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"WE"
Charles Lindbergh will always be remembered for completing the first transatlantic flight, leaving New York City on May 20 and landing in Paris and in history on May 21, 1927. The crowd greeted him with such intensity that a speech was impossible, and when he stepped out of the cockpit and into the throngs, his feet did not touch the ground for half an hour.
Even without that historic flight, Lindbergh's story would thrill, affording us a firsthand glimpse into the colorful, risk-filled world of the professional pilot in the early days of flight.
In April 1923, Lindbergh purchased his first plane, a Jennie, for $500. He used this open-cockpit biplane to make his living in the West "barnstorming," flying from town to town, offering the locals a flight for five dollars. As entertainment, or to drum up business, he sometimes spiced up a visit by dropping a straw-filled dummy from the plane, parachuting into town, or even standing on the wing while his copilot flew. And the flights themselves were anything but dull. Besides the real possibility of crashing, hair-raising takeoffs were almost routine. Surviving a brush with some treetops in Meridian, Mississippi, Lindbergh writes with characteristic understatement, "I had passed through one of those almost-but-not-quite accidents for which Jennies are so famous and which so greatly retarded the growth of commercial flying."
Hardcover
First published July 1, 1927
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About the author
Charles A. Lindbergh
74 books37 followersSon of Charles A. Lindbergh Sr..
Charles Augustus Lindbergh (nicknamed "Slim," "Lucky Lindy" and "The Lone Eagle") was an American aviator, author, inventor, explorer, and social activist.
Lindbergh, then a 25-year old U.S. Air Mail pilot, emerged from virtual obscurity to almost instantaneous world fame as the result of his Orteig Prize-winning solo non-stop on May 20–21, 1927, from Roosevelt Field located in Garden City on New York's Long Island to Le Bourget Field in Paris, France, a distance of nearly 3,600 statute miles, in the single-seat, single-engine monoplane Spirit of St. Louis. Lindbergh, a U.S. Army reserve officer, was also awarded the nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his historic exploit.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Lindbergh relentlessly used his fame to help promote the rapid development of U.S. commercial aviation. In March 1932, however, his infant son, Charles, Jr., was kidnapped and murdered in what was soon dubbed the "Crime of the Century" which eventually led to the Lindbergh family fleeing the United States in December 1935 to live in Europe where they remained up until the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Before the United States declared World War II on December 8, 1941, Lindbergh had been an outspoken advocate of keeping the U.S. out of the world conflict, as was his Congressman father, Charles August Lindbergh (R-MN), during World War I, and became a leader of the anti-war America First movement. Nonetheless, he supported the war effort after Pearl Harbor and flew many combat missions in the Pacific Theater of World War II as a civilian consultant, even though President Franklin D. Roosevelt had refused to reinstate his Army Air Corps colonel's commission that he had resigned earlier in 1939.
In his later years, Lindbergh became a prolific prize-winning author, international explorer, inventor, and active environmentalist.
Charles Augustus Lindbergh (nicknamed "Slim," "Lucky Lindy" and "The Lone Eagle") was an American aviator, author, inventor, explorer, and social activist.
Lindbergh, then a 25-year old U.S. Air Mail pilot, emerged from virtual obscurity to almost instantaneous world fame as the result of his Orteig Prize-winning solo non-stop on May 20–21, 1927, from Roosevelt Field located in Garden City on New York's Long Island to Le Bourget Field in Paris, France, a distance of nearly 3,600 statute miles, in the single-seat, single-engine monoplane Spirit of St. Louis. Lindbergh, a U.S. Army reserve officer, was also awarded the nation's highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his historic exploit.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Lindbergh relentlessly used his fame to help promote the rapid development of U.S. commercial aviation. In March 1932, however, his infant son, Charles, Jr., was kidnapped and murdered in what was soon dubbed the "Crime of the Century" which eventually led to the Lindbergh family fleeing the United States in December 1935 to live in Europe where they remained up until the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Before the United States declared World War II on December 8, 1941, Lindbergh had been an outspoken advocate of keeping the U.S. out of the world conflict, as was his Congressman father, Charles August Lindbergh (R-MN), during World War I, and became a leader of the anti-war America First movement. Nonetheless, he supported the war effort after Pearl Harbor and flew many combat missions in the Pacific Theater of World War II as a civilian consultant, even though President Franklin D. Roosevelt had refused to reinstate his Army Air Corps colonel's commission that he had resigned earlier in 1939.
