The Space Barons

An Incredible Modern Story Well Told

The book we've all been waiting for. I've been deeply engaged in this industry since the start of the incredible story that Davenport tells and I can say that this is the most comprehensive and professional treatment of the commercial spaceflight revolution to date. The author is a professional reporter and a fine wordsmith who understands his context and characters. He weaves a tale of adventure, excess and excitement on the final frontier that will keep even non-space cadets enthralled. This is a character based study and is not particularly distracted by the technologies or the data. You won't find the seconds of ISP rating on the latest SpaceX second stage engine configuration or the coefficient of drag on Virgin's VSS Unity. What Davenport does in nail the big personalities and unusual motivations that drive this generations boldest entrepreneurs to go where none have gone before.

The narration is also excellent. Collyer conveys the tension and enthusiasm of the story without distraction. He gets the names and technical pronunciations correct as well (a thing that always bugs me in tech books).

"Space Barrons" is a great summer read for anyone but it is a must-listen for any aspiring Jeff Bezos, Richard Branson or Elon Musk. I hope they all download it and are motivated to do impossibly great things someday, themselves.

4 sur 4 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Boring Book on Exciting Topic

This book was 2-3 times longer than it needed to be, which means too much filler and an overall boring experience. Bummer.

1 sur 1 personne(s) ont trouvé cet avis utile.

Amazing!

This book is a great choice for anyone interested in knowing more about the development and success of two awesome companies (space x and Blue Origin) that have pushed the foundation for space travel!

It said this headline was optional but it was not

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to read about the struggles that were over come. It did leave me wanting as the book only gets to 2017.

Fascinating summary of space industry

The summary of Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Virgin Galactic's rise is interesting. Not a fan fiction effort but informative and professional treatment. I ended up liking the narration, albeit only after a couple chapters. Rather short book really. Does a good job of capturing the personalities of the protagonists.

Interesting look at current views of space

If, like me, you have been disappointed with our country's space exploration in recent years (lack of), this is an interesting book about the private companies who are eagerly taking on the challenge. I drive a Tesla Model 3, and Elon Musk is, in my opinion, a person who is trying to make the future more positive and exciting. I still don't know why Musk has been treated so harshly. I learned more about SpaceX. I did not know as much about Bezos and others also joining in, so that was educational, too. I enjoyed the narrator and recommend this to all who are interested in man's future in space. #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Just Awesome

What a great book. From a space lover that does'nt know a lot about it, this was a very well written, easy to follow, and VERY EXCITING read!

Good read

Some inaccuracies, but interesting. I enjoyed the behind the scenes stories. Definitely captures the background of a major transition in space flight.

Good broad overview

it's a good broad overview of the 3 space barons the book discusses and the uprising commercial space industry.

Exciting. Humans cooperating & competing to space

I had read a biography of Elon Musk, and found it gave me hope for the future of humanity. But the other personalities and companies developing space vehicles were not known to me. Especially Blue Origin. Richard Branson, of course, had been in the news, but the history of the the company he was affiliated with was sparse. And, living in an area with aerospace companies, this book seemed to be a good way to get up-to-speed.

What an enjoyable read of the American efforts to reach space. The narration was excellent, the story well told.

This book would likely be enjoyed by many people who work for any of the companies involved in building aircraft of any kind. Many companies are mentioned, if only to show how the competition worked against or with each other. But, overall, the book did not give me a negative feeling. When it ended, I felt pride in how America is a country of innovators, explorers, inventors, and even scientific wizards.

We live in an exciting and historic time.