HIGH, WIDE AND FRIGHTENED [Paperback]

Louise M. Thaden (Author), Peggy Wagstaff (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 8, 2004

Here is high adventure in aviation's Golden Age. This is the autobiography of one of America's greatest women pilots--some would say "the" greatest. Born in 1905 and raised in Arkansas, Louis Thaden attended the University of Arkansas before moving to California, where she earned her pilot's certificate in 1927 (her license is signed by Wilbur Wright). Within the year, she had broken the women's world record for altitude and endurance. In 1929 she won the first Women's Air Derby, a trans-continental race. Over the next several years, Thaden continued to set records and win awards until 1938 when she retired to spend more time with her family and write these memoirs. Originally published nearly thirty years ago this new paperback edition includes a Foreword by Patty Wagstaff.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"The unassuming contemporary of Amelia Earhart describes the dangers of racing and setting records in the fragile and precarious aircaft of aviation's youth. Flashy bravado is out. Quiet excellent is in. This is a must-read."--Gene Nora Jessen, author of The Powder Puff Derby of 1929

"Although other women pilots of her era--like Amelia Earhart and Jacqueline Cochran--are better known, it was Louise who, in her own quiet way, was blazing a trail for others to follow. I can think of no finer example for young women today than Louise."--Claudia Oakes, former curator, Aeronautics Department, National Air and Space Museum

"Thaden was, by far, the most skilled and accomplished aviatrix of the Golden Era. In her book Louise gives us a firsthand account of the life that she and other women pilots pursued in their quest for the thrill and romance of flight."--Capt. Susan Dusenbury, Airbourne Express

Product Details

• Paperback: 170 pages
• Publisher: University of Arkansas Press (March 8, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155728766X
• ISBN-13: 978-1557287663
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #965,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Better flier than writer, August 24, 2007

By 

J. Stasny (Falls Church, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: HIGH, WIDE AND FRIGHTENED (Paperback)

Louise Thaden won prizes in a world men ruled. A businesswoman, professional flier, wife and mother she was among those who shown the brightest in aviation's golden age. But her book is choppy, with anecdotes bumping into one another with no transistions. Some of the anecodtes take longer to set up than to tell, and a few were no doubt more impressive in the experience than in the telling. You will get a taste of daring, discomfort and pride here, but it is more a garnish than a course to remember.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Louise Thadden, October 15, 2011

By 

Ricdotsmith - See all my reviews

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This review is from: HIGH, WIDE AND FRIGHTENED (Paperback)

Very interesting account of the life of an awesome aviator. A must read for any one interested in the early years of aviation.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Aviation History, March 10, 2007

By 

Robert L. Bennett - See all my reviews
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This review is from: HIGH, WIDE AND FRIGHTENED (Paperback)

A good book about a female aviator. Louise Thaden, not as famous as Amelia Earhart, but probably a better pilot. She was supported and sponsored by Oliva and Walter Beech, of Beech Aircraft Co.