Daughter of the Air: The Brief Soaring Life of Cornelia Fort

by Rob Simbeck

Praised by the Daily Oklahoman as "touching and entertaining," Rob Simbeck's biography of Cornelia Fort is wonderfully evocative and moving. Like Beryl Markham's and Amelia Earhart's, Cornelia Fort's daring life as a pilot was both inspiring and groundbreaking. Raised on her parents' Nashville estate and educated at a prestigious finishing school, Fort rejected the role expected of her in society to become a pilot. A member of the first women's flight squadron and one of the few to witness the bombing of Pearl Harbor from the air, she persevered in her courageous career, as one of the war's first female pilots, despite rampant prejudice toward women. Selling out just six weeks after its first printing, Daughter of the Air interweaves Cornelia Fort's own eloquent letters and diaries, historical documents, and the interviews of those who knew and flew with her, to create a vivid portrait of an infinitely courageous woman. It both tells Cornelia's remarkable story -- a life shaped by bravery, intelligence, and charm -- and describes the era's political and social atmosphere.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Rob has written for The Washington Post, Field & Stream, Guideposts, Free Inquiry, Country Weekly, and many others. His poetry has appeared in Rolling Stone, Modern Haiku, Epoch, Kansas Quarterly, and others.

Reviews

[Sugarpuss O'Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading AMELIA EARHART'S DAUGHTERS, I wanted to lean more about the women of the WAFS/WASP. When I learned there was a book about Cornelia Fort--the 1st woman pilot to die in the line of duty--I knew I had to read it.

While I always feel these types of biographies spend too much time on the Subject's early years/childhoods, I'd have to say that at least 2/3rds of this book actually does delve into Cornelia's flying career. The fact that Cornelia, a debutante from Nashville, saw Pearl Harbor happen from the cockpit of her plane is unbelievable. This alone would be enough to make her a legend. Add to the mix that she was the 2nd woman to report to New Castle, DE for WAFS service, and then went on to help lead the WASP who followed, and we truly have a national hero here.

As I finished the book, I couldn't help but thinking what her future would've been like. The other thing that haunts you after reading this book, is that it's such an injustice her story wasn't told until over 50 years after her death. I for one, am grateful Mr Simbeck gave this courageous women new life & a new following. If you want a hero for your daughters & sons--or just for yourself-- get this book. Everyone should know who Cornelia & the WAFS/WASP are!!

[Esteban Stipnieks · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read On Silver Wings: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II I was introduced to Cornelia Fort as male hetero student pilot. Yeah truly intriguing woman. This book explores her in depth and allows me to get to know her well researched and we see some of her flaws as well she was a human after all. Interesting entertaining read considering how much time as an aspiring pilot, student pilot I had spent in skies she knew and where she died intriguing. Totally enjoyable book making this woman come alive.

[Timber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to really love spending time at the Cornelia Fort Airpark (M88) a long time ago before it closed. I saw this book about Cornelia Fort and feeling nostalgic for her namesake airpark, I had to buy it! I'm so glad I did! I loved reading Cornelia's poetic love for aviation. I love how beautifully she put into words similar thoughts I have when I'm in the sky. I loved this biography, but especially loved the parts that quoted her letters.

[Karlen Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! An extraordinary life lived in a short period of time. The Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron (WAFS) was filled with many women of the upper class of the USA and these women took the challenge to volunteer for service to this nation. Cornelia was a leader among that group. Well worth the time to read and learn about this incredible pilot.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are those who inspire and Cornelia Fort is to be counted among them, although few know of her. Cornelia was an unusual woman. A wealthy debutante here in Nashville, she was tall and not especially graceful, uncomfortable at social events. When one looks at the pictures of her, she appears horsish (yes, I believe I made that word up)or lovely. That really is of no consequence, but adds to her persona.
As the daughter of a BAM (that's broad ass marine, to you novices), I understood some of what it took to be a woman in the time of the Second World War. While my mother worked on planes, Cornelia flew them. This short book is a must read for adventurous women as well as those of us who appreciate them.

[Kristi Woody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad I stumbled upon this book at a local bookstore in Nashville. Cornelia Fort had a wonderful story, and I love knowing that little piece of history. Simbeck did a great job of telling the story efficiently and with a great amount of detail on the flying without talking over the heads of readers. He also wove in the fascinating bits of her personal life with her professional life very well. I definitely left this book feeling inspired by Cornelia!

[Pamela Beason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met author Rob Simbeck at a writers conference years ago. I just got around to reading his book about Cornelia Fort, who served as a daring young pilot in the Women's Air Ferry Service during World War II, battling bad weather in open-cockpit planes and enduring the unending sexism of the times. It's a fascinating read.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read an autobiography without it being a school project - I don't think I've done that before. As far as the book is concerned, it flows well through Cornelia Fort's life, painting a lecturer of her influences and motivations. I enjoyed her spirit and her willingness to break the mould.

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for winning the Cornelia Fort Memorial Scholarship. I love reading about intresting women in history. Who can beat giving flight instruction in a Piper Cub in Hawaii during the invasion of Pearl Harbor. I don't believe they ever taught fighting off the Japs in my private pilot.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad for this book for recognizing her and how she was the start of women being in the military. I'm glad she got the recognition she deserves.

[Kasie Hardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and detailed story of the life of one of the groundbreaking women in aviation.