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A Convenient Villain: Charles A. Lindbergh's remarkable and controversial legacy preparing the U.S. for war
This book re-evaluates the life and legacy of one of the most enigmatic and important political figures of the 20th Charles Lindbergh. Much of Lindbergh’s contribution to American preparatory air power prior to World War II and medicine of the 1930s is unknown. Using his aerospace engineering background, Dr. Reich combed through various archives to document these achievements. He also reviewed Lindbergh’s record opposing American entry into another European War to provide a new Jewish generational perspective on his advocacy and his conflict with American Jews.
448 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 14, 2026
Jonathan D. Reich’s “A Convenient Villain” offers a compelling reassessment of Charles A. Lindbergh, restoring dimension to a historical figure too often reduced to either aviation hero or political pariah. Thoroughly researched and intellectually ambitious, this biography asks readers to consider achievements and controversies together rather than allowing either to erase the other. Reich’s distinctive qualifications give the project particular strength. A physician and former aerospace engineer, he brings technical understanding to subjects that conventional political biography can overlook. His archival research illuminates Lindbergh’s contributions to American airpower, intelligence gathering, and medical innovation, expanding the story far beyond the celebrated Atlantic crossing and bitter intervention debates. The book’s most intriguing contribution is its examination of the apparent contradiction between Lindbergh’s opposition to American involvement in another European war and his work supporting military preparedness. Reich presents these positions as elements of a complicated strategic outlook, inviting readers to distinguish arguments about entering a conflict from efforts to prepare the nation for one. Especially valuable is the attention to Lindbergh’s access to German aviation and the intelligence he supplied before World War II. These episodes reveal a technically informed observer whose usefulness extended beyond celebrity. For readers interested in aviation and national security, this emphasis provides a perspective on the relationship between individual expertise and national preparedness. Reich also broadens the portrait through Lindbergh’s medical contributions. These investigations are not decorative digressions: they reinforce the central argument that public memory has preserved only selected portions of an unusually consequential life. The author’s professional background makes this neglected material particularly well suited to his inquiry. The treatment of Lindbergh’s controversial advocacy benefits from Reich’s explicitly Jewish perspective. Rather than simply reproducing inherited judgments, he reexamines Lindbergh’s opposition to intervention and his conflict with American Jews. Readers need not accept every interpretation to appreciate the value of confronting difficult evidence and examining the assumptions behind familiar historical verdicts. Ultimately, “A Convenient Villain” succeeds as an invitation to historical reconsideration. Its combination of archival investigation, technical perspective, and interpretive independence makes it a rewarding contribution to discussions of Lindbergh, American preparedness, and the construction of reputation.
February 26, 2025
Lindbergh was intentionally camera shy and we can understand his motives after all the press attention he received covering his Transatlantic flight, the murder of his firstborn son, and during and after the gruesomely covered murder trial. I understand that no photographs exist of his wedding ceremony, not even the type that he would retain inside his personal wallet as a keepsake. He wouldn't permit it and it was chiefly to prevent the press from getting their hands on photos to publish without his personal consent.
For the Nazi hierarchy to photograph Lindbergh inspecting new German military aircraft and their respective production lines, this was a major propaganda coup they could only imagine in their wildest dreams, lending some small modicum of legitimacy, so they thought, to their twisted evil socio-political philosophy. I don't know of any other international aviation celebrities of that era who were wined & dined by the Nazis during the 1930s, or as what historians sometimes describe as the Golden Age of Aviation. It was probably a simple exchange of photographs of a famous internationally recognized pilot, for the privilege of observing, close-up and hands-on, the latest German military aviation hardware.
When it came to occupational politics, FDR was a master craftsman. For Lindbergh, politics was a lost science, or something he did not fully appreciate nor comprehend, or it was left far behind with the death of his father. He did not seem to understand the term 'agitator' could also be used against him as well. Some might agree that if Lindbergh ran for high office himself, or endorsed another presidential candidate against FDR, instead of speaking on behalf of the isolationist movement as an elitist, he might have made greater progress in achieving his goal of preventing the US from entering another European conflict, and thereby become more popular (or trustworthy) in the eyes of the general public, where more people may have been attracted to his brand if he acted the part of a serious politician.
The thought may occur to some readers that if he was capable of keeping secret his personal intimate double-life for so long, it's also conceivable that we may never really know if he told us the truth about all the other things we question, including his moral compass.
