Distinguished African Americans in Aviation and Space Science

Distinguished African Americans in Aviation and Space Science offers brief, readable entries that describe the lives and careers of 80 men and 20 women who defied poverty and prejudice to excel in the fields of aviation and space exploration. Each essay begins with birth and death dates, educational institutions attended and degrees earned, positions held, and awards won. A short summary of the individual's contribution to aviation or space science is followed by a biographical narrative divided into three sections: Early Years, Higher Education, and Career Highlights. Often based on the authors' correspondence with the subjects themselves, or with family members, this illustrated volume provides the fullest and most accessible biographical information available for many of these figures.

This biographical encyclopedia profiles 80 men and 20 women who overcame poverty and prejudice, excelling in the fields of aviation and space exploration. Each entry lists birth and death dates, schools attended and degrees earned, positions held, and awards won. Their contributions are summarized, and their life stories told, with emphasis on their childhood experiences, education, and career. Many entries are based on correspondence with the subject or surviving members of his or her family. Black and white photographs are included.

Annotation © Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

BETTY KAPLAN GUBERT is the compiler of Invisible Wings: An Annotated Bibliography on Blacks in Aviation, 1916-1993 (Greenwood 1994), among other bibliographies.

MIRIAM SAWYER is director of the Rutherford Public Library, Rutherford, NJ. She received her B.A. from Ohio University and her MLS from State University of New York at Albany.

CAROLINE M. FANNIN is a writer and library administrator. She received a bachelor's degree in writing and literature from Wheaton College, and a master's degree in library service from Rutgers University.