines and explains terms and expressions used in the rocket and missile fields, including engines, components, accessories, manufacturing machinery and devices, ground support equipment, processing and production methods, etc. The book is well illustrated.

Hobbs, M. BASICS OF MISSILE GUIDANCE AND SPACE TECHNIQUES New York, 1959: John F. Rider Publisher, Inc., 144 and 146 pages, respectively (two volumes)

A two-volume effort, the book deals with missile control, guidance, telemetering, optics, tracking, navigation, etc. Volume 1 emphasizes systems and equipment, Volume 2 space applications. Individual chapters in Volume 1 cover such topics as radio and radar command links, guide beam, doppler and homing techniques, actuators and related components, and gyroscopic fundamentals. In Volume 2 testing and telemetering, optics and electronics, satellite theory, practice, monitoring and tracking, applications of Earth satellites, navigation and telemetry, and electronic components for space applications are covered.

Jessup, P. C. and H. T. Tauberfeld CONTROLS FOR OUTER SPACE New York, 1959: Columbia University Press, 379 pages

The book considers problems of the international control of outer space, particularly in the light of controls for the Antarctic. Essentially a space law treatise, it is divided into three main parts: “International Controls in Retrospect,” “International Controls for the Antarctic,” and “International Controls for Outer Space.”

Kinney, W. A. MEDICAL SCIENCE AND SPACE TRAVEL New York, 1959: Franklin Watts, Inc., 150 pages

A discussion is given of aerospace medical progress towards manned space flight, sensory deprivation, space feeding, acceleration, etc. The level is for the interested general leader.

Lancaster, O.. E. (ed) JET PROPULSION ENGINES Princeton (New Jersey), 1959: Princeton University Press, 970 pages

Vol. 12 of the “High Speed Aerodynamics and Jet Propulsion” series the book has sections on the historical development of jet propulsion, basic principles of jet propulsion, turbojet engines, turboprop engines, intermittent jets, liquid and solid propellant rocket engines, ram rockets and other hybrid type engines, use of atomic energy in jet propulsion, and prospects for the future.

Levitt, I. M. TARGET FOR TOMORROW New York, 1959: Fleet Publishing Co., 328 pages

“Target for Tomorrow” is a general work on rockets, missiles and satellites, space travel, life on other worlds, space suits, Moon bases, etc.

Lee, A. (ed) SOVIET AIR AND ROCKET FORCES New York, 1959: Frederick A. Praeger, 311 pages

Chapters have been prepared by US, British, German, and former Soviet authorities in aeronautical and missile fields; covers largely manned airplanes, with less emphasis on rockets and missiles.

Loosbrock, J. F., et a1 (eds) SPACE WEAPONS—A HANDBOOK OF MILITARY ASTRONAUTICS New York, 1959: Frederick A. Praeger, 245 pages

With contributions by leading Air Force authorities and by Air Force Magazine editors, the book covers space control and national security, the space frontier, ballistic missiles and the Strategic Air Command mission, space weapons, man in space, space medicine, spacecraft and space flight, etc.

Lusar, It. GERMAN SECRET WEAPONS OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR New York, 1959: Philosophical Library, 264 pages

A high percentage of this interesting and informative work is devoted to German rocket and missile developments. The book, translated from the German, offers descriptive paragraphs on the Vi and V2, A9/Al0, X7 SD1400X, Hs293, Bu246, Rheinbote, R4M, rocket airplanes, etc.

McLaughlin, C. (ed) SPACE AGE DICTIONARY Princeton (New Jersey), 1959: D. von Nostrand Co., Inc., 128 pages

This is an illustrated, simplified space dictionary for the non-specialist, covering such fields as satellite technology, missiles, rocket propulsion, telemetry, radiation physics, guidance and control, and interplanetary flight. Vehicular data and sideviews are presented at the end of the book.

Marcus, A. and R. B. Marcus TOMORROW THE MOON Englewood Cliffs (New Jersey), 1959: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 150 pages

A simplified résumé of history and development of rocketry and astronautics for lay readers.

Mehrens, H. E. DAWNING SPACE AGE Ellington Air Force Base (Texas), 1959: Civil Air Patrol, 219 pages

An exceptionally well presented book for the inquiring amateur rocket-space enthusiast, it is carefully illustrated, offering an instructive guide to missiles, propulsion, guidance, research rockets, satellites and space flight.

