Burnside Rare Books

First on the Moon: A Voyage with Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins [and] Edwin E. Aldrin Jr.

Armstrong, Neil; Michael Collins; Buzz Aldrin; Gene Farmer; Dora Jane Hamblin; Arthur C. Clarke [Epilogue]

Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1970.

First edition, first printing. Signed by Neil Armstrong on the half-title page and inscribed to a former owner. xiii, [1], 434 pp. Bound in publisher's black cloth titled in gilt on spine and in blind on front board. Near Fine with light rubbing to extremities, dulling to spine gilt, and light soiling to upper textblock edge. Contents lightly toned. In a Very Good unclipped dust jacket with light toning and edgewear, some laminate lift near upper edge, very light foxing to upper verso, and diagonal crease to each flap.

Life Magazine had exclusive rights to the personal stories of the first- and second-generation astronauts, a contract negotiated with the aid of John Glenn, who knew all too well that military salaries did not cover the expensive suits required for the men’s frequent press conferences. Dora Jane Hamblin effectively embedded herself with the families of Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins in the months leading up to the launch – which she watched from a yacht in the company of Armstrong’s wife and children – and this official account of the Apollo 11 mission combines transcripts and technical descriptions with human-interest reportage.

The moon landing was one of the greatest events of the 20th century, unifying the nation and world in a moment of awe that caught the breath of both critics and supporters. It also effectively ended the career of Neil Armstrong, who after being paraded around the world with his two co-stars was considered too valuable a public figure to risk sending into space again. Armstrong retreated to Ohio and spent the next few decades avoiding the limelight. Signed books like this are consequently rare – the recipient was a lucky man. Item #140948875

Price: $9,500