Kelly: More Than My Share of It All

by Clarence L. Johnson, Maggie Smith (Contributor)

Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson led the design of such crucial aircraft as the P-38 and Constellation, but he will be more remembered for the U-2 and SR-71 spy planes. His extraordinary leadership of the Lockheed “Skunk Works” cemented his reputation as a legendary figure in American aerospace management.

Genres: Aviation, Biography, Nonfiction, History, Engineering, Military Fiction, Science

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a memoir of an aviation leader. A few years ago, I read “The Skunk Works” by Ben R. Rich about the Lockheed Research Department. Kelly was responsible for the design of the famous Constellation and the P-38. He also was responsible for the U-2 and SR71 Blackbird.

This is the story of the Skunk Works at its peak (1950-1990) by one of its founders. I think reading both books gave me a balanced insight into the halcyon days of aviation at Lockheed. Both books are well balanced, but Johnson’s book is a bit more technical. Johnson tells the story of his life as a child in Michigan to working at Lockheed. The book was originally published in 1988. This is a great book about a brilliant aeronautical engineer and the early days of aviation.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is six hours and six minutes. Johnny Heller does an excellent job narrating the book. Heller is an actor and a well-known audiobook narrator. He has won many awards such as the Audiophile’s Golden Voice Award and Best voice of 2008, 2011, 2014, 2018. He was also selected as one of the fifty voices of the 20th Century. His list of awards is too numerous to list.

[Simon Eskildsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly Johnson was the Elon Musk of the 50s and 60s. He's designed some of the most popular fighter jets, not to mention the fastest plane ever built, the SR-71 Blackbird. This is his story, from a poor family in Michigan, to the head of Skunk Works—one of the most productive aircraft design departments ever.

Some of my favourite lines from the book..

> I have a philosophy that those who design aircraft also should fly them—to keep a proper perspective. The engineer knows where the quarter-inch bolts may be marginal, what the flaps are likely to do or not do. I’ve shared the concern of the pilot. I figured I needed to have hell scared out of me once a year in order to keep a proper balance and viewpoint on designing new aircraft. ... A lot of engineers don’t like pilots. Even more pilots don’t like engineers.

Kelly understood Skin in the Game.

I get the Ben Franklin vibe of relentless self-development, with such a deep, genuine interest in his field:

> It was and is important for an engineer to keep up with advancing technology. Studying, fortunately, still held for me the same fascination that it had when I discovered the Carnegie library in Ishpeming. On one summer vacation in those early years, I reworked all of the problems in Fred Weick’s classic book, Aircraft Propeller Design. On another vacation years later, I reworked every problem in Dr. Clyde E. Love’s, Differential and Integral Calculus, which I had completed in college. I was determined not to lose my capability in mathematics. And I enjoyed both vacations.

I found the number of engineers who worked on these ridiculously complicated planes mindblowing:

> The Skunk Works at Lockheed has moved four times since the first shop was constructed of engine boxes and a tent in 1943, and its first project, the XP-80 jet fighter, was built with just 120 people in 143 days. There were only 23 engineers on the project. There were 37 engineers on the JetStar corporate transport. The U-2 many years later employed a total of 50 people on both experimental and production engineering. On the enormously more difficult SR-71, there were only 135 engineers.

Finally, some important lessons in setting up a "moonshot department" within an established company:

> Most companies, while desiring the benefits, will not pay the price in revised methods and procedures for setting up a Skunk Works-type of operation. They will not delegate the authority to one individual, as Lockheed did in my case from the very first Skunk Works. It requires management confidence and considerable courage.

I quite liked this line:

> There is a tendency today, which I hate to see, toward design by committee—reviews and recommendations, conferences and consultations, by those not directly doing the job. Nothing very stupid will result, but nothing brilliant either. And it’s in the brilliant concept that a major advance is achieved.

Books like Loonshots also advocate for businesses needing two separate cultures. One that rewards 'franchising' what's already there with incremental changes, and one that rewards step-changes:

> Development of some of this country’s most spectacular projects—the atom bomb, the Sidewinder missile, the nuclear-powered submarine—all were accomplished by methods other than the conventional way of doing business outside the system.

The only reason this is not 5 stars is that in the middle of the book he goes on to explain the airplanes he was designing, one by one. This got repetitive for me, as someone who's not too spellbound by aeronautics, but more by the culture of the environment and Kelly's own history.

[Awais Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a delightful read of how Kelly came from a lowly background to being probably the most influential aircraft designer of all times.

As an aviation lover, Kelly Johnson’s legacy feels like a beacon in the skies—an enduring reminder of what human ingenuity and passion can achieve. From the sleek P-38 Lightning to the awe-inspiring SR-71 Blackbird, his creations weren’t just some planes; they were works of art, engineering marvels that pushed the boundaries of what seemed possible. Was also great to read about how his work with Skunk Works shaped the very spirit of how ambitious technologically complex projects needed to be undertaken across many other industries and sectors.

In an era when leadership often feels transactional, Kelly’s story is a timeless reminder of what it means to be a true steward of progress. And it was just so very delightful to read a first hand account of how some aerospace marvels were built and realised.

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight to read a chronological autobiography which seems honest and never "plays a fiddle" for anything but the concourse of what his life played and relayed. It can be done. There were still 15 years left in the 20th century when my copy was published. Also containing some great photos- which in the case of the engineering and planes appearances were 5 star. And it is daunting to understand how paychecks were not given during the spell of "catching" up to snuff at just born Lockheed.

Here is a man who came from BELOW "humble" beginnings and was the 7th of 9 children. Living in the cold, cold and dirt poor (no below that ROCK poor) area of Michigan in the years BEFORE sizable car industry (or nearly any other) industrialization. Following the myriads paths he did in construction, lathe making, farming (hey, I've picked blueberries too- just exactly like that)- how he laddered jobs and contrived to get himself through all that schooling in THOSE years- that's a miracle tale in itself. Beyond the engineering successes he accomplished. I think the best portions of the book were in the boyhood and I wish he would have told more job asides or chore / family "givens" than he did. Especially after the move to Flint! People born after about 1995, they just have no idea the hours spent in doing and learning the pivotal practical applications "stuff" that was a part of nearly all lives in the Midwest or North "cold" country then. You knew 1000 skills (physical and mental) that are brain uses/ voids never developed today.

Fabulous book. Honest! I love his 5 pieces, numbered ones, for a good life. He is SPOT ON in any age for those listings. Especially #1 and #2. A belief in God (strength within this to get you through the pit portions of life) and health.

So many important and historic people he knew! The personal stories are numerous, although many of the corporate tangents or engineering portions to testing etc. will seem dry for those allergic to "engineer" think.

Even if you are not a numbers person or have any interest in aviation history and design- read this one. Kelly was a KEEPER!

[Kurt Christensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kelly Johnson tells the story of his life, from growing up poor in Michigan's upper peninsula, to studying aeronautical engineering at the University of Michigan, and finally landing at Lockheed in California, where Johnson was to make his mark as probably the greatest aircraft designer in history.

Aficionados of aircraft or engineering or Cold War history will probably enjoy this book, and there are some larger lessons to be learned - in particular, his approach to design, culminating in the principles by which he founded and led the famous "Skunk Works" division of Lockheed, which produced the U-2, SR-72, F-117, and more.

Most readers, however, will find the book a rather dry and rambling account of Kelly's life. A more entertaining book in the same vein is "Skunk Works" by Johnson's successor, Ben Rich.

[Aidan Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE.

More than my share of it all in an UNDERSTATEMENT.

This man is a legend. A visionary with a love of life, aviation, problem solving, family, and his country.

I wish I could have met the man.

Whether you care about airplanes or not, you must read this!

[Steven Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both fascinating and frustrating in equal measure.

There really is no one more notable in the aerospace industry (in my opinion) than Kelly. Some of the things he worked on blows my mind. He had a hand in some of the most outstanding pieces of aviation humanity has ever created since ww2 and I found him talking about some of the challenges he encountered to be engaging. Not to mention he spends a great deal of time talking about his "method" on loss of a better phrase. His manner of project management, KISS and all that. Things teams do now as standard were things he was advocating decades before some of us were even born

