<i>Principles and Design of Aëroplanes</i> by Herbert Chatley is a seminal piece on the workings of an aeroplane. It not only details out the theoretical principles involved in flight mechanics but also the design elements and technology that goes into creating a functional aeroplane. Chatley uses simple language to deconstruct some highly complex subject matter for the lay reader to understand. Replete with diagrams and calculations that showcase the various elements which play a part in aeroplane design, the author provides a comprehensive overview of all the intricacies involved in the process of making an aeroplane. <br><br>Chatley divides <i>Principles and Design of Aëroplanes</i> into ten different chapters including separate sections on air pressure, propellers and motors, balancing in the air, construction techniques, challenges faced and the future of aeroplanes among other aspects. Chatley's immense knowledge and expertise shines through in the entire text, however it is even more accentuated when he discusses the challenges and future developments in the air space. It is here that the reader will be able to fully understand and appreciate the far sighted and revolutionary ideas of the author. <br><br>Unlike other works that take on a textbook approach to the physics involved in aeroplane design, Chatley creates a fine balance between a gripping narrative and technical information. It is this quality in <i>Principles and Design of Aëroplanes</i> which makes it enlightening not just for students of science and aeronautical engineering but casual enthusiasts as well.