THE RIGHT STUFF

New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1979. First edition. Near fine in a near fine jacket.. First printing of Tom Wolfe's classic New Journalism chronicle of the US effort to send humans to space. The story of Project Mercury and the Mercury Seven astronauts, Wolfe's narrative also discusses the contributions of test pilots Chuck Yeager and Scott Crossfield, their wives, and other players in the central drama of the first manned space flight. Discursive, garrulous, and relentlessly colloquial, Wolfe's style has a slangy rush and zest that captures the period and carries the reader along on the author's exploration of the warrior hero myth, the psychological impact of space and celebrity, and the personal stories of those involved. An attractive copy of a book typically found heavily read. 8.5'' x 5.5''. Original grey cloth, silver stamping to front board and spine. In original unclipped ($12.95) silver dust jacket designed by Kiyoshi Kanai. Royal blue endpapers. [10], 436, [2] pages. Minor reading wear, toning here and there. Overall, sharp and clean.