First Man

The Life of Neil A. Armstrong

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On July 20, 1969, the world stood still to watch thirty-eight-year-old American astronaut Neil A. Armstrong become the first person to step on the surface of another heavenly body. Perhaps no words in human history became better known than those few he uttered at that historic moment. In a penetrating exploration of American hero worship, Hansen addresses the complex legacy of the First Man, as an astronaut and an individual.

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Simon & Schuster |
784 pages |
ISBN 9780743281713 |
October 2005

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Praise

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“Historian James Hansen…expertly combines the saga of Armstrong with the historical background of America's introduction to the Age of Space. An excellent book.”

– Captain James A. Lovell, Commander, Apollo 13

“Most of the astronauts books are about the adventure. Jim Hansen¿s well-researched and documented book is about the adventurer. First Man is a compelling story of a modern day Columbus, which provides the rare opportunity to... ”

– Eugene F. Kranz, Author, Failure is not an Option

“Jim Hansen has captured the essence of Neil Armstrong, not only as the first man on the Moon, but also as an outstanding aviator and astronaut. I was there for Neil¿s other major ¿space step¿ ¿ he... ”

– Dave Scott, Gemini VIII, Apollo 9, Commander, Apollo 15

“A fine authorized biography brimming with groundbreaking research, fresh anecdotes and fair-minded analysis. . . . Hansen should be commended for decoding the enigmatic Armstrong: a space hero short on words but sky-high on... ”

– Douglas Brinkley, The New York Times Book Review

“For Americans who lived through it all, and for those who came later and can't imagine such an achievement, First Man is compelling reading.”

– Thomas Walton, Toledo Blade

“A powerful, unrelenting biography of a man who stands as a living testimony to everyday grit and determination. . . . A magnificent panorama of the second half of the American twentieth century. . . . A must for astronaut buffs and... ”

– Publishers Weekly

“A lot of us have been waiting a long time for a book like this one, and it was well worth the wait. . . . Will likely stand as the definitive biography of Neil Armstrong.”

– Tom D. Crouch, Senior Curator, Aeronautics, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution

“Masterfully written . . . technically accurate, scholarly yet independent and accessible. . . . Mission accomplished and a perfect touchdown. ”

– Leonard David, Ad Astra, The Magazine of the National Space Society

“First Man burrows deep into Armstrong's past and present. . . . What emerges is an earnest and brave man. ”

– Mark Carreau, Houston Chronicle

“To understand Armstrong on his own terms is to see a large truth of our time. . . .A compelling and nuanced portrait.”

– James Tobin, Chicago Tribune

“Armstrong raises the mirrored visor for the first time. ”

– Bo Emerson, Theresa K. Weaver, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“Hansen capably captures both Armstrong's expertise and his Garbo-like demurral of fame.”

– Gilbert Taylor, Booklist

“Thoroughly researched... incredibly detailed . . . Hansen's attention to detail serves the story well, relaying the difficulty and danger inherent in the Apollo program. Along with this comes an understanding of Neil Armstrong... ”

– Howard Shirley, Bookpage

“[A] taut, well-told tale of our nation's race to the moon and the man who took the first step.”

– Doug Allyn, The Flint Journal

“More than the most complete story of Armstrong's remarkable life, [First Man] is a fascinating study of how the modern world treats a historical figure . . . Hansen does a fine job of retelling Armstrong's childhood and remarkable... ”

– Brian Hicks, The Post and Courier (Charleston, SC)

“A great read.”

– The Kansas City Star

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