With a particular emphasis on the design, development, and evolution of American radial aircraft engines, this work chronicles the progression of US military aircraft from pre-World War II through the transition to the jet engine.

Included are powerplants produced by Pratt & Whitney, Curtiss-Wright, Continental, Lycoming, and Jacobs that powered a wide range of aircraft. Aircraft coverage includes trainers, such as the Vultee B-13 Valiant and North American's T-6 Texan as well as full-on warbirds, such as the Boeing B-29 Superfortress; the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt; Grumman's Wildcat, Hellcat, and Bearcat series; the North American B-25 Mitchell; the Vought F4U Corsair; the Consolidated B-24 Liberator; and a host of others.

Author Bill Yenne's coverage of these aircraft and their radial powerplants is a significant addition to the story of this fascinating period in military aviation history.