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Those Wonderful Women in Their Flying Machines: The Unknown Heroines of World War Two
A narrative history, from first-hand interviews, of the valiant American women pilots of World War II.
418 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 1979
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 14, 2017
This is by far the most comprehensive account of the WAFS and WASPs service during WWII that I've read. This book does an excellent job of detailing the overall framework of their history from idea to formation to operational status to abrupt end to belated recognition, and this wider picture is where it shines the most. However, interwoven throughout are different stories, backgrounds, and experiences of individual pilots. That fluid combination is what makes this book great. This book does justice to those organizations and the courageous women that are among its ranks. Highly recommended
February 27, 2023
The WASP were a unique and admirable group of women who did not get the recognition they deserved. The gave our country an outstanding gift when it was most needed, with skill and grace.
This book was written while many were still alive, and the book is accurate (unlike many of the newer ones). Very worthwhile read and should be given to younger people to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of history.
This book was written while many were still alive, and the book is accurate (unlike many of the newer ones). Very worthwhile read and should be given to younger people to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of history.
July 21, 2018
Very well researched and well written, this book tells the details of the training of the female pilots who ferried planes during WWII.
January 8, 2024
It’s nice to know there are other women pilots than Amelia Earhart
February 28, 2017
Did you know that women flew for their country during WWII? That Amelia Earhart was not the only early woman flier, just the most celebrated? That the women who did fly faced discrimination and dismissal of their abilities at virtually every turn?
You may have guessed the last part. It took a worldwide crisis like WWII to get the idea of women flying for the Army even considered, despite the fact that women had proven themselves as effective and even exemplary pilots for decades. The women who served (and even died) mostly weren't trying to break a gender barrier -- they did it to serve their country, and for the thrill of flying.
The book itself is partly a credible history of women fliers, and partly a collection of funny, poignant, and sometimes outrageous anecdotes from some of the WASPs themselves of their time with the Army. (Seriously, the stuff they had to put up with...) The writing is, at times, a little amateurish, and the author does go overboard describing the (surely imagined) details of how the women looked and were dressed during various of these anecdotes, but that doesn't detract too much from what is a fascinating and necessary history of these women and what they did for themselves, for flight, for women, and for their country.
You may have guessed the last part. It took a worldwide crisis like WWII to get the idea of women flying for the Army even considered, despite the fact that women had proven themselves as effective and even exemplary pilots for decades. The women who served (and even died) mostly weren't trying to break a gender barrier -- they did it to serve their country, and for the thrill of flying.
The book itself is partly a credible history of women fliers, and partly a collection of funny, poignant, and sometimes outrageous anecdotes from some of the WASPs themselves of their time with the Army. (Seriously, the stuff they had to put up with...) The writing is, at times, a little amateurish, and the author does go overboard describing the (surely imagined) details of how the women looked and were dressed during various of these anecdotes, but that doesn't detract too much from what is a fascinating and necessary history of these women and what they did for themselves, for flight, for women, and for their country.
March 21, 2007
This book was a really extensive look into the Women Pilot's of World War II. It covers all aspects from beginning to end and gives an in-depth look to the personal side. I loved it for its detail of everyday life for these women and also for the heroic ferver it incited.
September 2, 2009
Includes a brief history of aviation (Wright brothers) and of women in aviation, then continues with a more or less chronological account of women pilots' contributions in WWII, and end with the legislation in the 1970s that finally granted them veterans status.
September 20, 2016
Great documentary about the first women in Great Britain and the USA to fly military aircraft during World War II. These pioneers demonstrated that women were just as capable pilots as men (and even more so).
September 13, 2011
The Women in this book were amazing. Its a pity more hasn't been written about these remarkable individuals.
April 24, 2012
It would've been great if it wasn't for an essay....
January 14, 2017
Do you want to read about real heroes? The "every step, backwards, and in heels" variety? Read this, about the W.A.S.P. - Women's Airforce Service Pilots.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews