by Jay Barbree
First published 2014
Neil Armstrong stands on the lunar surface, humanity's first ambassador to another world. Yet the man who spoke those famous words remained intensely private about his inner experience. Jay Barbree, the only journalist to witness every American space mission, spent five decades as Armstrong's trusted confidant. Armstrong finally opened up to his friend about his deepest thoughts and feelings. The astronaut shared his combat experiences in Korea, his harrowing flights in the experimental X-15 rocket plane, and his split-second decisions during the near-fatal Gemini 8 mission. He revealed what truly went through his mind as he stepped onto the Sea of Tranquility. Barbree draws from hundreds of personal conversations, private notes, NASA transcripts, and memories shared by Armstrong's inner circle. The book captures Armstrong's three driving forces: his passion for flight, his devotion to family, and his loyalty to friends. Never-before-seen photographs accompany intimate details about life inside NASA, Armstrong's relationships with fellow astronauts, and his vision for humanity's future in space. This represents the closest readers will come to understanding the man behind the myth.
Genres: biography, history, 20th-century, adventure, non-fiction, 21st-century, military-history, aviation
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: biography, friendship, personal-journey
Setting: Korea, NASA, Sea of Tranquility
Period: Korean War, Space Race
384 pages · Hardcover · Thomas Dunne Books