Wings of Their Dreams: Purdue in Flight

The Founders Series

by John Norberg

Throughout 100-plus years of flight, Purdue University has propelled unique contributions from pioneer educators, aviators, and engineers who flew balloons into the stratosphere, barnstormed the countryside, helped break the sound barrier, and left footprints in lunar soil. Wings of Their Dreams follows the flight plans and footsteps of aviation's pioneers and trailblazers across the twentieth century, a path from Kitty Hawk to the Sea of Tranquility and beyond. The book reminds readers that the first and last men to land on the moon first trekked across the West Lafayette, Indiana, campus on their journeys into the heavens and history. This is the story of an aeronautic odyssey of imagination, science, engineering, technology, adventure, courage, danger, and promise. It is the story of the human spirit taking flight, entwined with Purdue's legacy in aviation's history.

Genres: Nonfiction

520 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wings of Their Dreams: Purdue in Flight is the full title of this outstanding chronicle of aviation history. Brought to life with personal stories, the book portrays the key role that my alma mater has played in this history -- from pre-Wright brothers ballooning to space exploration. But you needn't be a Purdue fan to enjoy the rich tales of inventors, barnstormers, engineering entrepreneurs, and astronauts. Among the personalities are Amelia Earhart, who taught at Purdue, and Neil Armstrong, the first to walk on the moon. Armstrong studied at my school -- Purdue's School of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering -- as did astronauts Gus Grissom, Roger Chaffee, Eugene Cernan, and many others. Personally, I enjoyed the mention of a professor that I knew -- Joseph Liston, who helped shape a new program in aeronautics after WWII (Page 236). He was still at Purdue in 1962, when I began my engineering studies. His nickname among students (this is not in Norberg's book!) was "Piston Joe Liston" -- a fun and fond bow to his deep knowledge of engines. Because of my personal connection to Purdue and Piston Joe, I enjoyed this book immensely. I believe most readers without this connection would enjoy it also, especially if they have an interest in aviation history and the pioneers who brought us from Kitty Hawk to the moon in 66 years, a mere lifetime.

[Shannonmde]

Nothing before in history had ever developed as rapidly as flight. Orville Wright would know Charles Lindbergh. Lindbergh would know Neil Armstrong. Armstrong would go on to personally inspire the men and women planning human exploration of Mars. Pg 5

In the spring of 1910, students formed a Purdue Aero Club... The purpose of the club was to assemble books on aviation and to build an airplane. Perhaps they found some books, but there is no record of the club successfully building an airplane. 104

Does Purdue still have a Locomotive Museum? — 105


Read because I applied for a job at Purdue University Press. Interview prep.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and having the privilege to attend to Purdue University, this book was fantastic! It provides a great overview of the history of flight and how Purdue has played a critical role in many parts of aviation history. There are also small capsules in each chapter that highlight Purdue's numerous astronauts. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys aviation and space exploration or is just proud to be a Purdue alumni.