The Wind and Beyond: Theodore von Karman, Pioneer in Aviation and Pathfinder in Space [Hardcover]

Theodore von Karman (Author), Lee Edson (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 376 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; First Edition edition (June 1967)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316907537
• ISBN-13: 978-0316907538
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,371,985 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Science and History Come to Life, December 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Wind and Beyond: Theodore von Karman, Pioneer in Aviation and Pathfinder in Space (Hardcover)

An excellent (auto)biography of the famous scientist of aerodynamics. It is written in a non-technical language, enjoyable for everyone (Karman was renown for the clarity of his explanations). We get an original insight behind the scenes of political and scientific life of the first half of this century through the recital of his trips to many countries of the world, where he participated in scientific or national/military projects, and his encounters with leading figures of his time (both scientific and political).

An other perspective on the life of a scientist, on science and history, from a personal point of view. In addition, if you know some physics you will recognize the names of most of the leading figures of the era. You find some amusing anecdotes about these people.

I recommend this book for people interested in the (amazing) life of a scientist, placed in an easy-to-follow scientific and historical context.

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding life, May 18, 2008

By 

Mr. Philip G. Pugh (Bedford, UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

A largely autobiographical account that brings to life a wonderful character who conributed much to the advancement of aeronautics. Love his ebullience or deplore his self-advertisment of his undoubted genius, this is the man himself, warts and all. Much to be recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars immensly enjoyable, August 8, 2006

By 

laszlo gabor (austin, tx) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The wind and beyond;: Theodore von Karman, pioneer in aviation and pathfinder in space,

One doesn't need to know how important scientific and technological advances and ideas came about to exploit them. To learn their historical development is lots of fun though and dr von Karman is a wonderful story teller.