Professional reading.

Piet, Stand and Al Raithel. Martin P6M Seamaster. Martineer Press, 808 N. Shamrock Rd., Bel Air, MD 21014. 2001. 224 pp. Ill. $35.

Grace and beauty seldom describe the ponderous flying boat, but if these terms ever applied, it was to Martin's Seamaster One of the most attractive seaplanes ever produced, Martin's P6M incorporated aircraft waterborne innovations but was overcome by events and leapfrogging technology. It remains the pinnacle of its genre, making this nicely produced softbound book chronicling Martin's jet-powered flying boat of the 1950s a welcome edition. Both authors are deeply familiar with Martin products, and are well qualified to write this unusual, unexpected ground-breaking story.

The book contains an impressive photo collection, including many color views giving details on the P6M's markings and colors. Revell offered a model of the Seamaster in the 1950s, and anyone with that kit could really build a showpiece with this book.

Developed from a Navy requirement for a high-speed mine-layer aircraft, the P6M made its first flight in July 1955. Photos portray the design team and production line, giving good closeup details of the large, blue flying boat as it took shape in Martin's factory, including the P6M-2's redesigned cockpit canopy for enhanced visibility.

Obviously a labor of love, this book describes an aircraft that offered tremendous innovation for its time.