First Man: The Life of Neil Armstrong - Hardcover

James R. Hansen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 074325631X ISBN 13: 9780743256315

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2005

Synopsis

An authorized portrait of the famous American astronaut best known as the first person to set foot on the moon sheds light on lesser-known aspects of his career accomplishments, from the honors he received as a naval aviator to the price he and his family paid for his professional dedication. 200,000 first printing.

About this title

Review

"A powerful, unrelenting biography of a man who stands as a living testimony to everyday grit and determination. . . . A magnificent panorama of the second half of the American twentieth century. . . . A must for astronaut buffs and history readers alike."

"Historian James Hansen...expertly combines the saga of Armstrong with the historical background of America's introduction to the Age of Space. An excellent book."--Captain James A. Lovell, Commander, Apollo 13

"A fine authorized biography brimming with groundbreaking research, fresh anecdotes and fair-minded analysis. . . . Hansen should be commended for decoding the enigmatic Armstrong: a space hero short on words but sky-high on Midwestern integrity."--Douglas Brinkley "The New York Times Book Review "

"A lot of us have been waiting a long time for a book like this one, and it was well worth the wait. . . . Will likely stand as the definitive biography of Neil Armstrong."--Tom D. Crouch, Senior Curator, Aeronautics, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution

"To understand Armstrong on his own terms is to see a large truth of our time. . . .A compelling and nuanced portrait."--James Tobin "Chicago Tribune "

"Hansen capably captures both Armstrong's expertise and his Garbo-like demurral of fame."--Gilbert Taylor "Booklist "

"Thoroughly researched... incredibly detailed . . . Hansen's attention to detail serves the story well, relaying the difficulty and danger inherent in the Apollo program. Along with this comes an understanding of Neil Armstrong himself."--Howard Shirley "Bookpage "

"[A] taut, well-told tale of our nation's race to the moon and the man who took the first step."--Doug Allyn "The Flint Journal "

"Masterfully written . . . technically accurate, scholarly yet independent and accessible. . . . Mission accomplished and a perfect touchdown."--Leonard David, Ad Astra, The Magazine of the National Space Society

"First Man burrows deep into Armstrong's past and present. . . . What emerges is an earnest and brave man."--Mark Carreau "Houston Chronicle "

About the Author

Dr James R. Hansen is Professor of History at Auburn University, Alabama. He is the author of eight books on the history of aerospace including a study of the Apollo program's lunar landing method.

Edition details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 074325631X
• ISBN 13: 9780743256315
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 769