In his later years, Lindbergh became a prolific prize-winning author, international explorer, inventor, and active environmentalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 1, 2018
I wonder how many people knew that Charles Lindbergh had written a book in 1927 shortly after he accomplished the remarkable feat of flying solo from New York to Paris? Until about a couple of weeks ago, I had no idea that "WE" existed. "WE" in the title was Lindbergh's way of referring to himself and the airplane ('The Spirit of St. Louis') that carried him across the ocean to Paris. He considered what he achieved in that flight not a singular accomplishment for him alone, but also for the plane.
Most of the book is taken up with Lindbergh telling his life story, his brief time as a student of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, his initial training as a pilot in a flight school in Nebraska in 1922, his experiences barnstorming in the South and Midwest, his subsequent acceptance into the U.S. Army Air Service as an aviation cadet in 1924, his successful completion of his military training the following year (Lindbergh was made a reserve officer), followed by his service as an air mail pilot --- all of which led up to his undertaking the quest to carry out a transatlantic flight. A quest (as represented by the award of the $25,000 Orteig Prize for any aviator who succeeded in flying across the Atlantic) that had already been taken up by many of the world's renowned aviators --- without success. Many died in the attempt.
The remainder of the book goes on to describe the reception Lindbergh received across Europe and the U.S. in May and June of 1927 after his record flight.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. While there are aspects of Charles Lindbergh --- later manifested in his life when he became a controversial political voice with the America First isolationist movement pre-Pearl Harbor --- that I do not like, his achievements in aviation are AMAZING.
Most of the book is taken up with Lindbergh telling his life story, his brief time as a student of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, his initial training as a pilot in a flight school in Nebraska in 1922, his experiences barnstorming in the South and Midwest, his subsequent acceptance into the U.S. Army Air Service as an aviation cadet in 1924, his successful completion of his military training the following year (Lindbergh was made a reserve officer), followed by his service as an air mail pilot --- all of which led up to his undertaking the quest to carry out a transatlantic flight. A quest (as represented by the award of the $25,000 Orteig Prize for any aviator who succeeded in flying across the Atlantic) that had already been taken up by many of the world's renowned aviators --- without success. Many died in the attempt.
The remainder of the book goes on to describe the reception Lindbergh received across Europe and the U.S. in May and June of 1927 after his record flight.
I enjoyed reading this book so much. While there are aspects of Charles Lindbergh --- later manifested in his life when he became a controversial political voice with the America First isolationist movement pre-Pearl Harbor --- that I do not like, his achievements in aviation are AMAZING.
October 19, 2011
Charles A. Lindbergh's autobiography up through his remarkable flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis (the other part of "We" of the title), to win the Ortieg prize in 1927. A very readable and inspiring story of an individual's acheivement, and his affinity with a unique aircraft, perhaps the most famous plane and pilot of all time.
My personal edition is the twenty-first impression of the first edition, December 1927; it was old and beat up when I read is a youngster, and my attentions didn't do it much good, but I cherish it fondly. It's a terrific book!
My personal edition is the twenty-first impression of the first edition, December 1927; it was old and beat up when I read is a youngster, and my attentions didn't do it much good, but I cherish it fondly. It's a terrific book!
August 29, 2025
“In your glory there is glory for all men”
This tale is a first person account from Charles Lindbergh detailing his early life and his famous transatlantic flight at a very young age in a very early, unreliable aircraft. I love the subject matter of this book but it’s very clear that Lindbergh’s talents lie not in writing, he admits it so himself several times. He writes like a child in a diary, in a “matter of fact”manner—“I did this, then I did this, then I did this.” Which doesn’t make for a very engaging story. If you want to read about early aviators, I’d recommend “Prince of the Skies” by Antonio Iturbe. He is a very skilled author and weaves the tales of many men whom Lindbergh knew personally.
