The God Machine: From Boomerangs to Black Hawks: The Story of the Helicopter

James R. Chiles

Bantam Dell, 2008 - History - 354 pages

From transforming the ways of war to offering godlike views of inaccessible spots, revolutionizing rescues worldwide, and providing some of our most-watched TV moments—including the cloud of newscopters that trailed O. J. Simpson’s Bronco—the helicopter is far more capable than early inventors expected. Now James Chiles profiles the many helicoptrians who contributed to the development of this amazing machine, and pays tribute to the selfless heroism of pilots and crews. A virtual flying lesson and scientific adventure tale, The God Machine is more than the history of an invention; it is a journey into the minds of imaginative thinkers and a fascinating look at the ways they changed our world.

About the author

James R. Chiles trained in a two-seater helicopter as part of his research for this book. His first book, Inviting Disaster, was named a Best Book of 2001 by Amazon.com and was made into a four-part series for the History Channel. He lives in Minnesota.


From the Hardcover edition.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The God Machine: From Boomerangs to Black Hawks: The Story of the Helicopter; Bantam books
• Author: James R. Chiles
• Edition: reprint
• Publisher: Bantam Dell, 2008
• ISBN: 0553383523, 9780553383522
• Length: 354 pages
• Subjects: History / Military / Aviation; Technology & Engineering / Aeronautics & Astronautics; Transportation / Aviation / History