For a comprehensive overview of Boeing's history:
* "Boeing: A History" by Robert Serling: This is considered the definitive history of the company, covering its origins, growth, and impact on the world. It's detailed and well-researched, providing a broad understanding of Boeing's journey.
For a focus on specific events or products:
* "The Spirit of St. Louis" by Charles Lindbergh: While not strictly about Boeing, this book chronicles Lindbergh's famous transatlantic flight in a specially built Ryan monoplane, which later inspired Boeing's design for the iconic B-17 Flying Fortress bomber.
* "The 747: The Inside Story of the Jumbo Jet That Changed the World" by Stephen Trimble: This book delves into the development and impact of the 747, one of Boeing's most successful aircraft.
* "Flying High: The Story of the 787 Dreamliner" by Robert W. Serling: This book explores the challenges and triumphs of developing the 787, highlighting its cutting-edge technology and controversial rollout.
For a personal perspective:
* "The Boeing Boys" by Mark Stewart: This book offers a firsthand account of the culture and personalities within Boeing, focusing on the engineers and designers who shaped the company's legacy.
* "The Dream is Alive" by Joe Sutter: This autobiography by the lead engineer of the 747 provides a fascinating insight into the development and evolution of the iconic jumbo jet.
For an investigative approach:
* "Flying Blind: The 737 Max Disaster" by Laurence Peter: This book examines the controversy surrounding the Boeing 737 Max crashes, analyzing the design flaws, regulatory failures, and ethical dilemmas that contributed to the tragedy.
Ultimately, the best book for you will depend on your specific interests. Reading reviews and exploring the different categories above will help you choose the right book for your journey into the world of Boeing.