Into Unknown Skies: An Unlikely Team, a Daring Race, and the First Flight Around the World: The Unbelievable Race to Conquer the Skies with Bold Underdogs ... Dive into a Century-Old Aerial Feat

by David Randall

Equal parts The Right Stuff and The Boys in the Boat, Into Unknown Skies tells the unbelievable history of the 1924 race to circumnavigate the globe for the first time by air, a nail-biting contest that pitted underdog US pilots against their better-funded European rivals, created technology that changed aviation, and convinced America that its future was in the sky. 

In the early 1920s, America’s faith in aviation was in shambles. Twenty years after the Wright Brothers’ first flight, most Americans believed airplanes were for delivering the mail or performing daredevil stunts in front of crowds. The dream of commercial air travel remained just that. Even the American military was a skeptic—rather than pay to bring its planes back from Europe following World War I, the War Department chose to burn most of them instead. 

All that changed with a single race in 1924. It was not just any race, though—it was a race to become the first to circle the globe in an airplane, pitting a team of four underdog American pilots against the best aviators in the world from England, Italy, Portugal, France, and Argentina. Rooted in the same daring spirit that pushed early twentieth-century explorers to attempt crossings of the Antarctic ice or locate the source of the Nile, this race was an adventure unlike anything the world had seen before. The obstacles were daunting—from experimental planes, to dangerous landings in uncharted territory, to the simple navigational gauges that could lead pilots hundreds of miles off course. Failure seemed all but guaranteed—the suspense less about who would win than how many would perish for the honor of being the first.

Now on the race’s centennial, award-winning author David K. Randall tells the story of this riveting, long-forgotten race. Through larger-than-life characters, treacherous landings, disease, and ultimately triumph, Into Unknown Skies demonstrates how one race returned America to aviation greatness. A story of underdog teammates, bold exploration, and American ingenuity, Into Unknown Skies is an untold adventure tale showing the power of flight to bring the world together.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Adventure

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2024

About the author

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Reviews

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

When most people think of the early days of aviation, The Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, and Amelia Earhart come to mind. What is often forgotten is the 1924 race around the world. Teams from different countries competed to be the first to circle the globe in an airplane. A grueling challenge that stretched into months and proved to be a dangerous endeavor.

The Americans were considered the underdogs while the European nations were the front runners in this race. Surprisingly, after the use of planes in WWI, the higher ups in the US military, dismissed the notion aviation was the wave of the future when it came to war strategy. The push behind the technology and development of planes was due to the tenacity of a few Americans rather than the government. This completion helped open some eyes to the fact that the United States, located between two oceans, could be vulnerable to an air attack in the future. Unfortunately, the people in charge of making military decisions chose not to fully invest in aviation until their hand was forced with the Pearl Harbor attack.

An interesting read although at times it was hard keeping track of all the people involved. Healthy competition can be a good thing and this race was a bit of a precursor to the space race in the 1960s. The ambition and courage of these early aviators should be commended.

Thank you Mariner Books for sending me a free advance copy!

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny thing happened to me while reading David Randall's Into Unknown Skies. The story, which follows the first flight around the world by American pilots, has everything you need for a page turner. There are underdogs, rivals, near death experiences, and irrational perseverance. Unfortunately, I was not mesmerized by the story. Instead, I found my mind wandering. I wanted to get through the book instead of enjoying it.

I racked my brain wondering why. Randall has some excellent research and his writing doesn't contain anything egregious such as run on sentences or lack of overall story through-line. It took my a while, but I finally put my finger on it about halfway through. The story is not told with a laser-like focus and there are small diversions which are consistently taking away from the main story.

For example, at one point, the pilots are in the vicinity of Bering Island. If you don't know the story of how it got its name, well I assure you it's riveting. Randall takes a page of so to tell a high-level summary of the story. The problem is that this story adds nothing tangible to the one Randall is telling. The pilots aren't forced to live on the island for months and what you have is a diversion to something immaterial (but admittedly, cool as hell) and it breaks the flow. This is not the only example and Randall will often then revert to the type of writing where this happens then this happens then this happens. The pilots are often in death defying circumstances and Randall probably needed to focus on making those sections as strong as possible as opposed to diversions like what I mentioned above or the pilot of another country who doesn't really matter to the narrative.

As always, there is no accounting for taste. Randall chose to tell the story this way and there may be many readers who are not as turned off by the tangents and sometimes stilted writing like I was. I wouldn't warn someone away from this book, but I can't say I was engaged as much as I had hoped.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Mariner Books.)

