The Brown Condor: The True Adventures of John C. Robinson

by Thomas E. Simmons

Traces the life of the Black American aviator and recounts his exploits during the Italian invasion of Ethiopia, on behalf of the Emperor Haile Selassie

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Aviation, Biography, Ethiopia, Africa, War

198 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Mario E. Fuente Cid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that tells the true story of John C. Robinson, a Black American pilot who served in the Imperial Air Corps of Ethiopia with dignity and honor. Although it was written by a non-historian, as a historian, I found The Man Called Brown Condor an excellent book—astonishingly well-documented and amazingly well-written. The narrative captivates you from beginning to end.

I started reading it because I was interested in the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, and I discovered Robinson as a key figure in the conflict. That led me to want to learn more about him. As far as I know, this is the most complete work on the so-called “Brown Condor.” While I still want to read more about him and the Italo-Ethiopian War, I found in this book a broad and thorough study of the conflict.

Beyond that, I learned a lot about Black American culture in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. I also consider this book a sort of “prequel” to another fascinating topic I want to explore—the history of the Tuskegee Airmen.

So, in short, I truly recommend this book—not only to learn about Ethiopia but also to discover the incredible life of Robinson. And finally, but not least, the hardcover edition I picked up is astonishingly enjoyable. I know a book is much more than its physical form, but I’m grateful to own a beautifully made copy, with high-quality paper, soft to the touch, and a pleasure to read.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was fascinating. There was so much in here that I was unaware of except as a peripheral idea. John Robinson was such a determined young man and faced off against so many things that should have kept him down. To achieve his dreams of becoming a pilot he stood against all odds, against all of the racism thrown at him, to not only become one of the first black pilots, but to have influenced so much of the history of aviation over the years.

I found the telling of his time in Ethiopia to be especially fascinating as it's a side of World War II that we hear little about. I knew Mussolini was in Italy and was a fascist dictator, but I didn't know much past that point. The atrocities he committed about the Ethiopian people were horrendous. The missions John flew and the work he did as a pilot in that war were incredible.

I'm so glad I was introduced to this novel and had it recommended to me. Definitely worth the read and opened up another level of understanding about the world and what was going on in the early part of the 20th century.

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much reading, display making and teaching I've done over the years on Blacks in aviation, I've never encountered John Robinson and his incredible accomplishments. It's a straight forward telling of the story of a war that's been mostly forgotten, Italy's stomping and brutal occupation of Ethiopia in the 1930s and the incredible role that a Black aviator played in it. What makes it so intriguing is that at the time he was using his adept piloting skills to safeguard the Ras Tafari--Emperor Haile Selassie, the US military had determined that Blacks didn't have the mental faculties to fly & were unfit to serve in the Army flying service. It also tells of the Black appetite for aviation, obstacles put in their way and how they overcame them, the threat of a march on DC that resulted in Federal sponsorship of aviation training on Black campuses, and his role in preparing Tuskegee Airmen. This is a good read.

[Edward Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is amazing. I am honestly ashamed that I did not know about Robinson before I read this book. Not only is he from my hometown (Gulfport, stand up!!!), but he was also indirectly responsible for the conception of the Tuskegee Airmen. I see a lot of me in Robinson's life, which is why this book resonated with me so well. He proved black people could be pilots and did it in an extremely courageous way. Great story that isn't diminished by the mediocre writing.

[Judy Sainsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable man

An extremely interesting but poignant story of the determination and courage which took a black boy from segregated Mississippi to the heights of aviation in the '20s and '30s. Johnny Robinson was a quiet, well mannered, highly intelligent young man who overcame circumstances which most of us couldnt imagine. It really made me understand why black Americans remain a repressed group. The obstacles he overcame and the lateral thinking with which he approached them were unbelievable. An ordinary person just couldnt have done it. Do read this book. The story of Johnny's sheer grit needs to be told.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely interesting story of an African American who got the Ethiopian Air Corps and later, Ethiopian Airlines, up and running.

I do think the author wrote the book more as a story with biographical details (just no way some of the conversations could have been recorded or remembered in such detail), and the publisher could have used a good proofreader to avoid a few homonym mistakes. OTOH, I was reading a first edition, first printing. I still recommend it.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

John C. Robinson was one of the first black men in the United States too become a aircraft pilot, mechanic, and instructor of such. As an adult he went to Ethiopia where he established its air force and fought in the war against Italian fascism. Returning to the States after the war he trained black men and women in aviation returning to Ethiopia to command its air force.