For the Nazi hierarchy to photograph Lindbergh inspecting new German military aircraft and their respective production lines, this was a major propaganda coup they could only imagine in their wildest dreams, lending some small modicum of legitimacy, so they thought, to their twisted evil socio-political philosophy. I don't know of any other international aviation celebrities of that era who were wined & dined by the Nazis during the 1930s, or as what historians sometimes describe as the Golden Age of Aviation. It was probably a simple exchange of photographs of a famous internationally recognized pilot, for the privilege of observing, close-up and hands-on, the latest German military aviation hardware.
When it came to occupational politics, FDR was a master craftsman. For Lindbergh, politics was a lost science, or something he did not fully appreciate nor comprehend, or it was left far behind with the death of his father. He did not seem to understand the term 'agitator' could also be used against him as well. Some might agree that if Lindbergh ran for high office himself, or endorsed another presidential candidate against FDR, instead of speaking on behalf of the isolationist movement as an elitist, he might have made greater progress in achieving his goal of preventing the US from entering another European conflict, and thereby become more popular (or trustworthy) in the eyes of the general public, where more people may have been attracted to his brand if he acted the part of a serious politician.
The thought may occur to some readers that if he was capable of keeping secret his personal intimate double-life for so long, it's also conceivable that we may never really know if he told us the truth about all the other things we question, including his moral compass.
January 6, 2026
Recently I have had the opportunity to read the book A convenient Villain by Jonathan D Reich. A book on the life and times of Charles Lindbergh.
As an Australian I knew very little about Charles Lindbergh except that he was an aviator. I didn’t know of his flying exploits in The US nor was I really aware of his epic journey across The Atlantic. This book taught me much about his life from childhood into manhood, about the numerous inventions of his own or those he collaborated in both in the field of medicine and of aviation and of the tragedies that he lived through.
Since reading this book I have had instances of speaking to people about Charles Lindbergh and mostly the people who know anything of him reply with the commonly held belief that he was a fascist and an antisemite but through reading this book I am able to understand a more nuanced version of his life.
This book explains the vital information gathering that Lindbergh undertook during his visits to Nazi Germany in the years leading up to World War Two, especially in the field of military aviation where German aircraft were far superior to aircraft of America and of Great Britain and her allies. The amount of intelligence that Lindberg was able to gather and deliver to his government was remarkable and would not be out of place in any spy novel, especially for a man who was in fact simply an American citizen. As expected of a book written by an engineer the book has a great deal of technical information about Lindberghs work but happily much of the technical detail is presented in a manner that can be digested by non engineers.
The book also delves into Lindbergh’s public life and his interactions within the social and to a degree, political environment in the lead up to War and examines his advocacy for isolation of America leading into the countries entry into the war. Again, as an Australian, American systems of government and American politics is largely unfamiliar to me. This book delves significantly into both and brought me a greater understanding of the way that departments of the US government and political manipulation contributed to the deaths of many people who may otherwise have been allowed to flee the Nazis.
This is an interesting book and one which I have passed on to others as an interesting and informative read
As an Australian I knew very little about Charles Lindbergh except that he was an aviator. I didn’t know of his flying exploits in The US nor was I really aware of his epic journey across The Atlantic. This book taught me much about his life from childhood into manhood, about the numerous inventions of his own or those he collaborated in both in the field of medicine and of aviation and of the tragedies that he lived through.
Since reading this book I have had instances of speaking to people about Charles Lindbergh and mostly the people who know anything of him reply with the commonly held belief that he was a fascist and an antisemite but through reading this book I am able to understand a more nuanced version of his life.
This book explains the vital information gathering that Lindbergh undertook during his visits to Nazi Germany in the years leading up to World War Two, especially in the field of military aviation where German aircraft were far superior to aircraft of America and of Great Britain and her allies. The amount of intelligence that Lindberg was able to gather and deliver to his government was remarkable and would not be out of place in any spy novel, especially for a man who was in fact simply an American citizen. As expected of a book written by an engineer the book has a great deal of technical information about Lindberghs work but happily much of the technical detail is presented in a manner that can be digested by non engineers.
The book also delves into Lindbergh’s public life and his interactions within the social and to a degree, political environment in the lead up to War and examines his advocacy for isolation of America leading into the countries entry into the war. Again, as an Australian, American systems of government and American politics is largely unfamiliar to me. This book delves significantly into both and brought me a greater understanding of the way that departments of the US government and political manipulation contributed to the deaths of many people who may otherwise have been allowed to flee the Nazis.
This is an interesting book and one which I have passed on to others as an interesting and informative read
February 17, 2025
I have some expertise in flight medicine. The primary focus of the chapter is original and novel research Lindbergh
accomplished regarding high altitude aviation, with special attention to Lindberg's contributions to improvements in
the delivery of oxygen via facemasks to pilots flying around 40,000 feet. Another particular predicament Lindbergh helped
solve was the issue of oxygen delivery to pilots who ejected at high altitudes. The author relates an intriguing story regarding
the 1960 ejection, over Russia at 68K feet, of American U2 pilot Francis Powers who remarkably survived, as a result of work
Lindbergh had pioneered. Of special interest is that the author has researched primary source material of Lindbergh's research
data and informs us that his work "was the first to document the details of this research for medical posterity." Much like the
rest of the book, there is an informal folksiness represented in the writing style. The author graciously invites the reader to skip
over some technical scientific and medical data, but that information is clearly written. Lindberg's complex personality and
political views often left him at odds with the US military and President Roosevelt, who denied Lindbergh the opportunity
to become active duty, thus denying him his lifelong desire to fly combat missions. Like a movie with a happy ending, Lindbergh
does eventually get to fly in combat. Lindbergh risked his life many times as a test pilot, once putting his plane in a steep
dive, having recognized he was hypoxic and knowing he was about to pass out but realizing he would wake up when the plane
achieved a lower altitude. Lindbergh's research accomplishments allowed high altitude reconnaissance missions to happen and had
positive geopolitical consequences. The chapter concludes with the authors observation that "Lindbergh's legacy includes
making these flights possible and these flights reduce the possibility of a nuclear war. Of all his accomplishments, this legacy
may have made Lindbergh the proudest,"
accomplished regarding high altitude aviation, with special attention to Lindberg's contributions to improvements in
the delivery of oxygen via facemasks to pilots flying around 40,000 feet. Another particular predicament Lindbergh helped
solve was the issue of oxygen delivery to pilots who ejected at high altitudes. The author relates an intriguing story regarding
the 1960 ejection, over Russia at 68K feet, of American U2 pilot Francis Powers who remarkably survived, as a result of work
Lindbergh had pioneered. Of special interest is that the author has researched primary source material of Lindbergh's research
data and informs us that his work "was the first to document the details of this research for medical posterity." Much like the
rest of the book, there is an informal folksiness represented in the writing style. The author graciously invites the reader to skip
over some technical scientific and medical data, but that information is clearly written. Lindberg's complex personality and
political views often left him at odds with the US military and President Roosevelt, who denied Lindbergh the opportunity
to become active duty, thus denying him his lifelong desire to fly combat missions. Like a movie with a happy ending, Lindbergh
does eventually get to fly in combat. Lindbergh risked his life many times as a test pilot, once putting his plane in a steep
dive, having recognized he was hypoxic and knowing he was about to pass out but realizing he would wake up when the plane
achieved a lower altitude. Lindbergh's research accomplishments allowed high altitude reconnaissance missions to happen and had
positive geopolitical consequences. The chapter concludes with the authors observation that "Lindbergh's legacy includes
making these flights possible and these flights reduce the possibility of a nuclear war. Of all his accomplishments, this legacy
may have made Lindbergh the proudest,"
September 13, 2024
Charles Lingbergh is the epitome of how painting someone with a distasteful reputation for sensationalism’s sake seriously hurts an accurate historical review of figures and empathy for the famous who are in the end, humans. I am so glad this book elucidated the aforementioned point and it has also made me reconsider if I unintentionally let biased contemporary views of political events and figures cloud my judgement and prevent me from making objective analyses. Not limited to history though, as I must make sure I limit having a skewed judgement when researching something for my book.
Reading your acknowledges page of the book, I realized the great effort and time that is put into writing a book, and realized I overlooked the necessity of a receptive and thoughtful community to critique one’s book so the final product is as good as it can be. I often think nonfiction historical books are now overlooked for more mainstream genres like romance and drama fiction books, which is a shame as books like these truly aid people in strengthening their historical literacy of the world.
It is very cool how you starting writing your book during COVID-19 because of your long awaited desire to write a book. At first, I assumed you were a seasoned author so I was shocked to read that you are also a physician and engineer, truly a life lived with many passions!
History is one of my greatest interests and from reading this book, I got to learn more about Charles Lindbergh and his unsung contributions to America’s role in WW2, clouded by the facile representation of his character that was made by the media to defame him. It is always important to shed unbiased light on controversial figures like Charles Lindbergh so that people rectify any misjudgments they have, and also to ameliorate misunderstood reputations of significant people in history, so I am very glad this book was written!
