Moondust: In Search of the Men Who Fell to Earth - Softcover

Smith, Andrew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0007155425 ISBN 13: 9780007155422

Publisher: Harper Perennial, 2006

Synopsis

The Apollo lunar missions of the 1960s and 1970s have been called the last optimistic acts of the twentieth century. Twelve astronauts made this greatest of all journeys and were indelibly marked by it, for better or for worse. Journalist Andrew Smith tracks down the nine surviving members of this elite group to find their answers to the question "Where do you go after you've been to the Moon?"

A thrilling blend of history, reportage, and memoir, Moondust rekindles the hopeful excitement of an incandescent hour in America's past and captures the bittersweet heroism of those who risked everything to hurl themselves out of the known world -- and who were never again quite able to accept its familiar bounds.

About this title

About the Author

Andrew Smith has worked as a critic and feature writer for the Sunday Times, the Guardian, The Observer, and The Face. He was born in the United States and lives in Norwich, England.

Review

“Splendid!” (Arthur C. Clarke, author 2001: A Space Odyssey)

“Wonderful... Smith examines [the questions] not just in the political context of the times but, refereshingly, with regard to the popular culture and the mood of the moment... A fascinating book, often poignant... but funny too.” (Daily Mail (London), Critics Choice Award)

“Smith’s book is an engrossing read, full of humor, insight, and appreciation for the vision and outright zaniness that marked the only human mission to another world.” (Space Daily)

“Smith’s mix of reporting and meditation is highly entertaining, and his superb book is a fitting tribute to a unique band of 20th-century heroes.” (GQ)

“Moondust is an inspired idea, immaculately executed: witty, affectionate, completely captivating.” (WORD magazine)

“Highly entertaining...[Smith’s] superb book is a fitting tribute to a unique band of 20th-century heroes.” (GQ)

“Fascinating...We know what happened inside the Apollo, but what went on inside the astronauts’ minds? Extremely thought-provoking.” (J. G. Ballard, author of Empire of the Sun and Memories of the Space Age)

“[A] fascinating book... [Smith’s] humour is underpinned by a sense of extreme danger.” (Mail on Sunday, Book of the Week (four stars))

“A rich mix of cultural history, reportage and personal reflection.” (Evening Standard)

“Forget flower power, the Beatles and Beach Boys...what made the 1960s an unforgettable decade was the conquest of space.” (The Guardian, Best Books of the Season)

Edition details

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0007155425
• ISBN 13: 9780007155422
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 384