Aviatrix Classics – High, Wide, and Frightened by Louise Thaden

High, Wide, and Frightened

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Show notes

In this Literary Aviatrix Classics discussion with co-hosts Jacque Boyd and Jenny Beatty, we discuss Louise Thaden’s memoir, High, Wide, and Frightened, first published in 1938, two years after Thaden won the Bendix in its first co-ed year. This is a quintessential read for every pilot and avgeek, anyone who loves history, and anyone who wants a great story featuring a daring, inspiring woman who is also honest about her fears and mistakes. A  beautifully written memoir, it chronicles Thaden’s record-setting flights, including speed, endurance, and altitude, and offers a first-hand account of of the 1929 Women’s Transcontinental Air Race and the 1936 Bendix. Remarkably, Louise is unusual for her times in that she continued flying after having children, and she talks about that experience here. Jacque, Jenny, and I take you through each chapter’s highlights and discuss the relevance of this story today. I hope you enjoy listening to our discussion as much as we did recording it.