On the flip side however it's an awful short book and it's infuriatingly light on detail in some aspects. In retrospect this should have been expected given it's a biography of the man, and not simply what he worked on but at times he talks more about his ranch than he does on some of the planes which made the Skunkworks famous. So if you're wanting a blow for blow tale of how the U2 was built, this book isn't it. It's the type of book managers might pick up and read whilst travelling (by airplane, naturally) to try and give them a better idea on how projects should be written. This book isn't "here's what I built and how" by Clarence Johnson but rather "I managed a team that built some stuff, here's a high level summary of how I got my team to do it"

Engaging none the less but I think if you're looking for more details on the actual work being done, perhaps Skunk Works by Janos and Rich may offer up more details

[Ye Maw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelly is such a legendary engineer, talented but stubborn person. But you need that kind of personality to do the extra-ordinary things. He designed several cold-war era flagship aircraft including U2 and Blackbird.

This book includes about his personal life, technical of aerospace engineering and his works in Lockheed Skunk Works. The writing is just so so, may be interesting staffs are not declassified yet during those days. But his decisive leadership and his attitude towards his work is inspirational.

[Bill Seaward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating true story of one of the greatest aeronautical engineers in history. He won over 50 prestigious awards as chief engineer during the development of the U2 spy plane through the Blackbird fighter jet. As these were great engineering accomplishments, he was more known for how he did is as opposed to what he did. He was acknowledged for delivering products ahead of schedule and below cost. A rarity in high tech product development. He did it by working outside and in-spite of the system. He was the force behind the Lockheed-Martin Skunk Works in Pasadena, CS which was its own small entity operating basically outside of the ‘system’.
Very interesting story.

[Louis Latulippe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true legend of aerospace and engineering. Inspiring story. 4.5

[Dengar256 · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a very interesting book written by a man from a different time. it was originally published in 1986 so I wonder what he would think of the world today. Near the end of the book he starts making predictions about the year 2000 and also warnings about what we should not do. I found this book very inspiring although it does suffer from one flaw. like some of the other autobiographies I have read he is not a professional author and the book can be difficult to follow at times. However if you enjoy aviation and history read this book.

[Remco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It gave insight into the mind of an extremely successful engineer, certainly high up in the list of most skilled engineers of all time.

Before reading this, I had read Skunk Works by Ben Rich, and as such, part of the story was quite predictable (namely that about the development and operation of the U-2 and SR-71). One motive which stood out to me especially while reading this book was the seeming simple-mindedness of its author on matters of ideology, happiness, and hardship. He was steadfast in his convictions and wanted clear things: a happy personal life and relationship, to prove himself, and to serve his country. He was especially successful in the latter two, and I think this is (aside from his genius) attributable exactly to the strength of his convictions. For example, when he knew he was right, he would not doubt himself, nor did he extensively consider the geopolitical role of the United States in the conflicts in which he participated. He was focused on his goals and willed them into being. Perhaps some of his confidence can be attributed to his tough but fair upbringing. He had loving parents who encouraged him and became self-sufficient at a very early age, having a strong feeling of responsibility. As a young boy, he learned early on that hard work and initiative paid off.

Unfortunately, for most of his life, he endured many hardships. The loss of two wives in his lifetime must have been devastating. Furthermore, his final years were marked by declining health. Nonetheless, it seems like he was generally content. Aside from his work, he seemed to find happiness, and even peace, in the relatively simple aspects of life, such as maintaining ranching equipment and working on his home.

He did not seem to struggle with matters such as existential crises or serious worries that his life would fundamentally change due to some new power or technology, despite the looming threat of nuclear war and the emergence of computer technology. This was a refreshing perspective in current times.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Kelly: More Than My Share Of It All” is a stirring, behind-the-scenes journey through the life and mind of Clarence L. “Kelly” Johnson, one of the true titans of aviation, co-written with Maggie Smith. With prose that’s both direct and engaging, the memoir peels back the curtain on the golden era of American aerospace: a time when innovation wasn’t just a buzzword but a personal mission and ethic. Johnson’s narrative sweeps from his hardscrabble roots as the seventh of nine children in rural Michigan—where poverty was measured by the rocks in the field and the chill in the air—to his meteoric rise as the engineering genius behind Lockheed’s legendary “Skunk Works.” Readers will revel in stories of outsmarting adversity, from picking blueberries by hand to hustling access to wind tunnels at the University of Michigan. The details of his journey are as practical and hands-on as aeronautical engineering itself; Johnson’s work ethic is palpable, and the lessons he draws from the “pivotal practical applications” of his youth resonate throughout the book. But this isn’t just a technical manual or dry history. Johnson and Smith paint scenes of excitement and risk—the birth of the P-38 Lightning, the dazzling grace of the Constellation, and the world-changing secrecy shrouding the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird spy planes. Anecdotes abound, from working alongside icons like Amelia Earhart to laying out his famously no-nonsense “14 rules” for Skunk Works, the antithesis of today’s bureaucratic, committee-driven design world. There’s humor, humility, and a palpable sense that Johnson truly feels he enjoyed—if not suffered—"more than his share” of the world’s challenges and triumphs. Moments reflecting on leadership, responsibility, and the lost art of risk-taking give the memoir its beating heart, making it not just a tale for aviation geeks but a clarion call for visionaries of every stripe. "Kelly" is ultimately an ode to invention, perseverance, and the very American art of daring to do things differently.

[Chainsaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Containing much of the same information one can find in "Skunk Works," this is the personal and professional story of the man behind many iconic aircraft including the P-38 Lightning, U-2 Dragon Lady, and SR-71 Blackbird, told in his own words.

The author is quick to praise others on his team, and has some spot-on thoughts regarding how the "normal" military acquisition model is severely flawed and unlikely to produce truly groundbreaking discoveries or designs.

I read "Skunk Works" while I was associated with the design, test, and introduction of a major weapon system into the fleet, and the contrast between the efficiency and innovation of the author's Skunk Works to the acquisition program model of "today" was more than frustrating. I'm farther removed from those experiences now, but the government acquisition system remains in need of a complete overhaul toward the methodologies used by the author and his teams, which overproduced new and innovative aircraft, generally below expected budget and ahead of schedule.

Plenty of good lessons to be learned within the book's pages, as well as some insight into the successes (and a few failures) of the legendary Kelly Johnson and his Skunk Works.

Recommended!

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best book recommendations I ever received was for Skunk Works by Ben Rich, chronicling the development of the F-117A stealth fighter at Lockheed's Skunk Works. Enthralled by the legend of Kelly Johnson, I put his autobiography on my to-read list.

Kelly: More Than My Share of It All I would consider a 'prequel' to Ben Rich's book. In his own words, Kelly walk us through the path that led him to becoming one of the greatest aviation engineers of all time. He gives us an unvarnished account of his early days leading up to his time at Lockheed, the creation of the Skunk Works division, and the development of two of Skunk Work's most iconic aircraft, the U-2 and the SR-71.

While the pacing of the book felt a little uneven to me at times, and the writing in places seemed somewhat stiff, I think overall the book does a decent job of giving the reader insight into the driving forces behind Kelly's career and the types of things he valued as part of his decision-making process. His work ethic, his drive to understand, to solve problems, and his never-ending curiosity can really be felt throughout. An inspiring tale, and one that I hope to emulate in my own career.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich experience. This short book spans that dreamlike period of huge advances in mastery/applications of engineering, metallurgy, physics, human endurance, and technological achievement, and paints the whole package with a stellar example of the USA's success in the face of global survival threat. Includes interesting detail re aero contractor negotiation with Uncle Sam's pocketbook. Loved the autobiographical you-were-there of Mr Johnson's early years, his poor family using a potato to seal a kerosene container, later eating the potato, because food was in short supply. Never will forget his story of agony about early high altitude flight testing. Western successes/survival were built on the backs of such gifted, diligent achievers. COMPLAINT: THIS BOOK IS TOO SHORT, AND COULD HAVE INCLUDED MORE PERSONAL VIGNETTES, EVEN HOLLYWOOD STAR REAL ESTATE STORIES, WHICH FIGURE INTO THE BOOK!

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kelly Johnson is one of the remarkable figures in aviation history, and this memoir walks you through his life and his notable achievements: Work on the Electra, P-38, U-2, and SR-71 among others. There's a lot to learn in here about the design process, challenges, and the planes themselves. Johnson also famously established the Lockheed Skunk Works with a unique project approach that developed a number of legendary planes, including the P-80 Shooting Star, U2, and SR-71. The book slows a bit at the end (in my view) as Johnson turns to his views on the challenges of being a contractor and where he sees the future of defense and aviation.
A nice read, and I think it will be of interest for aviation enthusiasts due to Kelly Johnson as a larger than life figure in aviation, the creation and evolution of the Skunk Works, and the remarkable projects that Johnson participated in.