Reading your acknowledges page of the book, I realized the great effort and time that is put into writing a book, and realized I overlooked the necessity of a receptive and thoughtful community to critique one’s book so the final product is as good as it can be. I often think nonfiction historical books are now overlooked for more mainstream genres like romance and drama fiction books, which is a shame as books like these truly aid people in strengthening their historical literacy of the world.
It is very cool how you starting writing your book during COVID-19 because of your long awaited desire to write a book. At first, I assumed you were a seasoned author so I was shocked to read that you are also a physician and engineer, truly a life lived with many passions!
History is one of my greatest interests and from reading this book, I got to learn more about Charles Lindbergh and his unsung contributions to America’s role in WW2, clouded by the facile representation of his character that was made by the media to defame him. It is always important to shed unbiased light on controversial figures like Charles Lindbergh so that people rectify any misjudgments they have, and also to ameliorate misunderstood reputations of significant people in history, so I am very glad this book was written!
October 10, 2024
This book is an important addition to the historical record of our nation. It extensively and through an unbiased analysis, evaluates one of the most complicated and enigmatic figures of the 20th century, Charles Lindbergh. The book teaches that it is easy to call someone names, e.g. Nazi-sympathizer, it's much harder to ask if the label is true or simply a facile way of dismissing someone with an opinion made unpopular by the use of hindsight.
Every war in this nation's history has had loyal Americans who opposed our entry. Based on hindsight we consider those who opposed the Vietnam War heroes, and we do not ascribe motives to them other than those they espoused. Lindbergh gave his reasons for opposing U.S. entry into World War II, but instead of evaluating them (many of which came true), facile motives are ascribed to him to dismiss him as evil.
He was not evil. This extensively documented book demonstrates he was much more concerned with the plight of Europe's Jews than is recognized. He had his faults, but he was addressing legitimate political issues and to have prevented him from doing so would have been censorship. This book extensively documents his contributions to American security which have been mostly ignored. Without them, certainly World War II would have lasted much longer. Indeed, his commanding officer in Asia said these words verbatim.
To those who are truly interested in American history and want to understand a critically important figure in the World War II era (and through the Korean War), I would highly recommend this book.
Every war in this nation's history has had loyal Americans who opposed our entry. Based on hindsight we consider those who opposed the Vietnam War heroes, and we do not ascribe motives to them other than those they espoused. Lindbergh gave his reasons for opposing U.S. entry into World War II, but instead of evaluating them (many of which came true), facile motives are ascribed to him to dismiss him as evil.
He was not evil. This extensively documented book demonstrates he was much more concerned with the plight of Europe's Jews than is recognized. He had his faults, but he was addressing legitimate political issues and to have prevented him from doing so would have been censorship. This book extensively documents his contributions to American security which have been mostly ignored. Without them, certainly World War II would have lasted much longer. Indeed, his commanding officer in Asia said these words verbatim.
To those who are truly interested in American history and want to understand a critically important figure in the World War II era (and through the Korean War), I would highly recommend this book.
June 24, 2025
Kudos to Dr. Reich for this nuanced re-assessment of Charles Lindbergh’s life and legacy that challenges the widespread perception of Lindbergh as an anti-Semite. Lindbergh certainly made missteps and acted unwisely at times, but the anti-Semite label is unfair. I found the author’s argument compelling that President Roosevelt’s Administration distorted Lindbergh’s reputation, showing that repeated mischaracterizations of a person can leave a lasting mark.
This book offered rich historical insights into Lindbergh and his era, and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in this period of American history, especially Jewish readers. As documented in this book, Lindbergh made remarkable contributions to medicine (co-inventing the first cardiac perfusion pump); he provided vital intelligence as an American spy in Germany before the start of World War II; he risked his life to improve high altitude aviation technology; and he served his country in World War II – despite the efforts of President Roosevelt to stop him. The real villain of the story is President Roosevelt as documented in Chapter 12, “Larger Fish to Fry.” I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn that President Roosevelt’s actions “enabled the murder of between half a million and 1.5 million people
This book offered rich historical insights into Lindbergh and his era, and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in this period of American history, especially Jewish readers. As documented in this book, Lindbergh made remarkable contributions to medicine (co-inventing the first cardiac perfusion pump); he provided vital intelligence as an American spy in Germany before the start of World War II; he risked his life to improve high altitude aviation technology; and he served his country in World War II – despite the efforts of President Roosevelt to stop him. The real villain of the story is President Roosevelt as documented in Chapter 12, “Larger Fish to Fry.” I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn that President Roosevelt’s actions “enabled the murder of between half a million and 1.5 million people
November 24, 2024
Dr. Jon Reich's new book, "A Convenient Villain," tackles one of America's most enigmatic and complex figures of the 20th century, Charles Lindbergh. Reich's research on the subject is top notch, as he combs through historical archives and other sources to shed light on Lindbergh's accomplishments in aerospace engineering, a field where his innovations and technical expertise helped save America as well as lay the foundation for America's military dominance in the skies during World War II, while at the same time pointing out Lindbergh's contributions to medical advancements all of which have been overshadowed by political and personal controversies. Reich's thorough documentation on these topics set the record straight once and for all.
Reich was born to write this book as he offers his unique perspective as an aeronautical engineer, inventor, and doctor. "A Convenient Villain" is a must read for history buffs, students, and anyone else interested in finding out the truth about one of America's most important figures of the last century.
Reich was born to write this book as he offers his unique perspective as an aeronautical engineer, inventor, and doctor. "A Convenient Villain" is a must read for history buffs, students, and anyone else interested in finding out the truth about one of America's most important figures of the last century.
September 3, 2025
An inspired, meticulous reappraisal of the role of Charles Lindbergh in aeronautical engineering and the U.S. involvement in WWII. Dr. Reich is correct in observing that a lot of historical "truisms" ain't necessarily so, but become set in concrete by uncritical repetition. It takes a man fully credentialed and steeped in aeronautics to get this story right, and to make it intelligible for readers. Dr. Reich demonstrates a unique knack to render technical detail intelligible and enjoyable for complete novices.
The book is richly detailed, lucidly presented, and every particular nugget in it can trigger the joy of discovery. A Convenient Villain is neither a hagiography nor a hatchet job. It is instead a game-changing portrait of the once lauded, later reviled hero Charles Lindbergh, whose behind the scenes work accelerated Allied victory over Axis air power some eight decades ago.
The book is richly detailed, lucidly presented, and every particular nugget in it can trigger the joy of discovery. A Convenient Villain is neither a hagiography nor a hatchet job. It is instead a game-changing portrait of the once lauded, later reviled hero Charles Lindbergh, whose behind the scenes work accelerated Allied victory over Axis air power some eight decades ago.
Read
April 21, 2025Jonathan Reich’s "A Convenient Villain" asks us to look beyond the surface and explore the hidden narratives that shaped our world, while also forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truths about the individuals involved. It’s a powerful reminder that what we don’t know can have devastating consequences, especially with all the noise in today’s headlines, and that even those who provide valuable insights can hold deeply flawed and harmful views.
As a Jewish American, I have a complicated perspective on Charles Lindbergh, and honestly, learning about these historical layers – the helpful intelligence alongside the deeply offensive actions – can be both fascinating and disturbing. History is definitely not black and white. Ready to dive into this hidden chapter, with all its complexities and contradictions laid bare? Grab a copy of Jonathan Reich’s book and see what you think.
As a Jewish American, I have a complicated perspective on Charles Lindbergh, and honestly, learning about these historical layers – the helpful intelligence alongside the deeply offensive actions – can be both fascinating and disturbing. History is definitely not black and white. Ready to dive into this hidden chapter, with all its complexities and contradictions laid bare? Grab a copy of Jonathan Reich’s book and see what you think.
May 20, 2025
I am not sure how a discussion of Lindbergh’s legacy will resonate with Generations X, Y & Z. I wonder how many of my generation of Jews are aware of the controversies surrounding Charles Lindbergh.
My takeaway from the book is that not only did Jews not advocate for themselves, but that many of the leaders of America in the 1930s and 1940s were Jew haters.
These questions, which are analogous to the questions Lindbergh asked, need to be answered: What does the destruction of the Jews have to do with those who aren’t Jewish? Why would a state of Israel be in the best interests of the USA? If Lindbergh were alive today, these are the questions he would ask. They are legitimate questions now, as were the questions Lindbergh asked in his era.
The message for the need to advocate for ourselves as Jews is as, or more important now, as it was during the Holocaust.
My takeaway from the book is that not only did Jews not advocate for themselves, but that many of the leaders of America in the 1930s and 1940s were Jew haters.
