Title: A Man on the Moon
Author: Andrew Chaikin
First published June 1, 1994
688 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780140272017 (ISBN10: 0140272011)
Rating: 4.48
Overview
On July 20, 1969, the world was forever changed when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the moon. A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin takes you on an exhilarating journey through the Apollo missions, from the early days of the space race to the historic moon landing.
With vivid descriptions and first-hand accounts from the astronauts themselves, this book brings to life the incredible achievements of the Apollo program and the dedicated individuals who made it all possible. Join Chaikin as he delves into the triumphs, tragedies, and unforgettable moments of one of the greatest adventures in human history.
About the Author
Andrew Chaikin, a science journalist and space historian with over 25 years of experience, has authored books and articles about space exploration and astronomy. His work has earned him the title of “our best historian of the space age” by writer-director and explorer James Cameron.
Chaikin is most well-known for his book, A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts, which is considered the definitive account of the moon missions. It was the main source of inspiration for Tom Hanks’ 12-part HBO miniseries, From the Earth to the Moon, which won an Emmy in 1998.
Chaikin spent eight years writing and researching the book, including over 150 hours of personal interviews with 23 of the 24 lunar astronauts. The book was so well-received that a new edition was published in 2007, with a new afterword for the 50th anniversary of the space age.
In September 2008, Chaikin published his newest book, A Passion for Mars, which has been praised by Apollo 11 astronaut and author Michael Collins as a “masterpiece of a book.” Homer Hickam, author of Rocket Boys, also expressed his admiration, saying that he was “completely and utterly in love with this book.”
Two upcoming works from Chaikin include Voices from the Moon, which features excerpts from his conversations with Apollo astronauts, and Mission Control, This is Apollo, a book for middle-school readers illustrated with paintings by Apollo moonwalker Alan Bean.
Chaikin has also authored Air and Space: The National Air and Space Museum Story of Flight, as well as SPACE: A History of Space Exploration in Photographs, co-authored the text for Full Moon, and collaborated with Alan Bean on Apollo: An Eyewitness Account. He has served as Executive Editor for Space and Science at SPACE.com and has been an advisor to NASA on space policy and public communications.
In addition to his work as a journalist, Chaikin is an amateur musician and songwriter, occasional space artist, and one of the founders of the International Association of Astronomical Artists.
Editoral Review
A Man on the Moon by Andrew Chaikin is a gripping and insightful account of the Apollo space program, which saw the United States send men to the Moon for the first time in history. Chaikin, an accomplished science journalist and space historian, combines his extensive research with interviews with the astronauts, NASA officials, and other key figures involved in the effort to create an engaging and informative narrative that brings this captivating period of American history to life.
The book is a valuable addition to the non-fiction genre, chronicling the ambitions, sacrifices, and triumphs of the individuals who made the lunar missions possible. The author’s clear and engaging writing style is accessible to readers of all backgrounds, whether they are science enthusiasts or history buffs.
The book is notable for its balanced portrayal of the various personalities involved in the space program, including the astronauts, engineers, and politicians, providing a nuanced perspective that highlights both their strengths and weaknesses. Chaikin provides an excellent overview of the Apollo missions, including technical information about spacecraft and rocket design, while never losing sight of the human element of the story.
The narrative is filled with gripping descriptions of the dangerous and challenging nature of space travel, adding an element of suspense to the story even though the outcome is already known. One of the book’s strengths is its character development, particularly in its portrayal of the astronauts who risked their lives on the missions.
Chaikin reveals their personalities, motivations, and fears, creating a vivid and compelling portrait of these pioneering space explorers. Equally impressive is the depiction of the team of engineers and scientists who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the missions possible.
The book also highlights some of the less well-known aspects of the Apollo program, including the controversy surrounding the decision to put a man on the moon, and the complex political dynamics that shaped funding and support for the missions. This contextualizes the events and adds extra depth to the book’s analysis.
While some readers may find the extensive technical details of the rocket science and spacecraft engineering sections dry, the book as a whole is an outstanding work of historical non-fiction. A Man on the Moon is an excellent entry point for anyone interested in the Apollo program, space exploration, or American history, as it provides a captivating and revealing account of a pivotal period in the country’s history.
Additionally, the book may be of interest to anyone observing the latest developments by private companies in the commercial space industry. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in space exploration, history, or simply a good non-fiction narrative.
Chaikin’s account of the Apollo program is a wonderfully researched and executed piece of work that is mesmerizing from start to finish. Based on this, I would rate it as an excellent read, an undeniable 5/5 stars.