Merrill, G., C. W. Besserer, K. A. Ehricke, and B. M. Small (eds) DICTIONARY OF GUIDED MISSILES AND SPACE FLIGHT Princeton (New Jersey), 1959: D. van Nostrand Co., Inc., 688 pages

This dictionary is the fifth volume in the “Principles of Guided Missile Design” series (G. Merrill, ed), and contains definitions and explanations of hundreds of terms, with illustrative support. It is, in fact, a combination encyclopedia-dictionary, covering such subjects as aero and astrodynamics, astronomy, space physics, guidance, control, radar, propulsion, propellants, and vehicles. Of the increasing numbers of space age dictionaries that have appeared, it is by far the most comprehensive.

Nayler, J. L. DICTIONARY OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING New York, 1959: Philosophical Library, 318 pages

The book includes definitions of terms used in guided missile, rocket, propellant, jet propulsion, and artificial satellite vehicle fields.

Nelson, W. C. SELECTED TOPICS ON BALLISTICS New York, 1959: Pergamon Press, Inc., 280 pages

AGARDograph No. 32 consists of the papers presented at the Cranz Centenary Colloquium. Subjects considered are exterior ballistics developments in the US, British aeroballistic research, aerodynamic effects on long-range rocket craft, ballistics of the Explorer satellite, meteorites and ballistics, stability and controllability of cross-winged guided missiles, the role of free flight ranges in ballistic and aerodynamic research, electronic and optical means of observation of guided missiles and satellites, brief history of rocket research and development in the United Kingdom, etc.

Newell, H. E., Jr. (ed) SOUNDING ROCKETS New York, 1959: McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., 334 pages

Several chapters are by Newell (high altitude sounding rockets, the use of rockets for geophysical and solar research, facilities for the firing of sounding rockets, and artificial satellites of the Earth) and the remainder are by high altitude rocket authorities from the US, Great Britain, France, and Japan. They discuss the Aerobee, Deacon, Cajun, Asp, Loki-Wasp, balloon-launched rockets, aircraft-launched rockets, Nike-Cajun and Nike-Deacon, Terrapin, Viking, British, French and Japanese sounding rockets, and future sounding rockets.

Oberth, H. MOON CAR New York, 1959: Harper and Brothers, 98 pages

Translated from the German by W. Ley, the book provides information on a Moon car design, fuel problems, lunar surface and nature of the environment, constructing and testing the car, etc.

Ordway, F. I III (ed) ADVANCES IN SPACE SCIENCE—Volume 1 New York, 1959: Academic Press, Inc., 412 pages

First of a series of volumes on space science and technology, the book covers power supplies for satellites and space vehicles, interplanetary rocket trajectories, interplanetary communications, manned space cabin systems, radiation and man in space, and nutrition in space flight. There is an appendix giving a decimal classification system for astronautics.

Parkin, C. M., Jr. (ed) ROCKET HANDBOOK FOR AMATEURS New York, 1959: John Day Co., 306 pages

This amateur’s handbook contains contributions by various authorities covering such subjects as organizing a rocket club, satellite orbit geometry, safety rules for rocket amateurs, solid and liquid propellant rockets, design of model rockets, test instrumentation, launching model rockets, etc.

Puckett, A. E. and S. Ramo (eds) GUIDED MISSILE ENGINEERING New York, 1959: McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 497 pages

The book provides a basic and detailed coverage of electronics, guidance theory, aerodynamics, airframe performance, systems engineering, propulsion, computers, trajectories, etc. It gives a solid treatment of the several aspects of missile engineering.

Schroeder, W. FIRST STOP: THE MOON London, 1959: Odhams Press Ltd., 191 pages

General book on space travel, covering history of the concept, missiles, rocket motors, propellants, navigation in space, spaceship design, space medicine, lunar landings, and communication across interstellar space.

Seifert, II. S. (ed) SPACE TECHNOLOGY New York, 1959: John Wiley and Sons, Inc 1,172 pages

The book is concerned with five main areas, namely: flight dynamics, propulsion and structures, communications and guidance, man in space, and space technology applications. It is based on courses given at the University of California and has 38 contributors, who have prepared chapters fitting into the above five major categories of space technology and space science. Typical chapter titles are “Time Dilation Effects in Space Travel,” “Performance of Rockets and the Theory of