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

Charles Lindbergh and the Rise of American Aviation

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Transportation, Aviation, History, Americas, United States, 20th Century
Cover of the book The Flight of the Century: Charles Lindbergh and the Rise of American Aviation by Thomas Kessner, Oxford University Press, USA
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas Kessner ISBN: 9780199752645
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Publication: June 22, 2010
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Thomas Kessner
ISBN: 9780199752645
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication: June 22, 2010
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

In late May 1927 an inexperienced and unassuming 25-year-old Air Mail pilot from rural Minnesota stunned the world by making the first non-stop transatlantic flight. A spectacular feat of individual daring and collective technological accomplishment, Charles Lindbergh's flight from New York to Paris ushered in America's age of commercial aviation. In The Flight of the Century, Thomas Kessner takes a fresh look at one of America's greatest moments, explaining how what was essentially a publicity stunt became a turning point in history. He vividly recreates the flight itself and the euphoric reaction to it on both sides of the Atlantic, and argues that Lindbergh's amazing feat occurred just when the world--still struggling with the disillusionment of WWI--desperately needed a hero to restore a sense of optimism and innocence. Kessner also shows how new forms of mass media made Lindbergh into the most famous international celebrity of his time, casting him in the role of a humble yet dashing American hero of rural origins and traditional values. Much has been made of Lindbergh's personal integrity and his refusal to cash in on his fame. But Kessner reveals that Lindbergh was closely allied with, and managed by, a group of powerful businessmen--Harry Guggenheim, Dwight Morrow, and Henry Breckenridge chief among them--who sought to exploit aviation for mass transport and massive profits. Their efforts paid off as commercial air traffic soared from 6,000 passengers in 1926 to 173,000 passengers in 1929. Kessner's book is the first to fully explore Lindbergh's central role in promoting the airline industry--the rise of which has influenced everything from where we live to how we wage war and do business. The Flight of the Century sheds new light on one of America's fascinatingly enigmatic heroes and most transformative moments.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In late May 1927 an inexperienced and unassuming 25-year-old Air Mail pilot from rural Minnesota stunned the world by making the first non-stop transatlantic flight. A spectacular feat of individual daring and collective technological accomplishment, Charles Lindbergh's flight from New York to Paris ushered in America's age of commercial aviation. In The Flight of the Century, Thomas Kessner takes a fresh look at one of America's greatest moments, explaining how what was essentially a publicity stunt became a turning point in history. He vividly recreates the flight itself and the euphoric reaction to it on both sides of the Atlantic, and argues that Lindbergh's amazing feat occurred just when the world--still struggling with the disillusionment of WWI--desperately needed a hero to restore a sense of optimism and innocence. Kessner also shows how new forms of mass media made Lindbergh into the most famous international celebrity of his time, casting him in the role of a humble yet dashing American hero of rural origins and traditional values. Much has been made of Lindbergh's personal integrity and his refusal to cash in on his fame. But Kessner reveals that Lindbergh was closely allied with, and managed by, a group of powerful businessmen--Harry Guggenheim, Dwight Morrow, and Henry Breckenridge chief among them--who sought to exploit aviation for mass transport and massive profits. Their efforts paid off as commercial air traffic soared from 6,000 passengers in 1926 to 173,000 passengers in 1929. Kessner's book is the first to fully explore Lindbergh's central role in promoting the airline industry--the rise of which has influenced everything from where we live to how we wage war and do business. The Flight of the Century sheds new light on one of America's fascinatingly enigmatic heroes and most transformative moments.

More books from Oxford University Press, USA

Cover of the book Flammable : Environmental Suffering in an Argentine Shantytown by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Guns or Butter : The Presidency of Lyndon Johnson by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book The Vietnam War:A Concise International History by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Where the Conflict Really Lies : Science, Religion, and Naturalism by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book War Comes to Garmser: Thirty Years of Conflict on the Afghan Frontier by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Living with Mild Cognitive Impairment:A Guide to Maximizing Brain Health and Reducing Risk of Dementia by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Sex And The Soul : Juggling Sexuality, Spirituality, Romance, And Religion On America's College Campuses by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Modern Music and After by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Brotherhood Of Kings : How International Relations Shaped The Ancient Near East by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book The Compatibility Gene: How Our Bodies Fight Disease, Attract Others, and Define Our Selves by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Escaping Salem:The Other Witch Hunt of 1692 by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Critical Theory:A Very Short Introduction by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Boardwalk of Dreams:Atlantic City and the Fate of Urban America by Thomas Kessner
Cover of the book Keeping Faith With The Constitution by Thomas Kessner
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy