For All Mankind

This stirring volume by Newsweek correspondent Hurt ( Texas Rich ) presents the reactions of the 24 astronauts who have been to the moon. Althugh some of them, particularly Neil Armstrong, are laconic while others are expansive, the overall effect of these accounts by Buzz Aldrin, Stuart Roosa, Alan Bean and the others is high drama, the more so in the light of the Challenger explosion in 1986. The period covered is 1968 to 1972, and the procedures involved in preparing for and executing lunar flight are presented in detail. The primary emphasis is on Apollo 11, with the initial moon landing, but the story of Apollo 13 and its near-fatal accident as well as the scientific advances made in the last three Apollo flights are also placed center stage. In addition, there are salient observations about what the Apollo program means to mankind. Photos not seen by PW. $50,000 ad/promo; author tour. (October)