This tale is a first person account from Charles Lindbergh detailing his early life and his famous transatlantic flight at a very young age in a very early, unreliable aircraft. I love the subject matter of this book but it’s very clear that Lindbergh’s talents lie not in writing, he admits it so himself several times. He writes like a child in a diary, in a “matter of fact”manner—“I did this, then I did this, then I did this.” Which doesn’t make for a very engaging story. If you want to read about early aviators, I’d recommend “Prince of the Skies” by Antonio Iturbe. He is a very skilled author and weaves the tales of many men whom Lindbergh knew personally.
May 7, 2013
This book caught my eye while I was browsing an antique store and the beauty of it is that it has local significance. I was purely agape holding this first edition in my hands.
Focusing on his life, Lindbergh details his accounts in this fascinating book. He even describes the specs of each aircraft he flew. This gives the reader some sort of understanding of the advancements in aeronautics at the time when airplanes began use as dropping bombs on enemy trenches. I especially enjoyed his lamentations about how if one cadet was out after the 10'clock night check that often their belongings would end up in a pile in the middle of the barracks or worse discover an inconspicuous scorpion between the bed mattresses. This makes the book sound human and not just listing his accomplishments as a decorative pilot.
One of few who received the Royal Air Force wings and venerated non-combat pilot, Lindbergh a Little Falls, Minnesota native achieved something truly amazing. His manners preceded him and was welcomed by the president of France, the French National Assembly, the Belgium President, and both the King and Queen of England. Goes to show that Minnesota nice transcends all boundaries and does not take a back seat to fame.
Focusing on his life, Lindbergh details his accounts in this fascinating book. He even describes the specs of each aircraft he flew. This gives the reader some sort of understanding of the advancements in aeronautics at the time when airplanes began use as dropping bombs on enemy trenches. I especially enjoyed his lamentations about how if one cadet was out after the 10'clock night check that often their belongings would end up in a pile in the middle of the barracks or worse discover an inconspicuous scorpion between the bed mattresses. This makes the book sound human and not just listing his accomplishments as a decorative pilot.
One of few who received the Royal Air Force wings and venerated non-combat pilot, Lindbergh a Little Falls, Minnesota native achieved something truly amazing. His manners preceded him and was welcomed by the president of France, the French National Assembly, the Belgium President, and both the King and Queen of England. Goes to show that Minnesota nice transcends all boundaries and does not take a back seat to fame.
July 11, 2022
One of the most acclaimed achievements of the 20th century is detailed in the autobiography of Charles Lindbergh. It is a 95 year old book and reflects the sensibilities of the day. That in itself is something I always find interesting. "We" is written fresh off Lindbergh's triumphant crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, from New York to Paris, in an airplane. He was the first to ever do it. He became an international hero for the feat.
But, history came to teach us that the humble man in this self portrait became a believer in eugenics and an anti-Semite. President Roosevelt refused to give the great flyer a wartime commission, convinced that Lindbergh was a Nazi-sympathizer.
Lindberg did have his defenders. And he successfully shot down a number of enemy planes in World War ll as a private contractor. They were Japanese planes, not German.
This book, called "We," is a simple telling of his life's time leading up to and including his flight to Paris. Slightly over thirty-three hours that connected and changed the world.
But, history came to teach us that the humble man in this self portrait became a believer in eugenics and an anti-Semite. President Roosevelt refused to give the great flyer a wartime commission, convinced that Lindbergh was a Nazi-sympathizer.
Lindberg did have his defenders. And he successfully shot down a number of enemy planes in World War ll as a private contractor. They were Japanese planes, not German.
This book, called "We," is a simple telling of his life's time leading up to and including his flight to Paris. Slightly over thirty-three hours that connected and changed the world.
