Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly
Excerpts here from the late Cochran's own accounts of her flying exploitsshe died in 1980alternate with adulatory quotes from friends and associates testifying to the extraordinary vitality (despite poor health) and indomitable spirit of the world-famous aviatrix and business entrepreneur. By dint of sheer energy and determination, the teenage orphan escaped the poverty of Florida migrant sawmill camps and, forsaking nursing for hairdressing, moved to New York City. She soon acquired a chain of beauty salons and founded a cosmetic company that bore her name. Her career in aviation stemmed from her marriage to tycoon aircraft manufacturer Floyd Odlum, and she subsequently broke more speed, altitude and distance records than any other pilot, male or female, in aviation history. During World War II, Cochran created WASPS, a women's plane-ferrying corps, lobbied for a separate air force and served as a consultant to NASA. Brinley, who assembled this book, is a freelance journalist. Photos not seen by PW. BOMC selection. (August)
Jackie Cochran: An Autobiography
by Jacqueline Cochran, Maryann B. BrinleyEditorial Reviews
Library Journal
Cochran won numerous honors and set more distance, speed, and altitude records than any other woman aviator. She organized the WASP (Women's Airforce Service Pilot) program in World War II and was the first woman to break the sound barrier. She was a phenomenon in flying and was truly a self-made woman. She overcame a childhood of poverty to start her own successful cosmetics company. The book combines autobiography with important biographical information supplied by ``other voices.'' This technique provides insight and a variety of opinions and facts from personal friends. Cochran died in 1980, but her mark on aviation history is well communicated here. Highly recommended. William A. McIntyre, New Hampshire Vocational-Technical Coll. Lib., Nashua
Product Details
- ISBN-13:
- 9780553052114
- Publisher:
- Random House Publishing Group
- Publication date:
- 08/01/1987
- Pages:
- 24
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