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of these men or their accomplishments before this book [they are often, unrightly so, overshadowed by "greater" aviators ie The Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, and my personal favorite, Amelia Earhart ], but I am still in awe [four days later ] by the bravery, tenacity, and pure luck [and pluck ] of these men, who set out to do what had never been done before and ushered in aviation as a feasible mode of transportation. What they did and accomplished [and endured ] is nothing short of miraculous IMO, and there were many moments where I found myself holding my breath all while hoping they'd come out of whatever mess/trials/danger they had gotten themselves into [this happened more often than not through much of this book ].

This was a completely fascinating read, well written and expertly researched [though at times I DID struggle with all of the players who were involved; keeping them all straight really required a chart LOL ] and I will be recommending this to all my history AND aviation buff friends. I highly recommend this even if you aren't really a fan as this is important history that has almost been lost; it is a story that needs to be remembered and told over and over. I am so glad that I was able to read this.

Thank you to NetGalley, David K. Randall, and Mariner Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Erica Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing detail of a historical event that I knew very little about. In some parts it almost read like a history book instead of a story. But still was quite an interesting read.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story about the first flight around the world. The flight took place in 1924 and took 6 months. The fellows who made the flight had names that were as well known then as Armstrong and Aldrin now. The author does a terrific job of bringing a hundred year old story to life. The story is captivating, a real page turner. Read this if you want a story of challenge, adversity, sticktoitness (that word is in the book) and the thrill of a mission accomplished. Great book and fun to read. Enjoy this one and a reminder of the heroic shoulders that we stand on now. JIM

[Penny A · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think our test pilots and astronauts were made of “The Right Stuff” wait until you read this wonderful book! It vividly describes the race to complete the first around-the-world flight 100 years ago, and the brave and creative men who accomplished this goal.

During WWI, General Billy Mitchell realized the importance of air power in future wars and in the future of nations. But his pleas for American military to pour funds and manpower into that fell on deaf ears. Mitchell watched as 2300 airplanes were torched, not because they were damaged but because no one thought they’d be needed after the Great War. Mitchell, temperamental and passionate, decided to work behind the scenes to get attention for a project: an around the world flight.

Most airplanes used in the war had been made overseas. Now it was time for Donald Douglas, working out of a former movie studio in Santa Monica, to build a machine that could handle heat, cold, wind, ice and fate – often with the help of good glue. Pilots tested his airplanes over and over, suggesting improvements and learning from failures.

Douglas’s planes had to fly faster, have larger gas tanks, and be able to fly at both high and low altitudes. They also needed the best pilots. Mitchell scoured the US and found eight men who would fly a small squadron of four planes, with two men in each plane. No radios, no parachutes due to weight issues. They would fly based on their abilities and the resilience of their machines. Ships from the US Navy sat at various ports to help the airplanes with refueling or spare parts.

Other countries also vied for this honor. Pilots from England, France, Italy – even Argentina – joined in the race. They flew from east to west. The Americans flew from west to east and barely made it out of Alaska in the early days. They endured crashes on land and sea, weather emergencies and engine breakdowns. But somehow, they accomplished their mission. “They flew a total of 26,345 miles over 363 hours and 7 minutes, averaging 72.5 miles per hour…over a period of 175 days.”

Charles Lindburgh is our most famous pilot, but to me his flight pales in comparison to what these men did in 1924. When I chose this book, I had no idea it would be such a page turner. Readers will be absorbed in crisis after crisis, with ingenuity, fortitude and even luck helping the pilots and machines continue. The author ends with updates on each of the men, who 100 years ago were the most famous people on the globe, mobbed at every stop and on the front page of every newspaper. Certainly, they are American heroes who deserve to be well-known.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

David K. Randall's "Into Unknown Skies" is a thrilling account of the first aerial circumnavigation of the globe, a feat that captivated the world 100 years ago. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I America, when the country's aviation industry was lagging behind its European counterparts, Randall masterfully weaves a tale of daring, innovation, and national pride. The book centers on the 1924 race that pitted a team of four underdog American pilots against the best aviators from England, Italy, Portugal, France, and Argentina. Randall's vivid storytelling brings to life the audacious spirit of early 20th-century exploration, drawing parallels with attempts to cross the Antarctic or locate the source of the Nile. Randall's meticulous research shines through as he details the numerous obstacles faced by the aviators. From experimental planes and dangerous landings in uncharted territories to primitive navigational equipment that could lead pilots hundreds of miles off course, the author paints a picture of a venture where failure seemed all but guaranteed. The suspense in Randall's narrative is palpable, with readers left wondering not who would win, but how many would perish in the pursuit of being first. Through his portrayal of larger-than-life characters, treacherous landings, battles with disease, and ultimate triumph, Randall resurrects this long-forgotten race for modern audiences. “Into Unknown Skies" is more than just an adventure story. It's a testament to human perseverance and ingenuity, showcasing how this single race revitalized America's aviation industry and captured the public's imagination. Randall argues convincingly that the race played a crucial role in restoring America's aviation glory, potentially influencing the country's preparedness for World War II. Recommended for fans of Erik Larson, this centennial account is a reminder of a time when aviation was in its infancy, and the dream of circling the globe by air was as daunting as it was exhilarating. Randall's work not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on a pivotal moment in aviation history that helped shape America's future in the skies.