November 4, 2019
I have a copy of this book, early 1st edition in excellent condition and signed by the author. It is a great book and I would not want to take anything away from its importance and that of the epic flight it records. However, there seems to be some confusion in some of the reviews that the flight was the first ever non-stop crossing of the Atlantic by air. This is not so of course. This was accomplished by Alcock and Brown 8 years earlier (!) in 1919. There is a book of the flight by Brown which I also have a copy of. Why is this not so well-known? There are 2 possible reasons. Firstly neither aviators (Brown was the navigator and Alcock the pilot) were American. Secondly, Alcock was killed in an aviation accident shortly after the flight and was unable to write about the flight. He was also an RAF pilot and not a self-publicist. So there you have it. Lindbergh's book is excellent and of course describes a solo flight, but please consider it in context. I thankoo.
May 3, 2025
“Now that Lindbergh has spoken, we inquisitors are apt to be disappointed, at least upon superficial reading of his story," noted Horace Green in his review of ‘WE’ in the New York Times in which he nonetheless applauded Lindbergh's meticulous attention to detail (e.g., flight logs and aeronautical minutiae). "Where is the 'inside' story that 50,000 advance buyers of the volume have been led to expect?” Green aptly asked. “There is none. And on second thought it is apparent that if the recital was to be in any degree a real Lindbergh product there could be no inside story. The young flying Colonel, as his friends know, has no Imagination in the personal sense, but great Imagination in the mechanical sense. His mind works without embroidery. He thinks and speaks in condensed terms suitable to his purpose. One is grateful to say that the delay in publication of the long heralded ‘WE’ whether brought about by Lindbergh's refusal to be stampeded or by the counsel of other heads, has permitted Lindbergh to tell his own story without the interpolations, as they are known in the editorial world, of too many ghosts."
Fewer than 40,000 words of this 318-page book were written by Lindbergh himself, which includes a bombastic five-page Foreword by U.S. Ambassador Herrick, seven pages of front matter, ten pages of photographs, and an 85-page essay by Fitzhugh Green entitled “A Little of What the World Thought of Lindbergh.” And of those 40,000 words, not one gives readers any insight into how Lindbergh felt about the whole enterprise and what it meant to him. And where was his father during this time, and why wasn’t he part of the celebrations following the historic transatlantic flight? Why were his parents living apart? Did he have a human love interest? These and many other lacunae and unanswered questions about Lindbergh would suggest that this book was largely written by the hungry ghosts who wanted to profit from his unprecedented fame.
That said, there is no one who did more for the development of commercial aviation than Lindbergh, who tirelessly devoted his life to promoting the creation of infrastructure to support major airline carriers and initiate the age of air travel.
Fewer than 40,000 words of this 318-page book were written by Lindbergh himself, which includes a bombastic five-page Foreword by U.S. Ambassador Herrick, seven pages of front matter, ten pages of photographs, and an 85-page essay by Fitzhugh Green entitled “A Little of What the World Thought of Lindbergh.” And of those 40,000 words, not one gives readers any insight into how Lindbergh felt about the whole enterprise and what it meant to him. And where was his father during this time, and why wasn’t he part of the celebrations following the historic transatlantic flight? Why were his parents living apart? Did he have a human love interest? These and many other lacunae and unanswered questions about Lindbergh would suggest that this book was largely written by the hungry ghosts who wanted to profit from his unprecedented fame.
That said, there is no one who did more for the development of commercial aviation than Lindbergh, who tirelessly devoted his life to promoting the creation of infrastructure to support major airline carriers and initiate the age of air travel.
July 6, 2017
Charles Lindbergh wrote this book soon after his famous historical non-stop flight from New York to Paris on May 20-21, 1927. "We" refers to the relationship he had with his plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, which he flew across the Atlantic in less than 40 hours.
Lindbergh had an interest in flying ever since he was a boy. His first airplane was a Jenny. Used Jenny airplanes were sold to the public after WWI. He writes about flying his Jenny across some states and giving rides to curious people for $5.00 each to help pay for his fuel, and wear and tear on the plane. Many people have never flown in a plane and Lindbergh gave them the opportunity to have this new experience.
Lindbergh also wrote a little bit about his early days of earning a living in stunt flying to impress audiences. He also joined the Airforce in San Antonio. He writes how tough the program was as at the time, as San Antonio offered some of the best flight training in the United States. Lindbergh didn’t write in this book much about his experience with the Airforce, but says that afterwards he got a job as a mail pilot for the government.
He was interested in flying across the Atlantic Ocean and participated in the Raymond Orteig contest to try and be the first pilot to successfully fly non-stop from New York to Paris. The prize was $25,000.
Details about this flight were written in his 1953 book, "The Spirit of St. Louis."
I enjoyed this book which expressly draws a good picture of the early days of flight. Lindbergh became a hero due to his solo flight to Paris. He was ambitious and fearless, and had a belief in a strong, growing future for aviation.
Lindbergh had an interest in flying ever since he was a boy. His first airplane was a Jenny. Used Jenny airplanes were sold to the public after WWI. He writes about flying his Jenny across some states and giving rides to curious people for $5.00 each to help pay for his fuel, and wear and tear on the plane. Many people have never flown in a plane and Lindbergh gave them the opportunity to have this new experience.
Lindbergh also wrote a little bit about his early days of earning a living in stunt flying to impress audiences. He also joined the Airforce in San Antonio. He writes how tough the program was as at the time, as San Antonio offered some of the best flight training in the United States. Lindbergh didn’t write in this book much about his experience with the Airforce, but says that afterwards he got a job as a mail pilot for the government.
He was interested in flying across the Atlantic Ocean and participated in the Raymond Orteig contest to try and be the first pilot to successfully fly non-stop from New York to Paris. The prize was $25,000.
Details about this flight were written in his 1953 book, "The Spirit of St. Louis."
I enjoyed this book which expressly draws a good picture of the early days of flight. Lindbergh became a hero due to his solo flight to Paris. He was ambitious and fearless, and had a belief in a strong, growing future for aviation.
February 22, 2022
Nearly one hundred years after the first solo trans-Atlantic flight, in the air-connected world that Lindbergh dreamed of making a reality, it's easy to forget how amazing this flight was. Reading this brought the amazement back to me. The book was a little different than I expected, as it chronicles the actual flight quite briefly, and gives more space to the exuberant (rather a tame word - explosive?) receptions and adulations afterwards, (which another man had to write up for Lindbergh who was not a writer but a man of action). The universal admiration for the man was staggering. How the world has changed since then - a key moment in history that, for a change, was a completely positive experience for all parties involved.
March 2, 2021
This book is a historical gem. Prior to reading it, all I knew is that Lindbergh crossed the Atlantic Ocean before Amelia Earhart did (I realize this is the reverse experience of people who lived during that era). I knew that Lindbergh was an important figure in history, but it's still amazing to read about the scope and significance of his worldwide fame. A funny experience I had while reading this book, is that I found myself periodically smiling through it. The stories about his early days of barnstorming, parachuting out of planes, time spent in aviation school, the air mail service, and traveling around the country were all so idyllic. I wish I could have met Lindbergh!
December 12, 2020
One of the books I read as a child, "WE"captured my imagination as a young man. The book helped inspire my interest in reading. The book is rich in details about the early years of aviation. A personal account of the life and times of Charles A Lindbergh. While Lindbergh's reputation declined beginning with World War II, his life and adventures in the early 20th century are remain remarkable.
January 24, 2022
I wanted to read "We" because it was written immediately after Lindbergh's flight to Paris. I found this a good insight into how he viewed his life but was disappointed in so little information forthcoming about the Spirit of St. Louis and how the trip evolved. Written under duress most of the tales were from his diary and personal notes scribed throughout his life. I think anyone would enjoy this book as a quick and easy read.
May 12, 2023
This book was full of lofty speeches praising Lindbergh. The universal euphoria of the moment, the tremendous enthusiasm of the world was captured by others. Only Lindbergh wrote in a factual no embellishment manner. His love of flying soared though out! The special bond between France and the USA was rekindled by his landing in Paris. The world needed this hero after the Great War. His humility and lack of personal promotion added to his legend.