[T. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago my mother, a Gulfport teacher, sent my young son a hard cover book named The Brown Condor-The True Adventures of John C. Robinson written by Thomas E. Simmons. That book was published in 1988. This e-book has much more information and photos. I am excited to re-read the story of The Brown Condor in this format - may his story never be forgotten.

[Jane Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

.ecanWWII Story

This is a good book .It tells the story of a black man who took responsibility for the Air Force of Ethopia when it was about to be in card by Italy. The sad story of the battles these people fought, without weapons or mechamisms is hard to read. The author did a lot of research h to learn about This man who was a hero of WWII.

[Christine McClymont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Resilience in the face of many challenges

A great factual book of personal resilience, endurance and self belief in the nascent airline industry in very challenging social and economic times. Should be a school read for the younger generation who lack these qualities. Robinson is a hero and has my very rare full admiration.

[Sue Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating story of character and strength. Would love to have met this man. Little known but should be held high in history. Cudos to Thomas Simmons for his investigative work and storytelling.

[Seb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, Robinsons story is like no other. From Gulfport, to Tuskegee, to Chicago, and Addis Ababa his impact for African Americans can still be felt to this day. Hope one day he gets the recognition he deserves. Easy to read, would recommend.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my early years of reading I’ve always had a fascination of aviation and the early ground breaking pilots. Wop May, Wiley Post, Emilia, Kingford Smith and many more. I have never heard of the Brown Condor. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend to any early aviation lovers.

[Carol S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting portrayal of issues encountered by an African American Pilot trying to learn to fly in mid twentieth century America.

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical facts in a novel form. For me, a great introduction to the Italo-Ethiopian war of 1936, and a new source of information on a legendary figure, Colonel John C Robinson.

[Jeanie Loiacono · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://www.amazon.com/Man-Called-Brow...

The forgotten true story of American war hero John Charles Robinson, a.k.a. The Brown Condor of Ethiopia.

How did a black child, growing up in segregationist Mississippi during the early 1900s, become the commander of the Imperial Ethiopian Air Corps during the brutal Italo-Ethiopian War of 1935? In this gripping, never-before-told tale, biographer Thomas E. Simmons brings to life Robinson’s outstanding success in becoming a pilot, his expertise in building and assembling his own working aircraft, his influence on the establishment of a school of aviation at Tuskegee Institute (there would have been no Tuskegee Airmen without him), and his courageous wartime service in Ethiopia during the Italian invasion in 1935���for which he won international fame. It was during Robinson’s service to Ethiopia that he took to the air to combat the first Fascist invasion of what would become World War II. This remarkable hero may have been the first American to oppose Fascism in combat. When Ethiopia was freed by British troops during World War II, Haile Selassie asked Robinson to return to Ethiopia to help reestablish the Ethiopian Air Force. For Robinson and the five men he picked to go with him, just getting to Ethiopia in wartime 1944 was an adventure in itself.

[Carmen]

A well-researched story about a little-known legend of American flight history. John C. Robinson was instrumental in the establishment of the Tuskegee Institute, and was considered the "black Lindbergh" of his day. The obstacles he faced were tremendous, yet he confronted the challenges of racism and war with grace, conviction, and humility. This historical non-fiction book would serve to fulfill some of the common core reading requirements for secondary education quite fittingly, as it's a perfect read for young people interested in aviation, history, and true-life heroes.

[Carl Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! A really revealing and heartwarming story that most of us know little or nothing about! The story of how a young African-American boy in Gulfport, Mississippi endured segregation to grown up and become one of the first black airplane pilots in the 1920's. He went to Ethiopia at the request of the Emperor Haile Sallasie to build the Ethiopian Air Force to resist Mussolini's invasion. He returned after WWII and was instrumental in founding Ethiopina Airlines.

[Alistair · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting biography of a black man from Mississippi who learns to fly in 1928.
Eventually goes to Ethiopia in 1935 to fly for Haile Selassie during the Italian invasion.
It was a good true story, but I didn't like the 'writing style' which makes it hard to give a star rating.
For writing 2stars (not bad but....?)
For a fascinating tale that touched on so many topics 4stars.
(split the difference) 3 stars!

[Harry Kuniansky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts off slow but builds It was good read about history I was unaware of.

[Magnus Stanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exactly what I needed for my research into 1930s Ethiopia.