Book Review Friday: The Aviators

The Aviators: Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Lindbergh, and the Epic Age of Flight

By Winston Groom

Historian and master storyteller Winston Groom weaves together the life stories of three pioneers of American aviation history.  The Aviators traces the lives of WWI Ace of Aces Eddie Rickenbacker, General Jimmy Doolittle, and aviator Charles Lindbergh from their exploits before WWI through their contributions to the war effort during WWII.  While extraordinarily different in temperaments and career paths, each of these three men began life in humble circumstances and through perseverance and ingenuity all three overcame setbacks and tragedy to achieve great things both personally and professionally.  All three foresaw the commercial and military importance of aviation and championed the cause of creating a modern air force in the United States in the years leading up to WWII.

This was a remarkable book, highly recommended to history buffs and anyone who loves a good story.  Groom’s research into the military and civilian histories of these men is meticulous and the backstory, history, and politics that shaped their careers is fascinating.  Try the audio book, Robertson Dean’s narration was outstanding.

For more about these pioneers of flight try these titles:

Ace of Aces: The Life of Capt. Edie Rickenbacker

By H. Paul Jeffers

Enduring Courage: Ace Pilot Eddie Rickenbacker and the Dawn of the Age of Speed

By John F. Ross

I Could Never Be So Lucky Again

By James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle, with Carroll V. Glines

The First Heroes: The Extraordinary Story of the Doolittle Raid – America’s First World War II Victory

By C. R. Nelson

The Flight of the Century: Charles Lindbergh & the Rise of American Aviation

By Thomas Kessner

The Spirit of St. Louis

By Charles A. Lindbergh