A Fine, 100% Original Souvenir Book

Official Book of Flight of GEN. ITALO BALBO AND HIS ITALIAN AIR ARMADA TO THE CENTURY OF PROGRESS Chicago in 1933

with 32 well-illustrated pages

This is a fine example of the very rare, beautifully illustrated Official Book of Flight of GEN. ITALO BALBO AND HIS ITALIAN AIR ARMADA TO THE CENTURY OF PROGRESS Exhibition in Chicago - 1933. Just six years after Charles Lindbergh’s historic transatlantic flight to Le Bourget in Paris, this antique publication chronicles the remarkable flight of General Italo Balbo and his Italian Armada of 24 aircraft from Rome to Chicago in July 1933.

This genuine souvenir from the Italian exhibit at the Century of Progress in 1933 in Chicago commemorates the flight of General Italo Balbo and his Italian Armada from Rome (Orbetello) via Amsterdam, Londonderry, Reykjavik, Cartwright Labrador, Shediac, and Montreal to Chicago in July 1933. The 8-¼ x 11-⅜ inch softcover commemorative photo publication has 32 superbly illustrated pages on fine quality paper, and was printed by Cuneo Press Chicago, USA.

The book starts with photos and a recap of Benito Mussolini’s rise to power after the March on Rome on 28 October 1922. That is followed by a photo portrait of the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, and a “welcome” by the Italian Consul in Chicago. An interesting chapter on Italo Balbo follows that includes details about his education, World War I service, support for Il Duce and his aviation career. He was just 37 years old when he made the historic “Air Cruise” to Chicago with 24 Isotta Fraschini powered unique Savoia Marchetti S. 55X hydroplanes in the summer of 1933.

This Official Book of Flight of GEN. ITALO BALBO AND HIS ITALIAN AIR ARMADA TO A CENTURY OF PROGRESS Chicago - 1933 has many photos of the pilots, each accompanied by a short bio. There are pictures of the aircraft, while taking off, in flight and on water, as well as the powerful Asso 750 Isotta Fraschini motor and its remarkable characteristics.

There is information about the receptions and ceremonies in Amsterdam until after arrival in Chicago and the last page of the book has a picture of, and information about the Italian Pavilion (in the shape of a giant airplane) at the Century of Progress exhibition in Chicago.

Our photos show the actual, rare 93 year old Italo Balbo souvenir book we offer for sale. It is in very nice, little used condition and has no writing in it, no damage, and no odor. The light green cover shows only the very lightest use, as it was clearly saved flat for many decades! The interior pages are in fine condition.

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CONDITION: exactly as shown, no odor.

QUESTIONS: we do not accept returns so if you have any questions about this 1933 Century of Progress Chicago souvenir, be sure to ask before you click the Buy It Now button, NOT after you have purchased the item. You are responsible for reading the full item description, including shipping costs and accepted payment methods.

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