A definitive review of McDonnell Douglas's local service jetliner, this book describes the DC-9's progression from the early Series 10 to the Series 50 that paved the way to the MD-80 series. This fascinating story includes development, production, sales, political battles, and a review of the airplane's operation in worldwide service. Waddington supplements his vast knowledge of DC-9 history with meticulous research.

Written by the foremost DC-8 authority, the book covers the first turbine example to evolve from the famous DC series of airliners built by Douglas. The DC-8 story includes earlier designs by the same name that never came to fruition and reviews events leading to the Eight we know today.