Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 629.133349
EAN num: 9780760306994
ISBN number: 0760306990
Label: Zenith Press
Manufacturer: Zenith Press
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 128
Printing Date: July 09, 1999
Publishing house: Zenith Press
Sale Popularity Level: 1069379
Studio: Zenith Press
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Product Description:
Though the Boeing 737's original design dates back to 1967, it is the six series introduced since 1981 that have become the planemaker's bestselling civil jetliners. This new colour history examines the design, production and service histories of the 300 through 800 Series 737s. Backstage at the Seattle-based manufacturer's facilities, readers are treated to an inside look at the changes made to each variant and technical specifications. Colour photography also shows 737s at rest and in flight, dressed in colorful liveries from around the globe.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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I needed a general book for some background history on the 737 program. Having read other books from this series (notably the Birtles L-1011 book, the Endres A-300 book, and the Laming and Hewson A-320 book), I ordered this volume in connection with research I am doing for my Master's thesis. In comparison to those other volumes in the series I found this book lacking in detail and accuracy in some cases. The author apologizes right off the bat for this claiming that due to the number of aircraft built, he was unable to be comprehensive in the book. Though the book allegedly covers the B-737-300-800 series, it really focuses on the 300-500, as the NGs were just starting to come off the line when this book was written. There are very few photos of 600-800 series aircraft, and the ones that are here are in Boeing paint or primer. There is essentially no coverage of the -900 to speak of, other than mention that it exists.
If you want to look at colour pictures of 737s, this is the book for you. It is really a photo book with a bit of text, rather than an in-depth look at the aircraft. Certainly do not expect any serious discusion of systems here. There is a lot of redundancy between the sections of the book as well: prepare to be told the same information repeatedly, rather than have new information revealed as you progress through the book. There are also several inaccuracies in the book.
I have flown several models of the 737, and my estimation of the book is that it's OK for easy to look up facts, such as launch dates, very first flights, etc., but do not rely on this book for technical information. There are even parts of the book where the author is unsure of his material and just leaves the doubt and indecision in the book instead of actually finding out the correct information. For example, in a discusion of painting the aircraft he reveals that the 737s are covered in primer at Renton then flown to Boeing Field for painting, except for the rudder which is painted prior to flight. He explains that the rudder "is finished in customer livery prior to being fitted to the aircraft. This has something to do with the weighing of the aircraft which affects the trim" (p. 16). Two points here: his understanding is close, but no cigar; and second, if you are writing a book that technical people are going to read, call Boeing and ask them why the rudder is painted first. This is not the only gaffe of this sort, but it illustrates the problem.
The coverage of the accidents is spartan, and also contains errors. The book predates the ruling on the UA 585 and US 427 accidents. He does mention that the rudder is suspect (to his credit), but beware that the book contains no real authoritative information on the rudder or those accidents.
Anyone who knows me well knows that of all the airliners I have flown (A-320, DC-9, MD-80, B-727, B-737, B-747-400, B-757, B-767, and L-1011) that the B-737 is hands down my least favorite for many, many reasons. Having said that, I gave this book a fair shake, but it simply came up short. The book largely reads like Boeing corporate propaganda: it seems much more biased than the other books in the series which I have read. It is also the book with the least amount of concrete information on the subject aircraft, and contains more inaccuracies and tenuous information than the others do.
Like I said before, if you for some reason would want to look at colour photos of 737s, buy this book; if you are looking for technical information, look elsewhere.
Rated by buyers 
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The Airlife's Airliner series of books cover individual commercial aircraft types in an interesting, in-depth manner.
Each volume of this British series covers a unique commercial aircraft type from its design, production, entry into service, its usage by airlines, and in some cases eventual demise.
Each volume features plenty of colour and grey and white photographs of the subject aircraft along with a complete construction list (accurate to date of publication for aircraft types still being built).
This volume of the series covers the "classic" Boeing 737s (except the original -100 and -200) through the current Boeing 737-800. Unfortunately it was published right before Boeing announced the development of the 737-900 so that variant is absent. However, it does discuss what was involved in making a good airliner (737-200) into a better airliner (737-300/400/500) and from there into an excellent airliner (737-600/700/800).
Remember ... the Boeing 737 is the most popular medium to long range airliner ever built ... and it has been built since 1968 ... almost 40 years!
Rated by buyers -
Boeing 737 amounted to the largest sales of commercial jetliners in history. The short-ranged series has served the industry for over 30 years since it premiered in 1967. In this volume abound with colored pictures, Shaw had written an inside-out coverage for the proliferative models. Shaw included a detailed production history of the 737-800 model, the latest version of the family until the inaugural of 737-900 in late 2001. Numerous colored pictures of the aircrafts luxuriate the book. There is detailed information under every caption. Several featured captions (including the book cover) show the aircrafts belonged to the Oakland-based Southwest Airlines, known for its all-737 fleet (over 350 aircrafts). The end of the pictorial also includes detailed account on all current 737 operators and carriers. Why 4 stars? I expect more technical specification. Author might consider putting in more technical info in the subsequent update with the new 737-900 model.
Rated by buyers -
It's another winning effort in the "Airliner Colour History" series of books on commercial aircraft!
Here, we're treated to a first-class rundown of the best-selling jetliner in history: The Boeing 737.
Massive amounts of detail, plus loads of fine pictures, are provided for six different variants of Boeing's amazingly-successful twin-jet (including the B737-300 series right through to one of the newest, the B737-800). Any technical question you might have regarding these very reliable transports are more-than-likely answered for you in this book.
The book has a copyright date of 1999. Therefore, the newest 737 variant, which debuted with airlines in 2001 (the B737-900), is not included here.
If you love the Seven-Thirty-Seven, you should pick up this book!
Rated by buyers -
I personally love airplanes and I bought this book because it is simply the best book specifically on the Boeing 737. It has tons of details that an aviation enthusiast like me, would want to see. I like the whole series of books called Airliner colour history. I am planning on getting a copy of 737-100 & 737-200 as well. The detailed writing and great information as well as very good beautiful colour photos makes this book great. Underneath every photo, there is a caption with great information. I also like the production list at the end of the book so that you can look up any 737-300-737-800 and find out when it went into service and other interesting info. I recommend it to anyone who likes airplanes and especially someone who really knows a lot about them and/or wants to learn a lot about them.
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