Book: High Times: a history of aviation

Released this month by Nobrow, a London-based independent publishing house, the beautifully illustrated High Times traces the history of aviation in fun and light-hearted fashion.

The first book by Daniel Doltz and Doris Freigofas, who combine to make the award-winning Golden Cosmos, is a colourful and finely printed fold-out panorama detailing the first legendary attempts to fly by Icarus to those of the Jet Age. A veritable contemporary celebration of key historical innovation, from Leonardo da Vinci's failed parachuting attempt in 1490 to the 21-day round-the-world trip of the Graf Zeppelin in 1929, passing through the maiden voyage of The Flyer in 1903 built by the Wrights Brothers, and on to fighter planes and bombers, jumbo jets and finally, the 2011 Space Shuttle program.

A cross between a pamphlet and a book, High Times is a great tool for refreshing the memory about the development of aviation over the centuries, but can also be wall mounted, brightening up any space. We liked the bold stylish retro look of the fold-out book, which pays homage to the bold patterns and geometry of early Russian constructivism, along with a nod to mid-century French commercial art. Another fantastic edition by the talented Nobrow clan.

Publisher: Nobrow Press