Tom Wolfe.
tOM WOLFE: BIOGRAPHY OF THE MERCURY ASTRONAUTS
the RIGHT STUFF (1979)
One of the Guardian’s 100 best non fiction books of all time.
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK AT AMAZON
Tom Wolfe applied his skills as a vivid writer to the early US space programme and its astronauts - all experienced top flight test pilots. But among the US test pilots there were sharply divided views about the Mercury space programme. The first animal put into space by the USA was a monkey, and the Mercury astronauts were, like the monkey, not expected to do very much - the key controls being operated remotely from ground control. Indeed the scientists and engineers working on the Mercury programme would speak of a fully automated system, with the astronaut being added as redundant item. By contrast, test pilots of that time, flying actual supersonic aircraft, were required to exercise extraordinary flying skills. But, paradoxically, and despite their limited role, the early astronauts became instant national celebrities, basking in fame even before they took off.
Wolfe explores this world in sparkling prose, producing what is widely regarded as his best book. He focuses not so much on the technology of the space race, but on the human dimension - exploring the astronauts individual personalities, their motivation, and the pressures the space race put on their wives and families.
MEET THE AUTHOR
CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO ON THE AUTHOR (8 MINUTES)
Tom Wolfe (1930 - 2018) achieved national recognition in the 1960s following his book about the Merry Pranksters and Ken Kesey - The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test. His book The Right Stuff, about the Mercury astronauts, was made into a film in 1983. He was a pioneer of the New Journalism, a technique combining journalism with literary style. Much of his work revolved around the uncoventional life of the intellectual elite of New York City. He was noted for his stylish appearance, his signature outfit being a white (often three-piece) suit.
