Skyward: Man's Mastery of the Air

by Richard Evelyn Byrd

Skyward is as much the memoir of great American explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd, Jr. as it is a fascinating narrative of America's early aviation history, much of which Byrd shaped with his explorations as a naval pilot and pioneering scientist. Through the life of Admiral Byrd, we see the seeds of America's aerial military force, commercial airline travel, and our understanding of the planet's most remote geographical locations planted. Byrd's outsized ambition has inspired generations to dare to push technological limits in order to achieve things greater than themselves.

Reissued for today's readers, Admiral Byrd's classic explorations by land, air, and sea transport us to the farthest reaches of the globe. As companions on Byrd's journeys, modern audiences experience the polar landscape through Byrd's own struggles, doubts, revelations, and triumphs and share the excitement of these timeless adventures.

Genres: Aviation

424 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1936

About the author

Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr. (1888–1957), an American naval officer, was a pioneering American aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics. Aircraft flights in which he served as a navigator and expedition leader crossed the Atlantic Ocean, a segment of the Arctic Ocean, and a segment of the Antarctic Plateau. He is also known for discovering Mount Sidley, the largest dormant volcano in Antarctica.
Byrd said that his expeditions had been the first to reach both the North Pole and the South Pole by air. His belief that he reached the North Pole is disputed.

Reviews

[Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read. Draw your own conclusions.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anybody interested in history of flight, and a true American hero should read this book!