The Rocket Man: And Other Extraordinary Characters in the History of Flight

Science writer and astronomer Darling (Equations of Eternity) profiles a series of eccentric personalities who have taken to the skies to push human limits, his main focus being on the eponymous wingsuit flier Yves Rossy, aka Rocketman. Besides this modern-day Icarus, Darling shines the spotlight on the likes of bombastic balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard, who delivered the first-ever airmail letter; stuntman Lincoln Beachey, who impressed Thomas Edison with his daring skills; and Canadian RAF pilot Raymond Collishaw, who shot down at least half a dozen German war planes during a WWI showdown in which the famed Red Baron was involved. Along the way, readers are also offered interesting information about such salient issues as G-LOC (G force–induced loss of consciousness), how a shock wave is formed when air moves from supersonic to subsonic speeds, and how blood boils in the body, without pressurization, at an altitude of 62,000 feet. A slim compilation of “the most extraordinary adventures in the annals of aviation,” Darling has produced an enthusiastic tribute to both aerodynamic daredevilry and the handful of colorful risk-takers who often lost their lives—though sometimes benefitted from “surprises and small miracles.” Readers interested in aviation and showmanship will welcome this volume to their shelves. (Nov.)