The late Ambassador Henry Serrano Villard (1900 - 1996), a statesman, philanthropist, and scholar, is considered to have been one of the world's leading authorities on early aviation. He was a prolific author and severalof his books have the distinction of being definitive works such as "Contact: The Story of Early Birds" (Smithsonian Institution Press). Looping the Loop: Posters of Flight is based largely on Mr. Villard's actual attendance at worldly early aviation events and never-before-published insights about aviation hallmarks. Through his eloquent, graceful writing,he leaves a legacy of love and understanding of man and flight. Mr. Allen, past president of the International Aerospace Hall of Fame and on the board of directors for 24 years at the San Diego Air and Space Museum, contributes a breadth of knowledge from his 40 years as an aviation enthusiast and accomplished collector of aircraft and aviation artifacts. So internationally regarded is the Allen Airways Flying Museum collection, it serves as the exclusive provider for the 32 vintage posters featured in the Smithsonian Institution companion exhibition "Looping the Loop: Posters of Early Flight." All of the exhibition's posters are presented in the book. Other designs from the Allen collection are also included among the book's featured artworks. Internationally renowned art poster authority and author Jack Rennert, contributes to the publication an insightful foreword on the historical evolution and graphic design significance of this extraordinary art form.

"Looping the Loop: Posters of Early Flight" is a traveling exhibition featuring European aviation posters from the Allen collection and is supported by Mr. Villard's scholarship and expertise of aviation history. Created primarily to entice spectators to air meets, these rarely found European posters document the marketing of early flight from its infancy (1880s) to the beginning of World War I (1915). Following its premiere in Washington D.C., the exhibition will continue its national tour through 2002. Venues in the national tour include the Thames Science Center in New Port, Rhode Island and the Virginia Air and Space Center in Hampton, Virginia. "Looping the Loop: Posters of Early Flight" is organized by the National Air and Space Museum, Allen Airways Flying Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES). For more information, please call (202) 357-2700.