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Author
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Topic: X-15: Wings Into Space (Outward Odyssey)
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ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 1417
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted January 29, 2009 07:51 AM
   
It gives me great pleasure to announce that a contract has now been awarded for yet another book in the Outward Odyssey series, bringing the total number of series books now completed, being copyedited or researched and written to 10, with another (final) two remaining to be considered for publication.The newest book to join the fleet is "X-15: Wings Into Space, Flying the World's First Reusable Spacecraft" and the author is Michelle Evans, a well-known spaceflight enthusiast and writer with a renowned passion for the X-15. This will be a social history of the X-15 program, which means that it will lean more to the human side of the story - and not just the pilots. Over many years Michelle has researched the X-15 extensively and recorded some rather amazing interviews, including two with a certain Mr. Armstrong. It is a true pleasure to welcome Michelle Evans to the growing list of UNP authors, but don't rush out looking for the book just yet; it is currently slated for a Spring 2012 release. The announcement today from UNP was very timely; Michelle suffered bad injuries to her legs in falls at her home and is currently hospitalised and immobilised for a few weeks. This news came as a real tonic to someone in rather low spirits. I wish Michelle all the very best for a speedy recovery. |
cspg
Member Posts: 3315
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted January 29, 2009 07:52 AM
This looks to be a great addition to the series. Best wishes to Mrs Evans for a speedy recovery. |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1046
From: Atlanta, GA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted January 29, 2009 08:26 AM
Colin I've enjoyed the books in this series a great deal, but the title of this one seems like a swipe at the Space Shuttle program. Perhaps you view the Shuttle as the first reusable orbital spacecraft? |
gliderpilotuk
Member Posts: 2654
From: London, UK
Registered: Feb 2002
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posted January 29, 2009 09:38 AM
This seems to be an old link to the book as a work in progress. With the list of interviewees it will be an interesting read. |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 644
From: Denver, CO USA
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted January 29, 2009 11:49 AM
Gary, I don't see the subtitle as a "swipe" at the Shuttle, just a statement of fact... Provided, of course, that one accepts the rather arbitrary 50 miles altitude as the beginning of "space."  Either way, as an X-15 fanatic, I'm really looking forward to this one. The "Outward Odyssey" series has been uniformly outstanding so far (Though I haven't gotten to "Homesteading Space" yet) and it's great to hear that the X-15 will get its own treatment. |
E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 757
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted January 29, 2009 01:19 PM
That's wonderful news. It will surely cheer her up as I know she has her laptop with her in her hospital room by now.She has been working on this book for two lifetimes it seems. It was after her interviews with the late Milt Thompson, that he decided to write his own book. But even that great pilot didn't have all the resources that Michelle is bringing into this volume. It will surely be an interesting tome. |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1046
From: Atlanta, GA, USA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted January 29, 2009 01:46 PM
Kevin thanks for your thoughts. I've just finished Homesteading Space and it is great. An excellent overview of the Skylab program which might be the most overlooked of any US space program. |
ea757grrl
Member Posts: 472
From: South Carolina
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted January 29, 2009 06:39 PM
I don't know what's happier for an author: the day you're chosen for a book or the day the book is done!  Having been there/done that, I don't envy Michelle the writing process, but I sure envy her the process of discovery (research is always the best part of any project, anyhow). I know Michelle's work, and it's sure going to be a great book. Get well soon, Michelle! |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 1417
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted January 29, 2009 09:55 PM
Thanks to all for the kind comments about the book series and for all the good wishes travelling Michelle's way. |
E2M Lem Man
Member Posts: 757
From: Los Angeles CA. USA
Registered: Jan 2005
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posted February 02, 2009 01:46 PM
Michelle has asked me to convey her thanks for all the messages of get well and support.Over the weekend it was planned that she was moving to rehabilitation, and she was looking forward to getting on her laptop and getting to work again. She has had quite and adventure in life and looks forward to the future. |
ColinBurgess
Member Posts: 1417
From: Sydney, Australia
Registered: Sep 2003
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posted August 07, 2011 07:26 PM
I am truly delighted to announce that after overcoming severe medical and other issues, Michelle Evans has just completed the manuscript for the X-15 book in the Outward Odyssey series. It is a first-class piece of writing that explores the lives and accomplishments of some indomitable men who not only flew this amazing aircraft, but reveals the function and feelings of those behind the scenes. While technical details are necessarily described, this is done in a very reader-friendly way. I have read the entire manuscript and it is an exemplary piece of writing by a person who is not only a gifted author, but the book is filled with quotes from personal interviews conducted by Michelle over many years. Especially poignant are the interviews with X-15 pilots who are no longer with us, and reflections by some family members.This is going to be a great book about an incredible experimental aircraft which shot several pilots above the recognised boundaries of space flight, many belatedly - even posthumously - receiving their astronaut wings. The review, copyediting and publication process means that this book will not be available for purchase until early 2013, but I am personally excited that this terrific book will soon become a reality. |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 644
From: Denver, CO USA
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted August 07, 2011 07:34 PM
As an unapologetic X-15 "fanboy," I can't even begin to say how much I'm looking forward to this book.Congratulations and many thanks to Michelle, Colin, and everyone associated with bringing it to us. |
rjurek349
Member Posts: 728
From:
Registered: Jan 2002
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posted August 07, 2011 07:59 PM
This is great news! Congratulations to Michelle on what sounds like a triumphant book. I can not wait until I can order a copy for me -- and a few for some friends. I am a fan of the x-15 flights, and have been eagerly awaiting this book. |
Gilbert
Member Posts: 784
From: Carrollton, GA USA
Registered: Jan 2003
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posted August 07, 2011 08:35 PM
I'm really looking forward to this book. Waiting another 1.5 years...that will be tough. |
heng44
Member Posts: 2292
From: Netherlands
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted August 08, 2011 02:37 AM
Colin, let me know if Michelle needs any additional photos for the book. I have a very nice collection of rare X-15 photographs.Edit: I saw Michelle has an extensive database of photos already, so she won't need my help. |
ea757grrl
Member Posts: 472
From: South Carolina
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted August 08, 2011 08:31 AM
Congratulations to all involved, but especially to Michelle for overcoming everything that's happened. I'm a fan of her work, and to say I'm eager to see this book is an understatement. This will be great. |
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