Will Rogers & Wiley Post: Death at Barrow

Bryan and Frances Sterling have spent thirty years researching and writing about Will Rogers. In Will Rogers & Wiley Post: Death at Barrow, they provide dual biographies of Rogers and the renowned pilot Wiley Post and search for the truth of the events that led to their untimely deaths. Will Rogers was one of the most beloved entertainers and the most widely quoted humorist of his day. The part-Cherokee cowboy comedian who quipped "I never met a man I didn't like" enjoyed poking fun at Congress and political parties, but always with a gentle humor and an endearing modesty. His love for the American people was equalled only by their love for him. Wiley Post was a world famous pilot, a mechanical genius and pioneer of aviation. He made aeronautical history when he set a record flying around the world with Harold Gatty, and he broke that record two years later flying solo. Post was the first person to fly the jet stream and the suit he designed for his substratospheric flight was a forerunner of the spacesuits used by NASA in its Apollo missions. When Rogers and Post crashed in Walakpa Lagoon near Barrow, Alaska, on August 15, 1935, it was the tragic loss of two American icons and international heroes. Their deaths affected most American homes. Rogers was a film star, syndicated columnist, and radio broadcaster and Post, an American hero of aviation, was always in the news for his daring exploits. Their loss was deeply felt. Incredibly, mystery still surrounds the exact circumstances of their deaths. The government's investigation into their deaths was a travesty. Here, now for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Sterling describe the crash in detail and record all the factors that may have contributed to it. Furthermore, they reconstruct the government's investigation, identifying an amateurish and misguided cover-up. While other famous folks of Rogers' era, such as politicians, ball players, movie stars, and even presidents are but dimly remembered, Rogers' legacy of American humor lives on. There are plays, musicals - such as the long-running "The Will Rogers Follies," now on Broadway - books, and tapes inspired by Rogers' work. His wit and wisdom imbue the work of modern day humorists and comedians from Russell Baker to Jay Leno. Will Rogers continues to capture the hearts and imagination of the American people. For all of the millions of their fans, this dual biography - with sixteen pages of photographs, many never before published - is sure to fascinate and illuminate the lives and times of Will Rogers and Wiley Post.
ASIN: 0871317257
VSKU: DBV.0871317257.A
Condition: Acceptable
Author/Artist:Sterling, Bryan B.|Sterling, Frances N.
Binding: Hardcover
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: This copy has clearly been enjoyed—expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong, and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.