The Hindenburg

by Patrick O'Brien

A dramatic, vividly illustrated look at the tragic ship whose fiery crash ended the age of the dirigible.

Like a fabulous silvery fish, floating quietly in the ocean of air ... it seemed to be coming from another world and to be returning there like a dream.

On May 6, 1937, the Hindenburg, the largest and fastest airship ever built, exploded in a tremendous ball of fire as it came to land in Lakehurst, New Jersey. It was one of the most spectacular disasters of the twentieth century, and in a single moment ended the era of the majestic dirigible airships.

For thirty-seven years before the Hindenburg tragedy, the gigantic airships of the Zeppelin Company captivated the world as they carried thousands of passengers on luxurious transatlantic voyages. Some dreamed that the steerable, gas-filled "zeppelins," invented three years before the airplane, would fill the skies as the unrivaled way to travel over the ocean. That dream ended with the Hindenburg.

Readers of all ages will enjoy this fascinating look at the Hindenburg and the magical age of the Zeppelin airships.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, History

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Patrick O'Brien has been a full-time illustrator and artist since 1985. His clients have included National Geographic, The Discovery Channel, and the Smithsonian. His art has appeared in magazines and newspapers, on posters and greeting cards, and even on billboards.

Patrick is the author and illustrator of twelve picture books for children. These are mostly non-fiction books about things like knights, pirates, ships, and dinosaurs, although he has done a couple of science-ficition books about dinosaurs in space.

In 2003 Patrick began creating oil paintings of maritime scenes. In 2010 the U.S. Naval Academy Museum mounted an exhibition featuring twenty-eight of his maritime paintings. In 2012, The National Maritime Historical Society awarded O’Brien with their Distinguished Service Award for his body of artwork. See www.PatrickOBrienStudio.com

Patrick teaches part-time in the illustration department at The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD.

Reviews

[Sarah McRoskey · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The Hindenburg” by, Patrick O'Brien, is a very informative book that outlines the events that took place prior to and following the explosion of the Hindenburg (one of the first airships). It follows the life of creator, Hugo Eckener, and what led him to the invention of The Hindenburg. It highlights events that took place during WW2, a very difficult time in history. O'Brien provides an informative outline of the history and events taking place at the time of the invention of The Hindenburg.

A major theme outlined in this book is that of perseverance. It highlights the trials and constant failures that come with the invention of a new product. Despite the many failed attempts, O'Brien shows what can come of perservierence and never giving up.

I gave this book a 2/5 star rating. I enjoyed what I learned from the book but was not actively engaged in the material. Although, is a great book if you are looking to learn facts and history.

Personally I did not enjoy this book too much. I was interested in the history associated with the time period, but don't believe it was written in the most effective way. It was a bit too wordy and factual. I wish this book could have been a bit more engaging for the reader.

I would not recommend this book as a "just good book." Although, if you are looking to inform children on some of the events during World War 2 or the invention of the first air ship, this book is a great resource!

[Kirsten Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, and some surprising, information about the Hindenburg and the man who designed it.

The end pages, back matter, and even the back cover are also important to the book’s flow of information.

CONNECTIONS: historical disasters, Nazi Germany, air travel, inventions

[Toby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Paired well with our study of how airplanes came to be.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read about the Hindenburg before, but I learned quite a bit from this book. I never knew how airships were made, nor had I read much about the Graf Zeppelin. I especially liked the picture comparing the size of the Hindenburg, the Graf Zeppelin, the Goodyear blimp, and a modern Boeing 747 jet. The Hindenburg was HUGE! I can understand why people were amazed when it sailed overhead. I wish I could have seen it myself. Ah, for a time machine... Highly recommended!!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happened on that fateful day when that huge dirigible went up in flames? This book investigates the history and popularity of the dirigible and speculations as to what happened to cause the Hindenburg to explode. I loved the illustrations and the information in this book!

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a picture book but my son and I enjoyed it so much I thought that I would throw out the recommendation for any other curious parents and children.

[kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

My students are anxiously awaiting Tarshis's new I Survived The Hindenburg Disaster, releasing next month. This was a great picture book with a lot of information about Zeppelins.

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The world's first hydrogen plane goes up in flame.

[Amy Michael]

Great companion book for middle-high schoolers wanting to whet their appetites...