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
