L'Astronautique

First edition, illustrated with in-text figures and 9 folding plates; see En français dans le texte, 362. Norman 715 ("Esnault-Pelterie's most important contribution to rocketry").

Minor tears at head and tail of spine, a well-preserved copy.

One of the key works by this pioneer of aviation and astronautics (1881–1957): "In 1930, he published L’Astronautique, a comprehensive synthesis of the period’s knowledge on propulsion and space navigation. He addressed the thermodynamic challenges involved in rocket engine construction and, most importantly, laid out the principles of what would come to be known as inertial navigation—still in use today aboard both aircraft and spacecraft. L’Astronautique had a global impact and inspired many followers. Its author became a passionate advocate for space travel, and it can be said that modern astronautics stems from the theoretical work of Oberth and Esnault-Pelterie, and from the rockets Goddard later developed in the United States."