Magnificent Failure: Free Fall from the Edge of Space


New from Smithsonian Books!

“The universe is icy cold and eerily quiet. You are suspended 123,500 feet, roughly 23 miles, above the surface of planet Earth . . . and you're ready to jump. This is the true story of Nick Piantanida—a story of incredible adventure, courage, bravado, and tragedy. This successor to Craig Ryan's acclaimed The Pre-Astronauts fascinates and intrigues the armchair adventurer in us all.”
ISBN 1-58834-141-0

Nick Piantanida floats above South Dakota in 'Second Chance' during Strato-Jump II

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Praise for Magnificent Failure

“Engrossing . . . A miracle of research.”
  —Sports Illustrated

“In white-knuckle style, Ryan describes the problems Piantanida encountered . . . A fascinating account.”
  —The Portland Oregonian

“This is a terrific, informative, on-the-edge-of-your-seat read.”
  —Larry Colton (author of Goat Brothers and Counting Coup)

“The book is remarkably insightful, full of detail and pulse-pounding drama.”
  —Airpower

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