Monogram Models Know the Missiles 1958 Willy Ley Vintage Booklet

Premium Monogram Models Know the Missiles 1958 Willy Ley Booklet Step into the world of authentic mid-century rocketry with this original 1958 Know the Missiles booklet produced by the trusted Monogram Models brand. Monogram was renowned in the 1950s for creating precise scale model kits of real military hardware, and this companion booklet was designed to educate builders on the actual missiles they were replicating. Featuring a foreword and printed signature from Willy Ley, one of the most respected rocket pioneers of the era who consulted on early NASA programs and wrote extensively for Collier's magazine, this publication carries the full weight of Monogram's commitment to accuracy and quality. Monogram Models, based in Chicago, partnered with the U.S. military branches to source authentic data, resulting in a booklet that feels like an official briefing document from the height of the missile age. The bold yellow and black cover immediately signals its era, while the interior pages deliver technical depth through detailed cutaway diagrams of solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, turbojet, and ramjet engines, complete with labeled components like payload sections, oxidizer tanks, and combustion chambers. Comprehensive Content from a Trusted Brand Inside you will find a rich history of rocketry tracing back to ancient Chinese fire arrows and progressing through Napoleonic wars to the 1950s guided missile systems. The booklet highlights specific U.S. weapons including the Honest John surface-to-surface rocket, the Hawk surface-to-air missile, Nike Hercules, Thor IRBM, Jupiter, Atlas ICBM, Sparrow air-to-air, Sidewinder, Genie nuclear air-to-air, Bullpup, and even the Rat rocket-assisted torpedo launched from Navy destroyers. Each entry includes operational details, launch photos, and development notes drawn directly from Air Force, Army, and Navy sources. The glossary section defines essential terms such as ballistic missile, guidance beam rider, Mach number, and sustainer engine, making this an invaluable reference for anyone serious about understanding 1950s aerospace technology. Monogram's reputation for precision is evident in every illustration, from the ported Honest John on its launcher to the sleek Atlas on the launch pad. Condition and Physical Details This softcover booklet measures approximately 8.5 by 11 inches and is constructed from period paper stock. It remains in used but very good vintage condition with expected light yellowing and minor foxing on the interior pages typical of 1950s publications. The yellow and black cover shows only slight scuffing and corner wear, while the binding stays secure with no loose or missing pages. Minor creasing appears on a few edges from normal use, yet all text and illustrations remain crisp and fully legible. No tears, stains, or major defects are present. Owning this Monogram Models original connects you directly to the company's legacy of producing the most accurate missile models available in hobby shops during the Space Race. Collectors of Monogram kits often seek these companion booklets to complete their displays, as they provide the historical context that makes the plastic models come alive. Whether you are restoring a vintage Monogram kit or building a comprehensive library of Cold War aerospace ephemera, this booklet represents the gold standard in branded educational material from that pivotal decade. The level of detail Monogram invested in this publication reflects their dedication to authenticity, something that sets their products apart even today. Every diagram and photograph was chosen to inspire the next generation of engineers and modelers, and that spirit endures in this well-preserved copy.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Used - Very good — Vintage 1958 softcover booklet with expected age-related yellowing on pages, light wear to cover corners and edges, secure binding, all pages intact and illustrations crisp. — Defects: Light yellowing and minor foxing on interior pages consistent with 1950s paper, slight scuffing and corner wear on yellow/black cover, minor creasing on a few page edges from use, no tears, stains, missing pages or major defects.

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.