Art Smith

<p> By 1915 pioneer aviator Art Smith was as celebrated as any movie star might be today. He thrilled audiences with his barnstorming feats doing death spirals sky writing loop-the-loops and night flights using phosphorus fireworks. He was a consummate showman and had he not died in 1926 his name probably would be familiar to most Americans. He glamorized and popularized aviation while testing the boundaries of aeronautical principles.</p><p> As a boy he longed to fly before he had ever seen an airplane. His parents believed in him and he was fortunate to have a best friend named Al Wertman who helped him build an airplane. His fame spread around the globe and in 1916 the Japanese offered him $10000 for a series of exhibitions. His flying skills inspired a young Wiley Post to a life of aviation. After Smith's death when Lindbergh flew over Fort Wayne and dipped his wings he gave credit to the Bird Boy Art Smith.</p><p> The story of this rising star in American aviation is one of adventure romance scandal and history. Using Smith's own autobiographical writings the story is also a factual account of events in early aviation. The book includes photographs and postcards in Art Smith's own handwriting mailed to Al Wertman.</p>