Doorknob Five Two

Fredric Arnold

ISBN 10: 0914961004 / ISBN 13: 9780914961000

Published by S.E. Maxwell, Los Angeles, 1984

About this Item

Inscribed by author opposite copyright page in black pen, "To Bob - Good luck on your 1st Edition treasure hunt. Too bad this is a 7th printing but at least you have my autograph. Fredric Arnold 6/8/91 P.S. Keep an eye on Don Terry." Seventh printing, March 1991 stated. 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 Book; binding tight, minor bump to top front corner else boards straight and clean; modest spotting to top edge else text free of marks, appears barely read. Dust jacket ($19.95) has mild bumping and chipping to spine and top flap fold ends with 2" closed tear backed by clear tape to top front cover. Color sharp. Under archival quality mylar cover. Several photographs. Photos upon request. Packed well and shipped in a sturdy box.

Seller Inventory # 040920AHH

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Doorknob Five Two
• Publisher: S.E. Maxwell, Los Angeles
• Publication Date: 1984
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0914961004
• ISBN 13: 9780914961000
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 5th or later Printin
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

DOORKNOB FIVE TWO is the story of the coming of age of a young man, as seen against a backdrop of World War II. With unusual emotional power and artistic sensibility, Fredric Arnold renders an extraordinary account of his personal experiences as a fighter pilot in combat, recording events with the authenticity of an eye witness.

As the story unfolds, we accompany him in the cockpit of his fighter plane, sharing the beauty and wonder of flying as he engages the enemy in aerial combat and is himself shot down. We live as he lived â exposed to the primitive emotions of sex and war, while bound to his ancient heritage and ever-present influence of his father. A crash in the Sahara, rescue by nomadic tribesmen, capture by the Germans â we are firsthand observers to his terrifying escape and will to survive.

There is nothing more intensely haunting than the truth. Nor is it merely a war memoir. Rather, it is a dramatic insight into the horror of war and a testament to the power of family love.

Review

Doorknob Five Two describes the ironies of battling discrimination on the ground and Messerschmitts in the air. -- New York Times

Doorknob Five Two is one hell of a book! I never put it down. It's going to do a lot of good and we need a lot of good done these days. -- Barry Goldwater, U.S. Senator

Doorknob Five Two is recommended reading by the United States Air Force Academy. It has a veracity and intensity that convinces. -- US Air Force Academy

Doorknob Five Two, better than anything ever written, it tells how, in those early day in Algeria, we were all learning the job on the job. -- General James "Jimmy" Doolittle

Best book by a World War II fighter pilot. It has a place of honor in my bookshelf. I will read it again and again. -- Col. Erich Hartmann, Luftwaffe, World's Top Ace

Best book by a combat fighter pilot since Antone de Saint-Exupery. -- Thomas Lanphier, the Adm. Yamamato mission

Great pilot, great author, great guy -- Capt. R.T. Smith, Flying Tiger Ace.

It is not often that I read a book cover to cover in one day. However, that is exactly what I did with DOORKNOB FIVE TWO. Adjectives such as thrilling, gripping, and fascinating seem so inadequate to describe this graphic depiction of life as a World War II fighter pilot. The story is courageous yet poignant; entertaining yet provocative - a must for anyone interested in the history of our twentieth century. -- Warren Rudman, U.S. Senator

Such forthright expression of fear, doubts and human feelings gives this autobiography guts of its own. The action is gripping and well-written. -- Los Angeles Times