[Marla Robichaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chose this for book club. Ratings in a group of 8 ranged from 5 to 9. What everyone liked was that most of us had never heard of this race nor knew that America was considered a naive underdog in aviation. Those that really liked the book liked the history. Those that didn't like it was because of the confusion of so many characters names thrown out and not understanding who the story would be built around. All of us found the beginning slow. What I really liked about the book was understanding the people that were flying, it was not overly technical and made you feel like you were part of the race worrying about replacing an engine or running into a glacier, overheating with gnats in your face. It was incredible that they flew in a by plane with themselves exposed to all elements (heat, cold, fog, sunburns, etc) and the planning that the USA did to ensure they had fuel and spare parts yet they did not have parachutes on their planes due to the weight. There was a ton of good information that let you understand the politics in the aviation industry and of the overall country and the risks these crusaders took for aviation - inspiring and triggering innovation for future generations. The flow of the book was a bit confusing and again, had to take notes on who was flying with who - that could have been added as a page like they added a page of the actual map of landings. I first listened to this book and couldn't keep the people straight, then I read the hard copy and found it easier to track along. Also liked some of the quirky additions such as that an H building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wrights son, they had a dispute so the son created Lincoln Logs after getting a patent for the H. Overall a very good story that I'm glad I got exposed to.

[Miriam Kahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is an historical account of the 1924 feat to fly around the world. The tale will leave you yearning to know more and to read about other airplane / flight competitions like "The Right Stuff."

Promoted by Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, 8 American men, pilots and engineers, versed in not just flying but troubleshooting, repairing, and rebuilding airplanes were the American team. Their competition; British, French, Italian, and South American pilots, some working in teams, others alone, who took to the skies to fly around the world in mono(wing)-planes, Bi-planes and a Fokker plane. The US Navy stationed ships with spare parts and fuel around the globe, ready to resupply, to aid, to rescue, and to provide warm sleeping quarters as needed. They also lent assistance to other countries’ fliers when asked.

You'll be waiting, patiently, as the pilots circumnavigate the earth by air, hopscotching from landing field, lakes, and rivers, over ice, glaciers, and deserts, battling rain, snow, sleet, and unbearable heat and to set records. Heart-stopping crashes, terrifying landings, and innumerable stops for repairs.

This tale of flight which is interspersed with digressions about historical events and places.

The audio performance is good although there are some oddly mispronounced words that will bring the listener up short. For more on the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com

[Stephen Kiernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift or it might not have crossed my path. I am glad it did.

If you enjoyed The Wager, Voyage for Madmen or Boys in the Boat, you will love this expertly researched adventure story about the first airplane flight around the world.

Better still, it's a race between nations in the months immediately following World War I.
This book is packed with interesting characters, harrowing challenges, and details that zing. When the Department of War asks the Wright brothers to submit a proposal to provide aircraft to the war effort, the young men don't know what the price will be. They ask a considerable sum, but also say they'd settle for one-quarter as much.

Best of all, the story conveys a sense that a century ago this planet was a much larger place. Imagine stopping in 1920s Outer Mongolia to fill your tank with fuel, and the locals have never seen a plane before, and you don't speak a word of Chinese.

Some striving tales periodically slow to include tedious background, but this tale manages to dodge that flaw. The story flies along, and so will your reading of it.

[Craig Beyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things we now consider normal and safe, like flying long distances being fed and entertained, are predicated on the vision of General Billy Mitchell and the pilots and mechanics of the flight described in this book. Imagine flying an average of almost 73 miles per hour, westward, around the globe in an open cockpit airplane. That airplane’s capabilities limited it to 5000 feet altitude. Now imagine four airplanes and crews—four for redundancy—attempting to have at least one airplane fly around the world. Obviously, these planes would have to make multiple stops for fuel, oil, repairs, and supplies and would need support from the Army and the Navy. Six men and two original and one replacement airplane would survive the journey through rain, snow, sleet, and sand storms; freezing, unbearably hot, and hot and humid weather; one airplane was destroyed but its crew survived. That’s the story so well described in this book. This book also chronicles the attempts of other crews from Britain, Portugal, Italy, and Argentina to fly around the world, but in far less detail.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book this morning, and really did not want it to end. It's wonderful to find a book that captures your interest right from the beginning, keeps you fixated, and then finishes with a flourish. The author, David K. Randall, is a marvelous writer and storyteller. He obviously did some accomplished research here. There's also quite a bit of fascinating trivia that I wouldn't have known about otherwise. Randall has written a few other books, and now I want to read them too.

