Grover Loening. Stated first edition. Inscribed by the author. Philadelphia: Chilton Book Company, 1970. Both unclipped dust jacket and hardcover are in Very Good condition. No additional writing or markings found in the book, 173 pp. The dust jacket has a small tear on front corner that has been taped from inside. There is also a small piece missing on right side, otherwise, it's solid. Jacket design by Ronald Dorfman. There is also an ex libris of FC Crawford who the author inscribed the book to.
Written by aviation pioneer Grover Cleveland Loening, The Conquering Wing is both a memoir and a sweeping history of flight told from the perspective of one of America’s earliest aeronautical engineers. Loening—who worked alongside the Wright brothers and later became a major figure in military and civilian aircraft design—recounts the dramatic evolution of aviation from fragile wood-and-fabric biplanes to the jet age.
Blending technical insight with personal narrative, Loening explores the courage, creativity, and setbacks that defined early flight, offering vivid portraits of the inventors, pilots, and dreamers who pushed the limits of the sky. The book celebrates humankind’s relentless drive to conquer the air and captures a pivotal half-century of innovation, adventure, and progress in aviation history.
Provenance & Extras:
Inscribed by the author to Fred Crawford.
Ex Libris of Fred Crawford (bookplate or marking).
Physical Details: 173 pages; customary size (approx. 8-½ × 5½ inch or similar).
Why It’s Special:
This is not only a first edition but also author-inscribed, increasing its appeal to collectors. The presence of an ex-libris marking ties it to its former owner (Fred Crawford), which can further enhance its collectible interest, especially for someone tracing provenance. The dust jacket being unclipped is quite important, preserving its original retail value appearance.
