First Man
By James R. Hansen
You may have seen the excellent
hit movie. Now, for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing on July
20th, I’m recommending the book that tells the incredible saga of
that First Man, an essential
biography by James R. Hansen. Not just a biography though, this is an
entertaining, comprehensive story of a fascinating time in history. And it’s
enhanced by stunning pictures, including some that are out of this world.
The book starts with Neil
Armstrong’s youth. He grew up under the shadow of the Wright brothers’
celebrated invention of the airplane, and their inaugural aerial experiences in
Ohio. Young Neil was an avid model airplane enthusiast. “Originally my focus
was on the building of airplanes, not their flying.” It’s compelling to read
about the people around him, the times, his personality, and the opportunities that
converged into his epic achievements that take flight.
That is not to say that he found
success in all he attempted. The writing about his stumbles, and how he learns
from them, is insightful. The exciting times of the daring test pilots will get
your heart pounding and your imagination churning. At Edwards Air Force Base
they said “Neil ran circles around many test pilots.” It was so important to
have the combination of the skills and also the daring to try new things.
According to Armstrong, “It was program development, looking at the problems of
flight. It was a wonderful time period, and it was very satisfying work,
particularly when you found a solution.”
And then there is the telling of
the moon flight. Facts only this insider knows about the people, the training, the
service of the astronauts, NASA, scientists, politicians, and affiliated
businesses turns this book into something hard to put down. The stories about
the people are laced with motives and interactions so utterly human, at times
very funny, at times heroic, and historic.
The author is a Professor
Emeritus of History and an expert in aerospace and the history of its science
and technology. He is a former historian for NASA. This is one of a dozen books
he has authored on aviation. He lives with his family in Alabama.
Give yourself a 50th
Anniversary moon landing gift by reading First
Man, and treat yourself to the stories and information that even a great
movie just does not have the means to include. Remember to celebrate a giant
leap on July 20th.
