Subject
Air pilots -- Fiction Books
Best books
Irwin R. Franklyn
Flight: An Epic of the Air
"Flight: An Epic of the Air" by Irwin R. Franklyn is a novel written in the late 1920s. The story revolves around the lives and aspirations of U.S. Marines, particularly focusing on the character Lefty Phelps, who struggles with the aftermath of a disastrous football game and his longing to find redemption through aviation. The opening of the book sets the stage for Lefty’s internal conflict and his journey towards self-discovery. It begins at the Yale Bowl during a climactic football game, where Lefty, having taken the place of the injured star player, unwittingly scores a touchdown for the opposing team, Harvard. This blunder leads him to leave Yale in shame and pursue a new life in the Marines, where he is determined to prove himself as a pilot. As the narrative unfolds, we witness Lefty's interactions with Panama Williams, a hardened Marine sergeant, and the influence of Nurse Elinor Martin, who becomes a pivotal figure in the lives of both men. The beginning of the novel lays the groundwork for themes of perseverance, friendship, and the quest for identity amid the daunting challenges of military life.
Laurence Donovan
Fire of retribution
"Fire of Retribution" by Laurence Donovan is a thrilling novel likely written in the late 1920s, during the early 20th century. The book deals with themes of survival and courage set against the harrowing backdrop of a raging forest fire threatening a logging crew. It captures the intense experience of characters risking their lives to save others, embroiled in a story of betrayal and vengeance. The narrative follows old Beth, a seasoned logger, who must make a daring jump from a plane to save his trapped crew from a catastrophic fire. Alongside him is Jack Singer, a mechanic and pilot, who disregards his own safety to help Beth in this dangerous rescue mission. As they descend, they face harrowing obstacles, from mechanical failures to flames threatening their escape route. Throughout the story, themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the consequences of vengeance unfold as the logging crew fights for their lives, with the climax revealing a shocking twist of fate regarding the antagonist behind the fire. The camaraderie among the characters and their relentless battle against nature's fury drive the suspenseful plot to its gripping conclusion.
Thomson Burtis
Salute
"Salute" by Thomson Burtis is a novel written during the early 20th century, likely around the 1920s. The narrative follows the lives of the flyers in the Army Air Service, specifically highlighting the experiences of Lieutenant Percival Enoch O’Reilly and his complicated relationship with Lieutenant Ralph Kennedy. The story delves into themes of camaraderie, ethical dilemmas, and the complexities of human nature as it reflects on the darker side of motivation and personal redemption. The plot centers on Enoch O'Reilly, who grapples with the arrival of Ralph Kennedy, a man from his past tied to criminal activities and potential blackmail. As O'Reilly tries to navigate his mixed feelings about Kennedy while being drawn into his chaotic life, their interconnected stories unfold against the backdrop of the military's air service operations. Tensions rise as Kennedy’s charm threatens to complicate matters with O'Reilly's friendship with Shirley Curran, and a series of events ultimately lead to a climactic moment during a perilous flight that tests the bonds of loyalty and bravery. Burtis crafts a multifaceted narrative that examines redemption, sacrifice, and the unpredictable nature of human relationships, culminating in a dramatic conclusion that encapsulates both tragedy and heroism.
Edwin L. (Edwin Legrand) Sabin
The other half
"The Other Half" by Edwin L. Sabin is a short story that explores themes of loss, longing, and the consequences of past actions. Written in the early 20th century, the tale unfolds during a plane trip across the rugged landscapes of the American West, invoking a sense of nostalgia and adventure. The narrative centers around the mysterious character John Brown, a man consumed by his search for a long-lost woman and the other half of a silver coin that holds deep personal significance. The storyline follows the narrator, an aviator, who accepts John Brown as a passenger on his return journey from Omaha to San Francisco. As the journey progresses, an engine failure forces them to land in a desolate area where they discover a skeleton and the missing half of Brown's cherished coin. Through a poignant conversation, the aviator reveals the tragic backstory of Brown's lost love and her fate, intertwining the past and present. This encounter leads John Brown to confront his decades-long turmoil wrought by the abandonment of his wife, ultimately giving him a sense of closure as both the physical and emotional halves of his story come together at last.
Thomson Burtis
Moonlight and moonshine
"Moonlight and Moonshine" by Thomson Burtis is a light-hearted adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Lieutenant George Arlington Hemingwood, a carefree pilot in the Air Service, as he embarks on a mission to photograph the rugged landscapes of Kentucky's backwoods. The narrative combines themes of romance, humor, and an encounter with the local culture, particularly the moonshining activities of the region. As Hemingwood carries out his photographic assignment, he encounters charming locals, notably Gail Morgan, a schoolteacher who becomes a significant figure in his life. The novel takes a thrilling turn when Hemingwood is shot at by locals suspicious of his presence, leading to a confrontation that showcases his bravery and quick thinking. The romance between Hemingwood and Gail blossoms against the backdrop of adventure, humor, and the mountainous scenery, wrapping up with a light-hearted proposal that hints at future possibilities. Overall, the book presents a blend of action and romantic comedy, making it an engaging read for those who enjoy spirited tales set in intriguing locales.
Kenneth Latour
The last crash
"The Last Crash" by Kenneth Latour is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story offers a unique blend of aviation drama infused with a mystic perspective on fate, delving into the lives of aviators and their complex relationships with flying and each other. The main character, Billy Cobb, is a dedicated pilot whose profession is steeped in danger and philosophy, particularly surrounding the idea of fate and the inevitability of 'the last crash.' At the start of the narrative, we meet John Norris, who reflects on his close friend Billy Cobb, exploring themes of fatalism tied to the perils of aviation. The opening sets the scene for a tragic event—a crash involving Cobb that leaves him injured and blind, but not without a significant revelation as he smiles and speaks to someone who is not there, suggesting a deeper connection beyond life and death. As the story unfolds, we learn of Cobb's profound devotion to aviation and his love for Jennie, a connection that becomes tangled with his fear of the air's capriciousness. Their relationship illustrates the tension between personal love and professional duty, establishing a poignant exploration of the fear that accompanies the thrill of flight.
Thomson Burtis
Medium boiled
"Medium Boiled" by Thomson Burtis is a thrilling aviation adventure published in the late 1920s. This novel follows First Lieutenant John "Shag" Moran as he becomes part of the Border Air Patrol in South Texas, where he encounters the challenges of flying a De Haviland bomber while navigating interpersonal conflicts and the dangerous world of smuggling along the U.S.-Mexico border. The story revolves around Moran's journey from a nervous newcomer to a competent pilot amidst a high-pressure environment filled with rivalry and the haunting awareness of mortality that accompanies the perilous work of border patrol flying. After a rocky start involving embarrassing landings and tension with his fellow pilots, particularly the cocky Dumpy Scarth, Moran faces a life-threatening situation while attempting a difficult flight during a storm. The climax arises as he saves Scarth from drowning after an accident, leading to a personal reckoning and ultimately securing his place within the squadron, earning the respect of his peers. The narrative intricately weaves themes of courage, rivalry, and friendship within the exhilarating backdrop of early aviation and border patrol duties.
F. Britten (Frederick Britten) Austin
Into the blue
"Into the Blue" by F. Britten Austin is a dramatic narrative exploring the life of an airplane pilot, written during the early 20th century. The book centers around themes of ambition, love, and the pursuit of exhilaration through flight, as the protagonist embarks on an emotional journey entangled with old friends and unresolved feelings. The story follows Jimmy Esdaile, who is unexpectedly reunited with his old war buddy, Toby Selwyn, at a seaside resort. As they reconnect, the tension between Jimmy and Toby escalates, particularly over their mutual affection for Sylvia, a woman Jimmy once loved. When Toby invites Sylvia for a flight in his seaplane, the situation takes a dire turn as his reckless behavior in the air escalates into a dangerous confrontation. As the narrative unfolds, the story becomes a gripping tale of survival and love, highlighting deep psychological conflicts against the backdrop of breathtaking aerial exploits. Ultimately, Jimmy must confront not only the perils of flying but also the turbulent emotions that have shaped their lives.
