First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong
Encyclopedia
First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong is the official biography of Neil Armstrong
, the first man to walk on the moon
. It was written by James R. Hansen and published in 2005 by Simon & Schuster.
in Alabama
. The writing process began in October 1999 when Hansen had first written to Armstrong asking if he could write the book. At first Armstrong told him that he was too busy and had already turned down several previous offers from authors such as Stephen Ambrose
and James A. Michener
. Hansen persisted, sending what he described as a "goody box" of his books, including a biography called From the Ground Up about aircraft designer Fred Weick
. Armstrong was impressed with the style of the book and in June 2002, Armstrong and Hansen signed a formal agreement. Two months later, Armstrong signed a letter for Hansen that said Hansen had his full support and encouraged others to provide what he needed to write a book.
and Warner Brothers bought the film rights to First Man. No production date was announced and the film has still not been made.
Universal Pictures
plan to make a film of the book, provisionally called First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong.
Neil Armstrong
Neil Alden Armstrong is an American former astronaut, test pilot, aerospace engineer, university professor, United States Naval Aviator, and the first person to set foot upon the Moon....
, the first man to walk on the moon
Moon
The Moon is Earth's only known natural satellite,There are a number of near-Earth asteroids including 3753 Cruithne that are co-orbital with Earth: their orbits bring them close to Earth for periods of time but then alter in the long term . These are quasi-satellites and not true moons. For more...
. It was written by James R. Hansen and published in 2005 by Simon & Schuster.
Development
James Hansen is a professor of history at Auburn UniversityAuburn University
Auburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...
in Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
. The writing process began in October 1999 when Hansen had first written to Armstrong asking if he could write the book. At first Armstrong told him that he was too busy and had already turned down several previous offers from authors such as Stephen Ambrose
Stephen Ambrose
Stephen Edward Ambrose was an American historian and biographer of U.S. Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Richard Nixon. He was a long time professor of history at the University of New Orleans and the author of many best selling volumes of American popular history...
and James A. Michener
James A. Michener
James Albert Michener was an American author of more than 40 titles, the majority of which were sweeping sagas, covering the lives of many generations in particular geographic locales and incorporating historical facts into the stories...
. Hansen persisted, sending what he described as a "goody box" of his books, including a biography called From the Ground Up about aircraft designer Fred Weick
Fred Weick
Fred Ernest Weick was one of the United States' earliest aviation pioneers, working as an airmail pilot, research engineer, and aircraft designer....
. Armstrong was impressed with the style of the book and in June 2002, Armstrong and Hansen signed a formal agreement. Two months later, Armstrong signed a letter for Hansen that said Hansen had his full support and encouraged others to provide what he needed to write a book.
Reception
An outstanding success...Immaculately researched and packed with detail, but written in a way that will appeal to readers of all kinds — Sir Patrick MooreFilm rights
In 2003, Clint EastwoodClint Eastwood
Clinton "Clint" Eastwood, Jr. is an American film actor, director, producer, composer and politician. Eastwood first came to prominence as a supporting cast member in the TV series Rawhide...
and Warner Brothers bought the film rights to First Man. No production date was announced and the film has still not been made.
Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures
-1920:* White Youth* The Flaming Disc* Am I Dreaming?* The Dragon's Net* The Adorable Savage* Putting It Over* The Line Runners-1921:* The Fire Eater* A Battle of Wits* Dream Girl* The Millionaire...
plan to make a film of the book, provisionally called First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong.