An historical account of American Airlines chronicles the development of the aviation giant from its origins to the present and profiles the colorful, pioneering executives who have guided and shaped the American Airlines corporation The history of American Airlines from its inception in the Twenties as a mere collection of tiny carriers (aptly called a ``collection of spare parts flying in abysmally loose formation'') to its present-day status as a colossus of commercial aviation. Serling's detailed book is extremely well researched and very well written. As a corporate history the book will appeal to members of the business community as well as to flying enthusiasts. The descriptions of corporate struggles and personalities are insightful, and the accounts of airline operations and aircraft hardware are interesting to read. Recommended. William A. McIntyre, N.H. Vocational-Technical Coll. Lib., Nashua Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.