These questions, which are analogous to the questions Lindbergh asked, need to be answered: What does the destruction of the Jews have to do with those who aren’t Jewish? Why would a state of Israel be in the best interests of the USA? If Lindbergh were alive today, these are the questions he would ask. They are legitimate questions now, as were the questions Lindbergh asked in his era.
The message for the need to advocate for ourselves as Jews is as, or more important now, as it was during the Holocaust.
May 20, 2025
Reich has done an outstanding job guiding us through a rich history of technology development in the first half of the 20th century and the cultural context in which it happened. He dispels the unnecessarily critique of antisemitism, not by creating a myth of an idealized man but by contextualizing prejudice during a period when bias against many minorities was taken as granted. “A Convenient Villain” is a fun and informative read. More importantly, it provides the necessary strategy for reappraisal of other historical figures. We don’t need to pull down statues of our founding fathers if we can understand how they worked within their own social setting, waging certain struggles, and accepting many things that subsequent generations have address. Bravo Dr. Reich.
September 19, 2025
I totally enjoyed reading this book. Being a Minnesota native and a amature aviation historian there was a lot about Charles Lindbergh I did not know about which was well presented in this book. From his interest in medical and aviation science to intelligence gathering in Germany prior to World War II, this book changed my opinion of Lindbergh. Although shunned by the media for isolationism prior to the outbreak of World War II, it turns our Lindbergh was a true American patriot. The author documents personal journals and other correspondence to show Lindbergh was not antisemitic. His contributions in aviation science gave the allied flyers an edge over the enemy. Lindbergh continued his work in aviation after the war consulting on jet engines and wing designs.
March 5, 2025
"Convenient villain" is an extensively researched and insightful documentation of the misinformation surrounding Charles Lindbergh's stance on anti-semitism. It is an eye opening and detailed account providing a window into the purposeful manipulation of public opinion against Lindbergh, which to this day has left long lasting misconceptions about his beliefs. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the factually based historical dynamics on this topic and other details about the life of Charles Lindbergh."
June 25, 2025
The part of the argument which I found most effective is the work that Lindbergh did early in the conflict—the reconnaissance work in Germany when he was living in England. I appreciated the ways that Lindbergh, as a citizen and a patriot, was willing to “look bad” in order to do the job he needed to do for his country. That was the argument, too, that really sold me on the raw deal that he has been given in history. I am interested in why he allowed himself to be co-opted by protectionists when he was aware of what was happening in Germany.
June 14, 2025
Kudos to Dr. Reich for this nuanced re-assessment of Charles Lindbergh’s life and legacy that challenges the widespread perception of Lindbergh as an anti-Semite. Lindbergh certainly made missteps and acted unwisely at times, but the anti-Semite label is unfair. I found the author’s argument compelling that President Roosevelt’s Administration distorted Lindbergh’s reputation, showing that repeated mischaracterizations of a person can leave a lasting mark.
This book offered rich historical insights into Lindbergh and his era, and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in this period of American history, especially Jewish readers. As documented in this book, Lindbergh made remarkable contributions to medicine (co-inventing the first cardiac perfusion pump); he provided vital intelligence as an American spy in Germany before the start of World War II; he risked his life to improve high altitude aviation technology; and he served his country in World War II – despite the efforts of President Roosevelt to stop him. The real villain of the story is President Roosevelt as documented in Chapter 12, “Larger Fish to Fry.” I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn that President Roosevelt’s actions “enabled the murder of between half a million and 1.5 million people.”
This book offered rich historical insights into Lindbergh and his era, and I’d recommend it to anyone interested in this period of American history, especially Jewish readers. As documented in this book, Lindbergh made remarkable contributions to medicine (co-inventing the first cardiac perfusion pump); he provided vital intelligence as an American spy in Germany before the start of World War II; he risked his life to improve high altitude aviation technology; and he served his country in World War II – despite the efforts of President Roosevelt to stop him. The real villain of the story is President Roosevelt as documented in Chapter 12, “Larger Fish to Fry.” I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn that President Roosevelt’s actions “enabled the murder of between half a million and 1.5 million people.”
June 25, 2024
Changed my perception of Lindbergh.
This well cited book changed my perception of Charles Lindbergh. I had thought he was anti-Semitic, but the author shows otherwise.
This well cited book changed my perception of Charles Lindbergh. I had thought he was anti-Semitic, but the author shows otherwise.
March 6, 2025
Interesting analysis of an historic event told through the eyes of an engineer. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews