Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys

One of the greatest achievements in human history, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins piloted the Apollo 11 spacecraft to the moon in July 1969. In his memoir, Michael Collins captures the drama, beauty, and humor of the adventure, as well as his development from his first flight experiences to his involvement in Project Gemini and his first spaceflight on Gemini 10. He presents an evocative picture of the famous Apollo 11 spacewalk and offers a new perspective on time, light, and movement from someone who has seen the Earth from the other side of the moon.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2019
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

In July 1969, a historic event unfolded as Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins embarked on a remarkable journey to the moon. Their mission, known as Apollo 11, stands as one of the greatest achievements in human history, marking a pivotal moment in our collective consciousness. Fifty years later, the impact of that extraordinary adventure remains profound. In this captivating memoir, Michael Collins takes readers on a personal journey, sharing the profound drama, breathtaking beauty, and infectious humor that characterized the Apollo 11 mission. Through his eyes, we relive the awe-inspiring spacewalk, witnessing the exhilaration of flight and gaining a fresh perspective on time, light, and movement from the vantage point of the moon.

Collins' narrative is enriched by his extensive experience in aviation, beginning with his early flight training in the air force. He then transitioned to test pilot roles, where he honed his skills and expertise. His involvement in Project Gemini, a precursor to Apollo, laid the foundation for his eventual spaceflight on Gemini 10. His memoir offers a poignant portrayal of the camaraderie and teamwork that characterized the Apollo 11 mission, as well as the personal challenges and sacrifices that the astronauts endured to achieve their extraordinary goal.

Updated with a new preface to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, Carrying the Fire by Michael Collins remains an utterly absorbing and profoundly compelling classic account of what it was like to be a part of the Apollo 11 mission. This memoir is a testament to the human spirit, resilience, and determination, reminding us of the incredible feats that can be accomplished when we set our sights on the stars. It is a must-read for anyone interested in space exploration, history, or the indomitable human spirit.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 199 x 137 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509896578