P. Chkalov, Moscow, 1984, Planeta Publishing House. "Man. Events. Times" series photo album, Russian text. Hard covered with dust jacket, 9" by 12", 287 pp. Illustrated biography of test pilot Valeriy Chkalov, Soviet aviation icon and source of inspiration for generations of pilots. Chkalov epitomized obsession with the aviation that gripped Soviet youth in mid 1920s and throughout the 30s. He set two world flight records including a flight over the North Pole from the Soviet Union to the United States, and was one of the first to receive the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. After his death during testing accident in 1938 his name was given to innumerable city streets and squares, schools, ships, etc.

The book contains great number of large format period photos that would be invaluable to an aviation researcher. Of particular interest are close-ups of uniforms, aviation equipment and personal gear such as Chkalov's goggles.

The book is in gently used, near mint condition. There is only very mild shelf wear to the edges of the dust jacket and a small tear, no soiling. Stamped Ex Libris "Historical Research LLC 1996" to the front endpaper. The internal pages are immaculately clean and crisp, completely free of age toning or foxing. The book came from a tobacco-free home and has none of the common mildew smell. Long out of print, only one copy in stock.