William Le Queux
The Gay Triangle: The Romance of the First Air Adventurers
"The Gay Triangle: The Romance of the First Air Adventurers" by William Le Queux is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story embarks on the thrilling adventures of Dick Manton, a war-hero airman turned motor dealer, and Yvette Pasquet, a determined French girl seeking to recover stolen jewels. Their endeavors lead them on high-stakes missions involving smuggling, espionage, and aerial escapades during a turbulent period in history. The opening of the book introduces a mysterious scene involving a motorcar that transforms into a monoplane, capturing the reader's attention with its stealthy and innovative design. We are introduced to Dick Manton at a dance in a small town, where the excitement of his previous wartime exploits lingers in his memory. His life changes upon the surprise appearance of Yvette and her brother, who have urgent business. Yvette unveils a daring plan to recover the infamous jewels of Rasputin, stolen by a cunning German adversary, laying the groundwork for a series of thrilling escapades that combine romance, adventure, and deception in a world still recovering from the war.
Andre Norton
The People of the Crater
"The People of the Crater" by Andre Norton is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Garin Featherstone, a disillusioned war veteran who embarks on an expedition to Antarctica that leads him to a hidden world beneath a polar ice cap. This mysterious land is inhabited by intelligent, lizard-like beings known as the Folk, who are embroiled in a struggle against the malevolent Black Ones, with Garin drawn into their conflict and tasked with a crucial prophecy. The narrative centers around Garin as he crash-lands in this alien environment after his plane is caught in a bizarre haze. He encounters the Folk, who save him and reveal a plot involving the disappearance of a figure known as Thrala, the Daughter of the Light. As tensions rise between the Folk and the Black Ones, Garin learns that his arrival was prophesied and that he must rescue Thrala from the clutches of their enemies to prevent catastrophe. His journey unfolds with themes of destiny, bravery, and the fight against evil, culminating in a battle that will determine the fate of both worlds. The book explores the rich dynamics between Garin, Thrala, and the various civilizations that populate the underground realm, making it a captivating read for fans of adventure fantasy.
Thomson Burtis
Marston and me
"Marston and Me" by Thomas Burtis is a novel likely written in the early 20th century, specifically during the 1920s. This book offers a fictionalized account revolving around the adventures of pilot Slim Evans as he navigates life in the American Air Service, tackling themes of camaraderie, rivalry, and personal growth against the backdrop of early aviation. The story follows Slim Evans, who, after months of monotony as a border patrolman, finds himself ordered to participate in bombing tests on German battleships. As he prepares for this critical mission, he reunites with Sergeant George William Marston, an officer from his troubled past. Their relationship is tense, filled with unresolved animosity. However, when sabotage threatens their mission, Marston proves to be an unexpected ally, risking his life to save Slim during a harrowing incident involving a mid-air attack. As the narrative unfolds, themes of redemption emerge with the two men navigating their complex history, ultimately leading to a begrudging respect between them as they face challenges together in the high stakes of military aviation.
Thomson Burtis
The sky sheriff: The pioneer spirit lives again in the Texas Airplane Patrol
"The Sky Sheriff: The Pioneer Spirit Lives Again in the Texas Airplane Patrol" by Thomson Burtis is a fictional adventure story published in the early 1920s. The narrative takes place in Texas and revolves around the courageous exploits of a sheriff and his crew as they patrol the Texas-Mexico border using aircraft, showcasing their pioneering spirit. The book likely explores themes of bravery, camaraderie, and the challenges faced in this unique environment. The story follows Sheriff Bill Trowbridge and a group of young flyers, including a recent recruit named Sleepy Spears. They find themselves in a tense situation when a criminal named Cal Buchanan, recently released from jail, plots to rob an old friend of Trowbridge, George Bilney. After a robbery goes awry, resulting in Bilney being shot and left for dead and his daughter, Judith, bound and gagged, Trowbridge and Sleepy take to the skies in pursuit of Buchanan. The chase is thrilling, highlighting the contrast between the old Wild West lawman and the new age of aviation, culminating in an intense confrontation as they seek to bring the criminal to justice and protect Judith and her father.
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