Heroes of the Horizon - Softcover

Heroes of the Horizon tells the stories of veteran bush pilots who flew in Alaska's golden age of aviation-the mid 1930s through the 1950s. Many of the pilots Bruder interviewed for the book are now gone and readers will relish the immediate experience of heroic, life-and-death adventures in the rugged Northern wilderness as Bruder lets the pilots speak for themselves We hear from the likes of Jack Wilson, "dean of glacier pilots"; Mary Worthylake, the first licensed woman pilot in Alaska; and Shell Simmons, the intrepid pilot of Southeast Alaska about whom even the best say "that man can sure fly." The portraits also convey the history of early Alaska and the role played by airmen and airplanes in the North Country's development. Author Gerry Bruder, a commercial floatplane pilot, writes compellingly for both aviators and the general reader. "This is a particularly valuable collection of reminiscences of a bygone era. For aviation buffs and true adventure readers." -Library Journal "Their planes stalled in flight, and half-day trips often lasted two weeks . . . The old-timers thrived on the challenge and the freedom, as these spirited interviews testify. Their stories are harrowing and funny and rich with Alaskan history and the wonders of glacier flying." -Booklist "These stories are really a collective inspiration that define the Alaskan spirit, and their work forged the path for the rest of us to enjoy this immense and wondrous place." -Homer News