Spacecraft, 2000-2100 A.D.: Terran Trade Authority Handbook

The truth is I still love the science fiction paintings in this book, but when I re-read the actual text it did seem to be aimed at junior high or middle school aged boys and girls. That's not to say that the book and entries aren't interesting, but the book isn't as sophisticated as I recalled it being.Still, there is a good degree of intellect in this offering in terms of imaginative descriptions and inventing stories to go along with the art portrayed. The book itself is organized like an old fashioned "Jane's Military Guide" tome, where you see a picture of a vehicle, craft, device or location, and are given a kind of list of its specifications, and then a brief one page history and current use description.Only here we're not talking about US and Soviet military hardware, but some imaginary future where behemoth merchant space craft or slick military space ships are the norm, and where wars with one or two of the nearby neighbors are documented and expanded upon and chronicled in the briefs.I really did pore over these books as a boy, mostly looking at the pictures, sometimes reading the entries. It really fired my imagination. These books, not surprisingly enough, came out at about the same time as Star Wars hit the theaters. I say that because a lot of science fiction media is designed to cater to a slightly smarter audience that has a sense of adventure. The idea is steer the audience towards possible careers in science, medicine, law enforcement, or even military. Which to me almost makes me want to give this book three stars for that behavioral science aspect alone.Most (if not all) the pictures in the book are scifi novel covers. I saw a good portion of them in the science fiction section, notably the one labeled "The City Ships of Alpha III", which turned out to be the cover for a Perry Rhodan novel. A select few I also seem to recall were just science fiction poster art that you could buy. Nearly all of it was from the 1970s, some of it from the 1960s where the genre was going through a kind of transformation to a more behavioral science theme and agenda, verse the application of science to potential military threats that wsa the theme of the 1950's.Still, even though the books are somewhat basic (not really simple) in prose, they were entertaining, and put a smile on my face. And to my eyes the paintings and other art in this book still hold up, and still stirs that sense of wonder for my inner "little boy". If you get a chance, then check one out and read it. They're fun books.Enjoy.

As others have stated , I too discovered this book when it first was published. It was the late 1970's and I was in Junior High. our school library had a copy and I used to check this book out ALL the time. When I was in studyhall in the library I would go get this book and reread it; over and over again. I would attempt to draw space ships in the style that were drawn in the book, and the story line was facsinating. Once I went to the Senior High I no longer had access to it. Needless to say I loved this book and never forgot about it (did not know it was part of a series). I never found this book in any of the used book stores that I used to go to over the years, and I went to alot of used book stores. Finally ended up in my old Junior High library a few weeks back on a school related matter and it made me decide to finally find the book online. After a few fruitless searches I finally decided to buy this book on the hopes that it would be ' the one' from its description and the art work in the ad. It was the book and I am happy I got it.

I may not have seen this book since I was six years old. I didn’t know what it was called- it was my older brother’s. The images stayed with me very clearly. Through some fancy searching I located it, thankfully! The images still inspire my imagination and awe!

The artwork and stories in this book were my favorite part of visiting the long gone library that I went as a kid. I used to go up to a small nook on the second floor near the window with it, which was my favorite book in the library. I finally own a copy and am showing it to my kid like I am unveiling a hidden gem.

The book was exactly as described and I would buy from them again...

Bought my first copy more than 30 years ago, then a second copy when I moved to the US, having left my original copy back home in England. Yes, this book is really that good that I regretted leaving it behind so had to buy another copy! The artwork is lovely, proper paintings from an age before CGI was ubiquitous, and many of the paintings are truly memorable, even haunting. Each full-page painting is accompanied by a page of text outlining its history and specifications. While this is now done routinely for franchises like 'Star Trek' and 'Star Wars', at the time this book came out (early 80s) it was unique. Consequently it all feels much more fresh and original. A must-have for science fiction artwork fans.

Not in "Very Good" condition. Binding is worn. Written on. Smashed corners. In fair condition. Still worth the money, but I would bought from a different vendor.

My ex wife at the time really outdid herself w this. I found this eventually but at the time had a hard time rationalizing spending the money on myself to get this.I had held onto this book since elementary school but lost it along w much stuff when a relationship went south. I didn't think I would be able to find again but thanks to Amazon and my ex wife and the Internet TOUCHDOWN!!! Score a direct hit.I always enjoyed the artwork and the sci-fy aspects of the book. It was published when I was young enough to still dream.My friend said it best. There is a certain age where going to Disney is different than going a year later. I wouldn't know as the day my brother and I were to go we came down w the chicken pox.This book however was my Disney moment. My ex is a great woman. By buying this when she was w me she gave me a bit of my childhood back.

I remember the TTA books from the late 70s, the library in my resolutely post industrial central Scottish town was quite progressive then and had an excellent selection of science fiction books. I remember these for the hints of a wider story they represented, as well as the incredible artwork they used to hang the story around. To me this was the most successful of the TTA books, though perhaps SpaceWrecks was more evocative and thought inspiring, the combination of artwork, description and overall style wins out here for me. Lovely. Now to save up for the rest of the set, same as 35 years ago. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose eh?

Lost my original copy in a house move so bought another after watching Brian Cox and feeling nostalgic. Great condition and brought back all the memories of a geeky childhood. Great purchase.

Exactly as discribed. Possibly even better. Prompt service. Was told in 5-7 days, surprised to find it 2 days after ordering. Will DEFO use again

Received earlier than expected in excellent condition couldn't be happier thankQ";))

I had an outbreak of nostalgia, fairly severe, found this online, and applied directly to the affected area. Worked like a charm.