The Boeing 737 jetliner made its first appearance in 1967 and immediately established itself as an airplane icon. And since 1970, Boeing’s Renton factory has been the home to the 737 line.

“Remarkable: the Story of the Boeing 737” tells the story of the historic jetliner in a 100-page coffee table book that includes original Boeing photography and text written by Carrie Kipp Howard.

“Because it’s such an iconic airplane and best-selling commercial airplane in history, it gets a lot of attention,” said Howard, who has worked at Boeing for 25 years, both as an employee then a contractor. “It’s an interesting subject for a book.”

“Remarkable” is the latest of many books from Boeing Press, succeeding publications about Boeing’s Jumbo Jet, Strike Fighter, the Everett Factory and women of Boeing.

The book includes the story of the 737’s rocky beginnings, the evolution of the classic series, its introduction to defense sector, the Renton factory, the next-generation 737, 737 Max and the business jet.

With an iconic airplane that has an almost 50-year history, the challenge was to come up with a title that encompassed the essence of the 737 story.

“We went back and forth with the title,” Howard said. “So I said tell me the essence of the 737 and the person I talked to said, It’s just remarkable.”

Through the course of researching and writing the book, Howard said she saw just how remarkable the jetliner is.

“I always thought it was cute,” she said. “But you have to appreciate the people who designed it… and who fought for it in a time when people thought it wasn’t the way to go. It exceeded everyone’s expectations.”

According to Howard, the book appeals to airplane and Boeing fans.

“The audience for this is going to be airplane people, generally. They like some of that technical information. I tried to put it in understandable terms.”

And so far, the response has been largely sentimental considering the iconic nature of the jetliner.

“Everyone has a story,” she said. “They are buying it to show their kids, show their moms, show their dads who worked for Boeing… They have a sense of ownership — ‘this is my airplane’ — and they have real pride in it. I get goosebumps listening to their stories because it is so personal to them.”

There will be a signing event 12:30 – 2 p.m., Oct. 27 and Nov. 17 at the Boeing store, 635 Park Ave. N.