How does a plane move through the air? What is turbulence? What do those lines on the runways mean? All these questions and many more are answered in this gorgeously illustrated history of planes and flight. The book opens with a basic introduction to plane anatomy and shows how aircrafts have developed over the ages. Readers will then learn about aerodynamics, the mechanics of wing shape and lift, and how ailerons, propellers, and flaps work. There's even a section on communications systems, runway design, and GPS. Profiles of famous historic planes illustrate basic principles throughout the book. Readers will find out about record-breaking flights across continents and oceans; how "flying wings" evolved into the B-2 bomber; and where the world's most treacherous runways are located. A section on experimental aircraft looks at zeppelins, flying cars, and the fate of the Concorde jet. Jan Van Der Veken's lushly colored, retro drawings detail everything from plane design to the physics of flight and provide the perfect companion to his engaging text. Budding aviators will linger over every detail of this information-packed book that serves both to demystify and celebrate the miracle of flight.

Flemish painter Jan Van Eyck is one of Belgium's most significant artists, famous for his early contributions to the Northern Renaissance movement of the 15th century. His polyptych classic, the Ghent Altarpiece (or The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), is considered a masterpiece of European art and one of the most influential paintings ever made. In The Mystic Lamb, the famous Flemish illustrator Jan Van der Veken and history professor Harry De Paepe, produce a series of works in honour of Van Eyck's coveted treasure. The book discusses Jan Van Eyck and explores why his paintings were so exceptional, as well as the robbery of two parts of the work in 1934, which was never resolved. This is an easy-to-read collection of interesting anecdotes alongside illustrations telling you everything you ever wanted to know about Jan Van Eyck and The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.