One more thing. GoodReads did not write his full name correctly. There is a middle initial: K. They need to add that with the other correct books that he wrote as David K. Randall. The other books that are listed below "Into Unknown Skies," are from a different author named just David Randall. Amazon also made this mistake.

[Bob Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aerial History Of The Swashbuckling Kind

I grew up in SoCal in the 1950s when the latest “prop jobs” were always overhead and most of my neighbors worked in the local aircraft industry including at Douglas Aircraft. My Dad, born in 1918, was a WWII bombardier in a Mitchell B-25. How could I not have known this story? But I didn’t.
This book by a great author, David Randall, brought the story alive and it frankly would have been so much fantasy had it not been true.
This was an era when an emerging America worked together to accomplish great things. That time is worth remembering and this is a great read.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the first race around the globe by aviators! The Americans end up winning the race, beating out entries from Great Britain, France, Italy, and South America. But the real winners turned out to be Don Douglas of the Douglas Aircraft Company and, later, the flying public. The race transformed the way people thought about flying and transportation in general. General Billy Mitchell is also well discussed in this book, including his role in promoting the race and his career (or lack of it) afterwards.

[David V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an ARC via my employer Barnes & Noble. Started 8-16-24. Finished 8-22-24. A well-researched book about the 1924 adventures of several groups of pilots attempting to fly around the world. The groups were American, British, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Argentinian and each flew independently from numerous world-wide locations. These were open-cockpit planes, mostly untested in the various climates, with sometimes largely inexperienced pilots, but all had dreams of making their goals complete. They all had to deal with torrential rains, freezing wind and snow, equipment failures, dense fog, flying over and landing in unfriendly countries, difficult governments, and conflicting personalities of the teams of flyers. Their survival led the way for the eventual world-wide air travel. Very visual book--would make a good movie.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of this race. To think it was headline news for the better part of a year and wasn’t in the history books I read is amazing.
This reads like a novel, but it is full of tidbits of history that amazed me throughout. The grit if these pilots and their team work plus the coordination with the support ships was amazing too. I found myself flipping back to the map of the route as I was worrying about how they were ever going to succeed, so I am very glad I read this as a hard copy.

[Anne S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of this flight around the world although it was closely followed by the world at the time. The US military assembled a team of 8 to fly 4 planes around the world in 1924 when air travel was new. Pilots from England, France and several other countries were attempting this at the same time. This was no easy feat. Following the US team around the world gave me insight into how far we have come in air travel in the last 100 years.

[Tara A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Bought on a whim in the airport. True history of the beginning of world flight, and the people that competed, created, pushed to make it happen. Plus amazing parallels to the world today, politically, that I would have never expected and didn’t know. The Johnson Reed act anyone? Wow. Yet the story of what these young men did to complete the first around the world flight is simply amazing.

[John Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating adventure book. every high school should make this a mandatory read. The bravery and selfishness of the principle eighty flyers should serve as an example to emulate. One of the best books of 2024 for myself, not because of the writing but because of the subject matter. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

[Jimmy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story worth telling. Surprising that this has flown under the radar of our imagination.

Despite a compelling narrative especially within the arc of early 20th century history, the book itself was lackluster.

The storytelling felt both like a technical log and a travel blog. An attempt was made to make the characters compelling but none resonated.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book started a little slow, but once the main story began, the pace and interest improved. In a few areas, I thought a little more detail could be provided, but overall a very enjoyable book.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written history at its best

This is an exciting true life adventure that I had never read about in history books. Well researched and written. I couldn't put the book down.

[Stephen Plut]

Interesting book on a subject that none of us ever heard about in school. The author does a good job of covering all the different competitors and the progress they make.

[NonFiction 24/7 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just moved to slow for me

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Well written. Fascinating story.

[Brendan McDonnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly entertaining and worldly, painting an interesting picture of different cultures vastly separated until world flight in the 1920s.

[James McGlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story about the first RTW flight. Totally overshadowed by Lindbergh 4 years later.

[Daniel Farabaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice and enjoyable story of the race around the world. The people are described in accessible ways and difficulties that they faced are clear and understandable. Overall a very nice book.

[Kacy King · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 - enjoyable, adventure. Wish there had been a little more fast moving with the storytelling.