Customer Reviews

Legacy: Genesis of Aviation Greatness

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From the magical origins of powered flight to the miracle surrounding a "fatal crash" landing, the reader is escorted on a fascinating odyssey made all the more captivating by it's authenticity and historical accuracy. Through a gripping narrative spanning seven decades and two World Wars, the heroic pioneers of aviation are brought to life in this epic tale of triumph and tragedy. Their names are legendary - Orville and Wilbur Wright, "Hap" Arnold, Billy Mitchell, Jimmy Doolittle. Each possessed singular courage, a mastery of aeronautics, extraordinary leadership skills and the heart of a teacher. Sharing his knowledge and experience, each in turn helped fashion an enduring legacy of tradition and accomplishment which ultimately determined the fate of seven desperate crewmen one foggy, terror-filled night.

As this previously untold story unfolds, the reader is immersed into a first-hand exploration of how these remarkable men realized their dreams and attained greatness through perseverance, resourcefulness, relentless testing and an undaunted spirit of adventure. The result of their collective achievements was the creation of an entirely new enterprise - a set of historic initiatives which proved instrumental in preserving freedom, securing peace and shrinking the world. Following a suspensefully climactic thrill ride - including a surprise twist - the author concludes with a thought-provoking commentary on greatness.

The book was thoroughly appealing and at times poetic. I found it delightfully entertaining and would recommend it to those well-versed in aviation as well as anyone who simply enjoys a good read. The numerous photographs and illustrations serve as icing on the cake!

Being non-technical, I found the book's beginning slow. It soon began to read as great history, with a touch of suspense and drama, and even a little romance. Can't wait to see what "the Beav" comes up with next.

I am retired instructor pilot and lifetime fan of flying. I also did a tour with the Air Force at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio. This book gave me an entirely new look at all airplane pilots since the Wright brothers first flew at Kitty Hawk. The title, "Legacy" refers to the unbroken chain of training that each pilot has inherited from his instructor all the way back to the Wrights, themselves. Since we have all heard flying stories, you would not expect to many surprises, but R G Beavers has incorporated enough surprises to keep your interest thoughout the book. I especially enjoyed the personal anecdotes, real or created, that the author has included to add color to his story.

I am not really an aviation buff, but have friends that are, so I picked this up and WOW. What a story. I thought it would have been told by now. It reads fast and interesting. The historical aspects were new to me in the detail offered and flowed logically,one to the next over decades.
You have to read this!

Captivating and well structured story. I love how history is entwined with everyday life. It brings it to life. Thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Sharon