The Zeppelin The History of German Airships 1900–1937

The man who turned the dream of human flight into a reality, in terms of creating a fully realized airship capable of carrying a worthwhile payload in safety, was a retired German army officer, Ferdinand von Zeppelin, whose name remains synonymous with airship travel. Overcoming financial failure, his ambition and resourcefulness secured the necessary public support, and ultimately led to the realization of his dreams. The Zeppelin details the unique story of an invention that even today has the power to fascinate. Charting the first tentative steps at the end of the 19th century, through the golden age of airship travel in the 1920s and 1930s, this revealing book delves deep into the history and science of airship travel. A remarkable picture of the important role airships played during World War I is provided, while the 1920s and 1930s heralded exciting developments in commercial passenger services. However, the unexpected and tragic loss of the Hindenburg brought an abrupt end to all commercial airship operations. The public nature of this final disaster, along with the graphic records of photographers, have secured the airship’s place in history. Illustrated with many previously unpublished archive photographs, this informative book gives a unique insight into one of engineering’s most remarkable achievements.

Chris Chant is an aviation expert of more than 25 years’ experience who specializes in the history of aircraft in World War II.