MOONWALKER

Signed and dated May 1990 on the half-title page by

Brigadier General Charlie Duke
~ Apollo 16 Lunar Module Pilot
+ Dotty Duke

Oliver Nelson First edition, first impression 1990. 284 pages and well illustrated with photos.

Fine condition hardback book with red boards and gilt titles.  Fine condition dustjacket, complete, unclipped and in a protective cover. A smart copy. 

In 1972 aboard Apollo 16, Charlie Duke became the tenth of twelve men to walk on the moon. Over the years, his enthusiasm and humour have not only entertained, but also inspired others to reach their goals. As one of the 19 astronauts selected by NASA in April 1966, Duke served as lunar module pilot of Apollo 16 from April 16-27 in 1972. Apollo 16 was the first scientific expedition to inspect, survey, and sample materials and surface features in the Descartes region of the rugged lunar highlands. With the completion of his first space flight, Duke logged 265 hours in space and over 21 hours of extra vehicular activity.

This is the story of how a small town South Carolina boy set goals for himself and strived to succeed as a fighter and test pilot and then as an astronaut and businessman.  The book describes the thrill and excitement of flying to the moon, from the selection to the training and the actual flight in Charlie’s down to earth and conversational style.  He was the CAPCOM for the Apollo 11 moon landing and was back-up for Apollo 13, being bumped from the mission with only a couple of weeks to go due to German Measles. This is a thoroughly fascinating story of his adventures.  Along the way he answers the popular questions with which he’s been bombarded over the years.

A great book for anyone interested in the Apollo missions, enhanced by a very collectable moonwalker signature.