[David Clifton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was mesmerized by the rise of Lockheed and Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson - as well as his vision for aeronautical engineering.

The book contains many interesting bits of facts and trivia about designing and building legendary aircraft, as well as founding the "Skunk Works." Kelly devotes a chapter to the basic operating rules of those Skunk Works.

He also writes about his defense philosophies, some which maintain their validity in the 21st century (his vision of drones and unmanned aircraft).

I give it 4 stars - it encourages me to read and learn more about the history he depicts, but I found the chapters dealing with his personal life to be a bit dry and rambling.

[Dominik Goluch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book if by far one of my favourite. As an engineering student myself, I found everything in this book very interesting and relatable. Kelly is for sure someone I look up to, I admire all his genius work and adopted many of his rules and ways of thinking. Being able to find out about the things that were taking place behind the highest secrecy is fascinating to say the least. I wish the book was longer, however I have since started reading "Skunk Works" by Ben Rich, it is a prefect continuation of this book. 100% recommend reading both!

[Philip LaRoach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was easy to stay interested in this book as I love stories about projects and engineering challenges. The chapters about titanium and the new challenges face with supersonic flight were inspirational. The idea that a part on the plane would have to operated in a 600+ temperature range was a great example of Kelly and his teams accomplishments. This book is a great compliment to Ben Rich's book. I recommend both.

[Dave Applegate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am fascinated w/ Skunkworks from a creativity & management point of view. How was Kelly capable of driving such outstanding innovation with the fraction of the resources of his competitors? This book covers more of Kelly's captivating life than the management / creativity principles in themselves. Still a worthwile read. I love his formula of work on meaningful things that captivate your mind + good relationships + time in nature = happiness.

[Renee Beonet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative about Kelly’s personal life. It is a true rags to riches story. A boy genius who got to make an impact on the world. This man has got to be one of the smartest people of the modern age. But Kelly’s narration is rather dry and matter of fact. That’s why it’s 4 stars instead of 5. Of course this is a legendary person and this is a great piece of history. I would say read Ben Rich’s memoir first, though.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost feels like a brief overview. It leaves you wanting more detail about the LM Skunk works projects and the technical advances. It was extremely interesting to hear how the father of Skunk works started to make a name for himself. The rules with which he ran the Skunk Works are also interesting. I read this book after reading Skunk Works by Ben Rich. Would definitely recommend reading both.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very inspired how Kelly perceived life claiming "if God were to call me home today I would have had my fair share of it" in addition I loved his principals on running skunkworks many principles in witch I hope to apply to my own business including the betting of a quarter if anyone should be able to prove him wrong. I also like how he betrayed his childhood.

[Jeno · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is brilliant!
humble, to the point, a huge load of examples relevant to me as a PM with a sauce of real life cases you can check;
splendid stories, a bit of humor in there too.
I enjoyed this one a lot, especially the stories behind sr-71 and U-2, I couldn't imagine great airplanes were built this way, I am hooked forever and I am seriously considering a license.

[Thomas Veron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very light and entertaining read by/about a man well ahead of his time in his field. Relatively high level, so don’t expect too much detail on specifications, aerodynamics etc of the individual aircraft if that’s your bent but ultimately a great read.

The SR71 remains one of the highest expressions of art meets function

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for aviation enthusiasts and engineers


What a fantastic life story of a truly inspirational engineer and a great organisation that he developed. A fascinating catalogue of projects and a legacy to leave behind. As relevant today as the time it was written, with amazing foresight!

[Derek Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book started out great about his life and engineering prowlness .. then the last few chapters were about his predictions for the future (from 1980). .. would have rather had more insight of his design thoughts as the first chapters.

[Aaiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Johnson is a legendary engineer, and thought leader. I was impressed by the simplicity with which he could breakdown such complex concepts and make them interesting to read. Every engineer should read this inspiring book. We can all learn a lot from him.

[Seutonius X · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. An interesting recounting of the SR-71's development--fantastic vision & tenacity! Guidelines on how Skunk Works operated. However, not much introspection (or prospection about his future when he was younger) which may have been interesting.