book data
125 ratings, 4.51 average rating, 27 reviews
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published
April 1st 1998
by Penguin (Non-Classics)
binding
Paperback, 688 pages
isbn
0140272011
(isbn13: 9780140272017)
description
A decade in the making, this book is based on hundreds of hours of in-depth interviews with each of the twenty-four moon voyagers, as well as those wh...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 162)
Read in July, 2005
recommends it for:
History buffs, fans of space travel, anyone unfamiliar with the Apollo program
Since I was born seven years after the successful Apollo One mission, my knowledge of the Apollo space program was minimal and basic. This book was riveting and exciting and transported me to another era. Chaikin does an excellent job not only of making the science of space travel understandable but also of putting the events of the Apollo space program into context of American history. This book is a bit of a Valentine to NASA, but it also rightly gives the individuals of the Apollo program...more
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Read in January, 2008
The book follows the Apollo missions, from first groups of astronauts to the final men who visited the moon. Growing up with computers I could never understand how we were able to send people to the moon with the technology we had in the 60's. Reading this book I finally realized that it was really about rockets, calculations, and navigation with the help of computers. It was a great balance of the technical aspects of sending people into space, details about the missions, the astronauts pers...more
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When I became interested in space program history, this was the perfect book for me. I read several others, but what I loved about this book is that Andrew Chaikin goes through each of the
Apollo missions one by one exploring the problems and people involved. The best part is that at the end there is a glossary of what happened to each of the astronauts. I always wondered what you would do with your life after you walk on the moon--so it was good to find out.
Apollo missions one by one exploring the problems and people involved. The best part is that at the end there is a glossary of what happened to each of the astronauts. I always wondered what you would do with your life after you walk on the moon--so it was good to find out.
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Read in June, 1996
Possibly one of the best books written on the Apollo space program. If I had to list my top five favorite books, this would be one of them. Chaikin makes readers feel as if they are actually in the story they are reading. Anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of the American space program in the 1960s and 1970s should read this book. Significant portions of the book were used as the basis for the 1998 HBO mini-series "From The Earth To The Moon".
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The descriptions about the astronaut's first glimpses of the moon and earth from space are great - I really felt like I was along for the ride. There are a lot of slow parts too which give too many details about the logistics back at the command center.....it skipped around a lot. Overall, it's a good read....and now I am watching the DVD series!
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Read in July, 2008
Great book. Highly recommended for anyone with any interest in space travel.
The period of time from Kennedy's speech through the point when they actually landed on the moon are among the highest points of our country. Lots and lots of people working together for a common goal. Sounds like something we need now, right?
The period of time from Kennedy's speech through the point when they actually landed on the moon are among the highest points of our country. Lots and lots of people working together for a common goal. Sounds like something we need now, right?
A Man on the Moon is an excellent account of the greatest achievement in human history. It vividly details the triumphs and obstacles for each of the Apollo missions. You have to marvel at the intelligence, creativity, and courage it took to put men on the face of the moon - and this book makes you do exactly that.
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Read in July, 2008
I started reading this book after I finished reading Flying to the Moon. I learned a lot about the background of some specific astronauts, as well as in depth decriptions of what happened. I loved learning about all of the Apollo missions. I think we should go back to the moon someday. It was a really good book!
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I'll admit that I haven't read the entire work, but what I have read (over 50%) is excellent - a great cross between documenting the beginning of the space age and a well-written story. I thought I knew a lot about the space program, but according to this book I didn't know Jack (or Neil, whatever)!
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Read in November, 1995
recommended to Margie by:
Bookstorerecommends it for: Space Fans, NASA Fans
I loved the in depth behind the scenes look at what happened as America tried and succeeded in getting men on the moon. It gave me renewed appreciation for the spirit of adventure that the astonauts have even to the point of being willing to die for the chance.
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I am a huge space geek. This is easily the best history of the early U.S. space program (Mercury-Gemini-Apollo) that I have ever read. I recommend this book highly to anyone who is interested in an overview of space exploration history.
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NASA missions leading up to and including the Apollo program represent the greatest achievements of mankind. It proved to the world that we could do anything we put our minds to. Someday we'll go back to visit our old friend the moon. Someday.
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Read in January, 2008
recommends it for:
Anyone
Just stared reading. The book pulls you into the spirit and excitement of the race to the moon. You trace the steps of different astronauts as they leave their previous occupations (mostly pilots) and become part of history.
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Read in May, 2002
My family have always been space nuts. Mostly my mum, since she grew up watching avidly for all news about Apollo. I found the book interesting and easy to read -- not too much technical detail.
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An absorbing summary of the entire Apollo space program based on interviews with the voyagers themselves. I learned so much from this and have even greater respect for the astronauts.
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Very interesting description of the Apollo Space Misisons. Warning: You will want to go to the moon after reading this book... and you will sound like a space-nerd when you talk.
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Read in January, 1994
As close as most of us will ever get to know what it is like to fly in space. Personally puts you inside the lunar module from lunar orbit down to the surface of the moon.
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The most thorough account of the Apollo program this space nut has found. Cuts through all of the NASA PR that nobody cared who was first on the moon, etc.
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A very detailed look at the Apollo program, from its catastrophic beginning, through the heyday of the moon landings, to its lack-of-vision ending.
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Without question, this is the definitive book on the inside story of the US space program in the 60s/70s. Nothing else written even comes close.
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history (on 3 people's shelves)
apollo (on 2 people's shelves)
engineering (on 1 person's shelf)
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