BILLY MITCHELL

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1942

Here's a book that holds one's attention from first page to last -- but that, on reconsideration, is unsatisfactory either as a biography, or as a summation of the conflicting elements with which he was at war throughout his life. None the less, it is absorbing reading, and deserves more attention than the average scissors and paste quickly. Gauvreau served as an expert in the investigation of the patents of the Air Trust case; some of his material was left him by Mitchell; some came from court records; some was contributed by the inventor, James Martin. He has woven the whole into a vindication of Mitchell through the facts of his contribution -- in the first World War, as head of the Air Force, in the 'tween war period, as the Cassandra who pled for strengthening the air arm, and who was demoted and discredited by the ""brass hats"" and -- indirectly -- the political and industrial interests. Famous names come in for their share of accusation -- Pershing, Coolidge, Lindbergh, even Douglas MacArthur (who comes off lightly with an assumption that he has had a change of heart). Billy Mitchell has had his vindication in the march of events; now is the time for revival of popular interest in him, and the book is sensational in its expose of the venality and corruption in various seats of the mighty.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1942

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1942

Categories: NONFICTION