Light This Candle

The definitive biography of Alan Shepard Americas first man in space with a new Foreword by Chris KraftOne of the finest books ever written about the space program.Homer Hickan author ofRocket BoysA wonderful and gripping biography . . . meticulously reported in the best tradition of David Halberstam.Buzz BissingerNew York Timesbestselling author ofFriday Night LightsAlan Shepard was the brashest cockiest and most flamboyant of Americas original Mercury Seven but he was also regarded as the best. Intense colorful and dramatic he was among the most private of Americas public figures and until his death in 1998 he guarded the story of his life zealously.Light This Candle based on Neal Thompsons exclusive access to private papers and interviews with Shepards family and closest friendsincluding John Glenn Wally Schirra and Gordon Cooperoffers a riveting action-packed account of Shepards life.