"In Doris Richrs"s latest aviation biography, barefoot, illiterate Bessie Pittman reinvents herself as Jacqueline Cochran, the brash beautician who set more speed and altitude records than any pilot in history. . . . Rich illuminates the lesser-known facts of this under-appreciated pioneer and lights a belated candle for her too. "--Air and Space "History has proven Earhart to be the favorite, but Cochran undoubtedly was the superior pilot: determined to be not just the best woman pilot but to be the best pilot, period, she broke countless aviation records for speed, altitude, and distance. . . . Rich gives Cochran her rightful place in aviation history."-Publishers Weekly "Often combative and abrasive, Cochran is a true American legend, and Richrs"s biography will ensure that Cochranrs"s contributions will not be forgotten."-Booklist "At the time of her death on August 9, 1980, Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran-recipient of Americars"s Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Legion of Merit-held more speed, altitude, and distance records (200-plus) than any other pilot, male or female, in the history of aviation. . . . Rich reminds us that this remarkable lady, despite her shortcomings, reached Mach 2-twice the speed of sound-piloting a Lockheed F-104 at the tender age of 58."-Library Journal

Doris Rich was the author of Amelia Earhart: A Biography, Queen Bess: Daredevil Aviator, and The Magnificent Moisants: Champions of Early Flight.