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Carrying the Fire

An Astronaut's Journeys

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Carrying the Fire

By: Michael Collins
Narrated by: David Colacci
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About this listen

'No other person who has flown in space has captured the experience so vividly' - New York Times Book Review

In July 1969, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins piloted the Apollo 11 spacecraft to the moon. Fifty years later, it is still one of the greatest achievements in human history.

In this remarkable memoir, Michael Collins conveys, in a very personal way, the drama, beauty, and humour of that adventure. He also traces his development from his first flight experiences in the air force, through his days as a test pilot, to his involvement in Project Gemini and his first spaceflight on Gemini 10. He presents an evocative picture of the famous Apollo 11 spacewalk, detailing the joys of flight and a new perspective on time, light, and movement from someone who has seen the fragile Earth from the other side of the moon.

Updated with a new preface to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon-landing, Carrying the Fire by Michael Collins is the utterly absorbing and truly compelling classic account of what it was like to be a member of the Apollo 11 mission to the moon.

 Adventurers, Explorers & Survival Aeronautics & Astronautics Astronomy & Space Science Professionals & Academics Science Science & Technology Aviation Air Force

Critic Reviews

Collins tells what his space journeys meant to him as a human being [and] discusses the role of man amid the multitudinous mechanical marvels . . . Profoundly affecting
Michael Collins can write . . . No other person who has flown in space has captured the experience so vividly
A splendid and affirmative book . . . A magnificent piece of exposition alive with humour, candid in its anxiety, very sensitive in its appreciation of the men involved. (Edward Weeks)
All stars
Most relevant
One of, if not the best autobiography’s ever written. Incredible. Mike Collins story is incredible.

Incredible

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A detailed, humourous acount of an astronaut. Collins does not take himself too seriously, but shows deep respect for and commitment to telling his life's story which also provides deep insight into what it was really like to get to the moon and back as the pilot of Apollo 11.

An excellent contribution to space history

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An incredible insight into the Gemini and Apollo programs and the earlier days of Mike’s life, told in a relatable and humorous way. He explains technical parts of the missions in a way that’s easy to understand, I definitely recommend for anyone interested in Apollo, space flight or aviation, a very interesting listen!

An incredible insight into the life of an astronaut.

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I've read a dozen books on the 60s/70s space era and this is now one of my favourites. Detailed and entertaining... and even quite witty, I never once got bored or felt like it was dragging.

amazing read/listen

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Michael Collins has written his story in a wonderful funny and insightful way.
And David brings it to life.

Brilliant

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