The Aviators: Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Lindbergh, And The Epic Age Of Flight (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
I like Winston Groom as a non-fiction writer. Not only is he an excellent writer but you never know what historical period he will cover next. Lately, I've been reading in the period of the early 20th Century when aviation was new. I have always admired Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle and Charles Lindbergh who were all intrepid heroes and pioneers of flight, all were self-taught mechanics and scientists without whom aviation would not have been the same. Groom details the lives and adventures of the three aviators. The only similar early aviator left out was Billy Mitchell, who, like the other three, was awarded the Medal of Honor (Lindbergh was awarded the medal for his trans-Atlantic flight as he was still in the Army Reserve and therefore eligible). Mitchell is mentioned several times in passing but he is missed and it would have been nice to see him included as he was persecuted until his death by a government who did no understand his geniusMitchell aside, Groom's book covers the three pilots expertly. It is a great read and covers a period of time when air flight in a heavier than air machine was still new and dangerous. During World War II, all three contributed heroically. It is an excellent book by a first rate author and a book every American should read. I listened to the audio book. All I can say is WOW, a truly amazing book! If you like to read history, biography, or World War II or I history I believe you will enjoy this book. This book is filled with facts about each of these three heroes, Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, and Charles Lindbergh! At times is is funny, intense, sad and will bring periods of great joy and tears. One of the best books I have read this year! If I could give it 6 stars I would.
What do You think about The Aviators: Eddie Rickenbacker, Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Lindbergh, And The Epic Age Of Flight (2013)?
I couldn't put it down. Learned many knew facts about the three men.
—ballbstr
Excellent book about 3 amazing people. A must read.
—slythi
Excellent. It's like 3 biographies rolled into 1.
—Halindra