August 13, 2018
Interesting to understand Lindbergh who was one of the most famous people in America during his time. The country needed a hero and he was a dashing, daring person who pushed the frontier of flight. Read it mostly due to the personal connection as he lived in Hana toward the end of his life and is buried there.
May 27, 2020
I really like how the majority of this book was written by Lindbergh himself. His account of the record-setting flight across the Atlantic made it seem like the task was as easy as a long drive when that was of course not the case. This book is a great reminder of what dedication to ones craft can lead to.
February 8, 2025
"We" is a fantastic autobiography of the life of Charles Lindbergh. This book tells the story of the bond between man and machine. This wasn't just a flight across the Atlantic Ocean. This was a representation of the Untied States of America, a scientific feat, an advancement of the aviation industry, and a diplomacy mission.
November 8, 2017
subject was great but the text was like a personal log of facts and events, extremely juvenile and dry. Amazing that he had written and published this the same year he made the flight. I am sure there are many other well-written books about these momentous events.
January 7, 2020
Historically, this book is interesting. I enjoyed reading Lindbergh's own words, especially his descriptions of "barnstorming". However, he is not a writer, and the book is mostly a dry recitation of events.
September 10, 2023
Fascinating telling, by Lindbergh himself, of his younger years and his historic transatlantic flight. Very interesting - and it gave me a great concept of the "hype" and accolades he received. Also enjoyed learning (eventually :D ) why it is titled as it is.
July 6, 2024
Three stars.
Notable quotes:
"The first just from a plan was by Caption Berry at St. Louis, MO, 1912."
"Broadway"
"Fifth Avenue"
"It was like pushing a swing just when it is started downward."
Vocabulary words:
axiomatic
shrubbery
Notable quotes:
"The first just from a plan was by Caption Berry at St. Louis, MO, 1912."
"Broadway"
"Fifth Avenue"
"It was like pushing a swing just when it is started downward."
Vocabulary words:
axiomatic
shrubbery
August 7, 2017
Read this long ago. Found out about the secrets of his personal life, and it ruined it for me.
March 28, 2019
Dry and entertaining. A snapshot of life betweeen the wars and what humility looks like
March 28, 2019
Not all that well written but important to hear the story from the man himself.
July 3, 2019
Could not put it down. I have been in aviation for 20 years mechanical and piloting,this was a great read.
December 31, 2021
Lindberg is a pilot, not a writer. Yet, the personal account of this pioneering pilot's experience is interesting.
December 20, 2023
I think I'm in The Spirit of St Louis camp.
August 3, 2024
I liked this book. I find reading old books gives perspective and insight but less actionable items for my life. So, from that perspective it was great book.
December 11, 2024
Loved reading this.
November 6, 2018
Lindbergh was the superstar of his day. Following his singlehanded flight from New York to Paris in May 1927, the public rapturously hung on his every word. In this memoir, subtitled “the Famous Flier’s Own Story of His Life and His Transatlantic Flight, Together With His Views on the Future of Aviation,” the “Lone Eagle” tells about his childhood, how he acquired his first plane, his career as a stunt flier, his training in the Army Air Corps, and his work as an Air Mail pilot (including his four emergency parachute jumps). Then, in great detail, he describes the preparations for his epic flight, the flight itself, and the wild welcome that met him in Europe. The “spiritual meaning” of his flight also gets a lot of coverage. My copy, by the way, was inherited from my father, who bought it new as a young man in 1927.
August 10, 2020
This book is a piece of history, written about a moment in history. My edition is the 31st, still less than a year after it was first printed and barely a year after the flight. It's worn, but intact. He must have written it in a hurry, or maybe had parts of it already written before his flight (his life story up to that point.) The flight itself is barely 8 pages in a 300 page book; read his "Spirit of St. Louis" for more details and reflections on that flight. This describes his upbringing, barnstorming, and preparation for the flight in detail. A section after his arrival in Paris is written by another author, describing the various receptions and speeches on both sides of the Atlantic.
Well-written, interesting, a must for aviation history nuts but also worth a read as a stand-alone memoir.
Well-written, interesting, a must for aviation history nuts but also worth a read as a stand-alone memoir.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews