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Community Reviews

 · ii,374 ratings  · 217 reviews

First your review of Fate Is the Hunter

Mar 06, 2015 Bettie rated information technology liked it

Recommends it for: Laura, Wanda et al

Clarification: Ernest M. Gann's classic memoir is an up-shut and thrilling business relationship of the treacherous early on days of commercial aviation. In his inimitable style, Gann brings you right into the cockpit, recounting both the triumphs and terrors of pilots who flew when flying was annihilation just routine.

https://www.youtube.com/sentry?5=hjKHf...

Fate and destiny are bottom line answers to every precarious situation in Gann'due south virtually-autobiography and philosophically speaking, that really ain't my bag. Apart

Description: Ernest Yard. Gann's archetype memoir is an up-shut and thrilling account of the treacherous early on days of commercial aviation. In his inimitable style, Gann brings you right into the cockpit, recounting both the triumphs and terrors of pilots who flew when flight was anything only routine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjKHf...

Fate and destiny are bottom line answers to every precarious situation in Gann'southward near-autobiography and philosophically speaking, that really own't my bag. Apart from that, information technology is a white-knuckle ride through the early days of commercial airlines.

The 'why me' and 'lucked-out's became palling.

...more

Nov 15, 2012 Andreas rated it actually liked information technology

For aviators, this is the ultimate, classic memoir. Ernest Gann started flying in the late thirties, flew transport planes all over the world during WWII, and continued flight for airlines thereafter. This book is part relate of his many adventures and misadventures, office drove of thoughts on life and flying.

Even a pilot with my limited experience tin immediately discern the fundamental authenticity in the erudite voice of this true aviator. The volume is episodic, with sequential periods

For aviators, this is the ultimate, classic memoir. Ernest Gann started flying in the belatedly thirties, flew ship planes all over the world during WWII, and continued flying for airlines thereafter. This book is part chronicle of his many adventures and misadventures, function collection of thoughts on life and flying.

Even a pilot with my limited feel tin can immediately discern the fundamental actuality in the brainy vox of this true aviator. The book is episodic, with sequential periods and incidents inside serving to motility Gann's destiny forward. Gann writes elegantly, peppering his oftentimes long whimsical tangents with razor sharp understatement. Technical matters become uncomplicated as they are reduced to how they really business organisation the pilot and his mental state. The essence of what it feels like to wing, in clear skies, in storms and in pouring rain, in Chill winter and Saharan oven and Amazon jungle, is eloquently explained and examined, with an eye for that poetic and magnificent experience that truly attracts pilots towards flying.

Quite a magnificent book for pilots, and one that will hold the interest of others also.

http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=1619

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Nov 01, 2012 Jeff rated it really liked information technology

Recommends it for: Everyone that loves flying

Recommended to Jeff by: Brad

Really good book, written in 1961, about the early days of flight. Starts out in DC2s and DC3s, flying mail routes and other similar tasks, so moved to doing flights for the military equally WWII began to unfold. He doesn't make a existent big deal about information technology, but the author actually lost a LOT of friends to airplanes over the years, and he had some close calls but was able to out-altitude "fate" at each juncture. I can peculiarly relate to his speaking of the insatiable ambition of a pilot to expect skyward Really good book, written in 1961, about the early days of flying. Starts out in DC2s and DC3s, flight mail routes and other like tasks, then moved to doing flights for the military as WWII began to unfold. He doesn't make a real large deal about information technology, but the writer really lost a LOT of friends to airplanes over the years, and he had some close calls but was able to out-altitude "fate" at each juncture. I tin particularly relate to his speaking of the insatiable appetite of a pilot to look skyward whenever nosotros hear an airplane, or to stand there looking at the runway as a plane takes off, until it finally disappears into the distance...

No plot, no credible agenda, just enjoyable reading about airplanes, flight, and pilots, from a pilot that grew upwards every bit our aviation industry was in its infancy.

...more than

To my surprise, I bogged downwardly early in this archetype pilot's memoir. The man just couldn't write! It didn't help that my library re-create was heavily underlined past some Yahoo vandal. But, basically, I just couldn't bring myself to care well-nigh much of annihilation, up to the point I quit (@~ 25%). Cliche, platitude, cliche. Maybe it gets ameliorate further in? Well, I'll never know, and my bookshelf brimmeth over with stuff that's a LOT more attractive than this turkey.

Author: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest

To my surprise, I bogged down early in this archetype pilot's memoir. The homo merely couldn't write! It didn't help that my library copy was heavily underlined past some Yahoo vandal. But, basically, I just couldn't bring myself to care about much of annihilation, up to the betoken I quit (@~ 25%). Cliche, cliche, cliche. Perchance it gets better farther in? Well, I'll never know, and my bookshelf brimmeth over with stuff that's a LOT more attractive than this turkey.

Author: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_..., 1910 - 1991. "Gann's classic memoir of early commercial aviation, "Fate Is the Hunter", is nevertheless in print today and considered by many ane of the greatest aviation books ever written." Which is why I tried to read it. Didn't work for me. And I like aviation memoirs!

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Mar xvi, 2012 Paul rated it liked it

Actual rating: 3.5 stars.

A fascinating almost-autobiography by an airline pilot who flew from the tardily 1930s into the 1950s, the era of DC-2s, DC-3s, C-87s, and DC-4s. Gann has some nifty stories to share, many quite frightening, some of which volition have you gripping the edges of the book similar a control yoke, knuckles white. My god, those were dangerous days, and the early airline pilots took risks that would be inconceivable today, letting down through solid conditions with inaccurate altimeter setti

Actual rating: iii.5 stars.

A fascinating about-autobiography by an airline airplane pilot who flew from the late 1930s into the 1950s, the era of DC-2s, DC-3s, C-87s, and DC-4s. Gann has some keen stories to share, many quite frightening, some of which will have you gripping the edges of the book like a control yoke, duke white. My god, those were unsafe days, and the early on airline pilots took risks that would exist inconceivable today, letting down through solid atmospheric condition with inaccurate altimeter settings until as low as fifty feet above the footing or ocean, trying to establish visual contact with the surface; flying into thunderstorms and icing weather condition; pressing fuel minimums beyond the betoken of no return, and reading Gann'southward litany of departed airline pioneers -- men who died, one afterwards another, usually a microsecond before their trusting passengers -- is a scrap like standing inside the cleft of the Vietnam War Memorial, thinking "my god, all those names!"

This is not merely a history of the airline industry's early days, it is also a history of the U.s. Army Air Corps' ship command, set up in the early days of WWII, and the institution of trans-Atlantic routes and refueling stops; a history of American airline involvement in Central and South America; and a lengthy treatise on the airline seniority organisation.

Why call it a near-autobiography? Because Gann changes the names of the departed, and steadfastly refuses to name any of the airlines involved, including his own. Who, after all these years, does he retrieve he'southward protecting? Information technology is typical of airline pilots never to slight their own organizations, I suppose, and Gann is no exception.

Why non iv stars? Because this is a very wordy book, and I found myself skimming over some philosophical and repetitious paragraphs, trying to skip alee to pick up the thread of a story. The book is essentially a sting of "there I was" stories, and they're all fascinating -- merely yous have to wade through thigh-deep "there but for the grace of god" moralizing to become to the outcomes. Some of Gann's musings are vital to the book, notwithstanding, and y'all take to be careful not to skip over those. At the center of this book is a dissertation on fate, the fickleness thereof. Why did Gann survive this thunderstorm when so-and-and then, a vastly more experienced pilot, died under identical circumstances? Why did Gann'south engines go on running when, after he landed, ground crews plant the tanks bone dry?

I'1000 an aviator, but my experience is in military fighters, not the airlines. Still, I'm fascinated by the story of aviation'south development in the United states of america and the earth, and this book is an insider'south take on it, told from the left seat -- despite skimming over a few wordy paragraphs, I couldn't put information technology down.

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Jul 21, 2008 Matt Lavine rated information technology it was astonishing

Recommends it for: Anyone Interested in Aviaition

Recommended to Matt past: I establish it at the library past myself =D

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view information technology, click here. Fate Is The Hunter is not a war story or a spy book, it is, instead, a story of fate and how information technology can beginning careers, and end lives, but nearly importantly, this is a true story of life and decease. The item and emotion Gann wrote on these pages is phenomenal and you must take time to read each word and attempt to imagine the scene in your mind and feel the emotion. The book starts with Gann when he is first learning to fly DC-3s and DC-2s in the early 1900s. Throughout the book, he tells of his adventur Fate Is The Hunter is non a war story or a spy book, it is, instead, a story of fate and how it can start careers, and end lives, but almost importantly, this is a true story of life and death. The item and emotion Gann wrote on these pages is astounding and you must take fourth dimension to read each discussion and try to imagine the scene in your mind and feel the emotion. The book starts with Gann when he is first learning to fly DC-3s and DC-2s in the early 1900s. Throughout the book, he tells of his adventures in beginning person from inside the cockpit of his airplane. Although those who do not know much about aviation may not sympathise the suttle complexity of flying an old DC-3 or DC-2, they tin can however exist gripped past the emotions Gann pours into his writing when he learns that 1 of his friends had just crashed into a mount or simply fell to their death from 3-thousand feet. Past the terminate of the book almost every one of his friends has crashed or died. After many times of believing this is the end or I am going to dice here, Gann finnaly knew enough was enough and decided to start writing his experiences on paper, therefore writing Fate Is The Hunter. ...more

This book and Gann'south "A Hostage to Fortune" were amidst those on my late father'south bookshelf for decades. I kept them to read myself, to come across the kind of book he enjoyed. Dad was a pilot, beginning before WWII, flying send in Europe-Africa-Republic of india during the war, later bush-piloting along the BC coast and Canadian Arctic (his favourite years), and then equally senior pilot with an international company, moving from Otters, Beavers and a DC-3 to a Hawker Siddeley 125 business organisation jet. These books by Ernest Ga This book and Gann's "A Hostage to Fortune" were among those on my tardily father'south bookshelf for decades. I kept them to read myself, to come across the kind of volume he enjoyed. Dad was a pilot, beginning before WWII, flying transport in Europe-Africa-Bharat during the war, later bush-piloting along the BC declension and Canadian Arctic (his favourite years), then every bit senior airplane pilot with an international visitor, moving from Otters, Beavers and a DC-3 to a Hawker Siddeley 125 business concern jet. These books by Ernest Gann must have been proficient reads for my father. (He received this volume as a gift. The inscription on the flyleaf reads: "Ross, Hope you volition enjoy this as we did. Thanks for a 1000 trip to Magas May 1961, Harry T. Miller [LAX?].")
The writing is detailed and well put together - and what an incredible retentivity Gann had! He writes honestly and self-deprecatingly about his many experiences. This volume is almost his years every bit a commercial pilot.
I won't rate this book, since I did non read the entire thing, rather, I skipped through it.
(I'll repeat much of this review on the other book's folio.) ...more

This book returns the reader back to the aureate pioneering days of Commercial airlines and all the danger and hazard that of the menstruum. Fate is a game of numbers and luck and the author takes us on his ride with fate with all it'due south ups and downs. Anyone with a passing interest in flying needs to read this book you volition non be disappointed. This book returns the reader dorsum to the aureate pioneering days of Commercial airlines and all the danger and adventure that of the period. Fate is a game of numbers and luck and the writer takes the states on his ride with fate with all it's ups and downs. Anyone with a passing interest in flying needs to read this volume yous will not be disappointed. ...more

Oct 09, 2013 Ally Ports rated it it was astonishing

Amazing tales of 1 of the outset commercial pilots. As a pilot myself I was spellbound merely I am pretty certain even a novice would fall head first into the exhilaration adventures equally time passes across World War II and the first people of the sky open up the world and notice new frontiers.

Dec 01, 2020 Cliff Ward rated information technology actually liked information technology

Written in 1961, Ernest Gann invites the reader to travel aslope him in the cramped cockpit of those early 1930's aeroplanes right through WW2 flight equally a transport pilot and into the competitive commercial airline historic period of the 1950.
The volume recounts crash after crash and the many sudden deaths of his comrades, often occurring at the least expected moment or after another contempo almost miss. Gann says we must believe in our own personal fortune and destiny in order to have any risk of survival. Written in 1961, Ernest Gann invites the reader to travel alongside him in the cramped cockpit of those early 1930's aeroplanes right through WW2 flying as a send airplane pilot and into the competitive commercial airline historic period of the 1950.
The book recounts crash after crash and the many sudden deaths of his comrades, ofttimes occurring at the least expected moment or after another recent almost miss. Gann says nosotros must believe in our ain personal fortune and destiny in order to have any chance of survival. Fate itself is indeed the hunter and when information technology is set to take u.s.a. it certainly will.
Many of Gann'southward close meetings with fate involve technical issues with those 1930s propellor planes such as the DC3 or shipping converted from employ in WW2. They took a light body of a fuselage, hammered downwards some engines, and away it went. On many occasions it wasn't until a disaster had taken many lives that a technical error was realized or a procedural function modified. Their engines flew into icy clouds and froze up, there odometers misread, their planes were mis-loaded or simply non maintained. Of the many who flew at that place were many victims and simply fate could decide who would survive. ...more

Jun sixteen, 2020 Rick rated information technology it was amazing

Phenomenal drove of stories from the early days of airline and ocean flying.

Part of me wishes I had the experience to write something like this, nearly of me is very happy I don't.

Phenomenal collection of stories from the early days of airline and ocean flying.

Part of me wishes I had the feel to write something like this, most of me is very happy I don't.

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Oct 01, 2018 Bernardo rated it information technology was amazing

We at present accept flights for granted. But it wasn't always this easy to hop on a airplane and, hours later, land somewhere else. This book tells the story of an interesting signal in aviation'south history, when technology had avant-garde enough simply still unsafe. A worthy book, filled with technical details explained with uncomplicated, piece of cake-to-read and entertaining.

Jul 22, 2017 John Behle rated information technology actually liked information technology

Recommends information technology for: life risk realization

Recommended to John by: My begetter in 1967

1967. I had just turned eleven and my dad dared me to read this book. He tossed me the paperback edition stating I was ready for grown upwards books. I plant out I liked it, fifty-fifty understanding the theme of luck and fatalism. I turned it into an A+ volume report in forepart of form.

Now, but 50 years later, I bought the hardcover first edition at a used book shop--hey, I was going to to this up correct. I delved into the however remembered pages and the wonder came flooding back. While beingness an aviation enthusia

1967. I had merely turned eleven and my dad dared me to read this book. He tossed me the paperback edition stating I was ready for grown upwardly books. I constitute out I liked it, even understanding the theme of luck and fatalism. I turned it into an A+ book report in front of class.

Now, merely 50 years afterward, I bought the hardcover first edition at a used volume shop--hey, I was going to to this up correct. I delved into the still remembered pages and the wonder came flooding dorsum. While existence an aviation enthusiast helps a little, anyone can enjoy the wordsmith skill and eagle eyed observational talent of Ernest Gann.

The canvas Gann paints on is his learning to be an airline airplane pilot in the 1930'south. He later flew cargo in WWII in all theaters. After, he was 1 of the atomic number 82 crews staking out the California to Hawaii airline routes for Matson Navigation Company.

To be sure, in that location is fate hunting on nearly every folio. Airline flying with twin radial, non- pressurized, DC-3s was hazardous. Radio communication and navigational aids were primitive. Weather condition reporting was sketchy and subjective. As Gann continually points out, crews were then often left to their own visual acuity and experience...or... simply a hunch and luck. One of his cherished lines from this book sums information technology up: "Rulebooks are paper-they will not cushion the sudden meeting of stone and metal."

So...hither is to Dad, thanks for that challenge and recommendation a half century ago. Gann left airlines in 1960 and reinvented himself as a blue-water sailboat buff. His telling of that function of his life is also a true life activity yarn, The Song of the Sirens, released in 1968.

I have tried to similar, to no avail, his several fiction works.

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October 23, 2013 Laurent rated it it was amazing

A slice of literature, in disguise as a aviation book

Who'd of e'er thought that a airplane pilot and the overall field of aviation could exist written near with such eloquence, beauty and vividness. Since I was a kid, I've been an aviation enthusiast and then Gann'due south book which spans both pre and post-WWII aviation is exactly the kind of novel I dearest.

For me, a couple of lessons were especially poignant from Gann'southward descriptions of early commercial aviation. His descriptions of being a terrified and bullied co-

A piece of literature, in disguise as a aviation book

Who'd of ever thought that a pilot and the overall field of aviation could be written nearly with such eloquence, beauty and vividness. Since I was a child, I've been an aviation enthusiast so Gann's book which spans both pre and post-WWII aviation is exactly the kind of novel I love.

For me, a couple of lessons were particularly poignant from Gann's descriptions of early commercial aviation. His descriptions of beingness a terrified and bullied co-airplane pilot, who was expected to be a slave, shut up and know cypher (and especially never question the Captain) is very interesting and relevant and make me realise how much aviation has progressed an learned almost crew resources management, particularly in low-cal of the 1977 Tenerife disaster.

On a personal level I institute the following description of flying with Hughen (pp87 to 89) quite interesting:

I wonder if Hughen is one of those pilots secretly afraid of airplanes. There area very few such men, anxiously nursing their dread until the 24-hour interval they tin can retire. Experience had worn them out instead of gardening them. They be in a half-frightened shock, like punch-drink fighters, and everyone I'd dirty fir them.

And I actually had no idea that even in the 1950s flight was such a hazardous undertaking even post-state of war, e.g. page 352.

If y'all're at all interested in aviation, you're sure to like this book and I highly recommend it.

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I'd read some of Gann'south aviation fiction long ago, just I had no idea he was himself an airline pilot. His account of flying crosscountry in the interwar United states of america, transporters in the state of war and international flights subsequently reminded me in its lyricism and great love of the sky of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, but with more jokes. His account of the search and rescue functioning for a airplane pilot downed in the vastness of the Arctic is one of the most thrilling things I've ever read. I'd read some of Gann's aviation fiction long ago, but I had no idea he was himself an airline pilot. His account of flying crosscountry in the interwar US, transporters in the war and international flights after reminded me in its lyricism and neat love of the heaven of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, but with more than jokes. His business relationship of the search and rescue operation for a pilot downed in the vastness of the Arctic is i of the most thrilling things I've e'er read. ...more

Dec 25, 2014 Skyblue rated it it was amazing

This book helped me decide to become an airline pilot. Whatever professional person airplane pilot will feel correct at abode with Gann in the cockpit. He starts out every bit a new hire First Officer for American Airlines, learning the ropes on the DC2 and DC3. It is fascinating to experience the working conditions of that era, and make us realize how much nosotros owe to those pioneers, and how much engineering science has made air travel and then safe and reliable today. And while and then much has inverse, at that place are still human elements that remain This volume helped me make up one's mind to become an airline pilot. Whatever professional pilot will experience right at dwelling house with Gann in the cockpit. He starts out equally a new hire Offset Officeholder for American Airlines, learning the ropes on the DC2 and DC3. Information technology is fascinating to feel the working weather condition of that era, and make united states realize how much nosotros owe to those pioneers, and how much technology has fabricated air travel and then safe and reliable today. And while so much has changed, at that place are still human elements that remain the aforementioned, the dynamics of working in close quarters with a wildly diverse grouping of pilots. Any pilot who has gone through new rent training will see that some things haven't changed at all. As I have moved up the ranks through the years, I accept reread this volume, each time with a different perspective. Dandy stories, great writing. Several movies were made from different parts of this volume. ...more

Perhaps, equally an amateur pilot, I'm biased towards this sort of thing, only my appreciation of this goes well beyond enthusiasm almost the genre. Not only is this the finest aviation memoir I've run beyond, it'south literature masquerading equally a memoir. I've read this a few times now, and every time reading information technology through is different: the kickoff time, I was enthralled by the narrative of the stories, and was so anxious to observe out what happened that I blew through the beautifully constructed sentences and th Perhaps, equally an amateur pilot, I'1000 biased towards this sort of thing, but my appreciation of this goes well beyond enthusiasm most the genre. Non only is this the finest aviation memoir I've run across, it's literature masquerading as a memoir. I've read this a few times at present, and every time reading information technology through is different: the first fourth dimension, I was enthralled by the narrative of the stories, and was so broken-hearted to find out what happened that I blew through the beautifully synthetic sentences and the vocabulary that sends most of u.s.a. running for our dictionaries. I defenseless that the second time, but I was so interested in the style that I managed to miss the overarching theme of the book - that fate hunts all of us, regardless of our circumstances - until the side by side time that I read it.

This book is a jewel, and the experience of reading it improves after being read more than once.

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Aviation memoir of commercial airline airplane pilot from mid-1930s through mid-1950s. Extreme focus on unsafe situations and eccentricities of diverse aircraft. All aspects of life separate from flying ignored completely.

May 31, 2019 Andy rated it it was astonishing

Just one of the all-time aviation books I've ever read. Drawing a line through history from the early days of passenger flying through the incredible developments of the 2nd WW, this extraordinary history explains how we plant our about magnetic deviation, nearly the existence of jetstreams, virtually astro-navigation and about the building of the trade routes that still exist today. An epic tale that should be read past anyone with an involvement in aviation and adventuring. Just 1 of the best aviation books I've always read. Drawing a line through history from the early days of passenger flying through the incredible developments of the second WW, this extraordinary history explains how we plant our well-nigh magnetic departure, nigh the existence of jetstreams, about astro-navigation and near the building of the merchandise routes that still exist today. An epic tale that should be read past anyone with an interest in aviation and adventuring. ...more

This is an oldie but goodie. Gann'southward autobiographical life in the air is filled with those shut misses that those of who fly, on occasion, worry about. Basically his life of flying starts in the tardily Great Depression and ends somewhere just after the Korean War. If you like the idea of fate (versus God) always lurking around the corner for yous (or i of your characters, if you write) then this is as adept a lesson as you'll become. If you tend to want to defy fate, this is a good immersion into the This is an oldie but goodie. Gann's autobiographical life in the air is filled with those close misses that those of who wing, on occasion, worry nigh. Basically his life of flight starts in the late Great Depression and ends somewhere just after the Korean War. If y'all like the thought of fate (versus God) always lurking around the corner for you (or ane of your characters, if you lot write) and so this is every bit practiced a lesson as you'll get. If you lot tend to want to defy fate, this is a good immersion into the part of luck, fate, smarts, daring, etc.

Just, I'chiliad nevertheless one of those people who is non 100% comfortable in an aluminum tube shrieking through the night at some major gathering of other aluminum tubes. I've flown enough small-scale craft to be scared and marveled and enjoy the view and then throw up!

I volition always remember writing a creative-non fiction piece for course 25 years ago about TWA Flight 400 that blew upward over Long Isle Sound. Fate. And if you lot don't like Gann'south attitude, read Julius Caesar by Shakespeare.

It'south a wonder Ernest Gann lived through information technology all.

...more

Jun 12, 2020 Lee J rated it it was amazing

The best volume on flying that I've read. Nicely written too. The best volume on flying that I've read. Nicely written too. ...more

"I'll teach you lot how to escape expiry.
...at that place is a raven in the eastern sea which is called Yitai ("boring-caput"). This dull-head cannot fly very loftier and seems very stupid. It hops only a short distance and nestles shut with others of its kind. In going forrad, it dare non lag backside. At the fourth dimension of feeding, it takes what is left over by the other birds. Therefore, the ranks of this bird are never depleted and nobody tin do them any harm. A tree with a straight trunk is the get-go to be chopped d

"I'll teach you how to escape death.
...there is a raven in the eastern ocean which is called Yitai ("slow-caput"). This deadening-head cannot fly very loftier and seems very stupid. Information technology hops just a brusque distance and nestles close with others of its kind. In going forwards, information technology dare not lag behind. At the fourth dimension of feeding, it takes what is left over by the other birds. Therefore, the ranks of this bird are never depleted and nobody can exercise them any harm. A tree with a straight trunk is the beginning to be chopped downward. A well with sweet h2o is the beginning to exist fatigued dry."

- TAIKUNG JEN, in a chat with Confucius, and included before the preface of Fate is the Hunter

Gann'south brilliant prose and spectacular adventures brand for an exhilarating and immersive feel. The book recounts his growth from a nervous novice to a seasoned, and extremely lucky, veteran. His growth is then overshadowed past the explosive growth of aviation during that era, reshaped from a swashbuckling, dangerous, and visionary vocation to a more commercialized and bureaucratized one. Gann mentions that aviation loses much of its pioneering spirit in the transformation. His adventures and misadventures are chronicled in numerous episodes, ranging from search and rescues in N America to flying the notorious Hump of the Himalayas. His musings on beauty (the humbling vistas of the earth, the fine jewels of the night sky, the fateful personalities of the airplanes, the memorable demeanours and actions of the men) and introspection (the unpretentiousness of true courage, the loneliness and creativity that comes with nonconformity) further enrich the novel. The entire novel, along with its epilogue'due south haunting reflections on the fickleness of fate, is narrated with a balance of humility and pride that befits the eponymous theme.

"I returned, and saw under the sunday, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor nonetheless riches to men of agreement, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and run a risk happeneth to them all."

- Ecclesiastes
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Jul 15, 2014 Paul rated information technology really liked it

I enjoyed reading Fate is the Hunter and would recommend information technology to aviation enthusiasts. Its appeal, however, may be limited to that group which has a strong interest in a niche of aviation history from the viewpoint of a personal memoir. It was published in 1961 and now reads like a period piece. The writer's viewpoint and rich vocabulary are highly reflective of a different generation. For me, that was part of the appeal, reading well-nigh those times of an earlier era of air transport from a man who I enjoyed reading Fate is the Hunter and would recommend it to aviation enthusiasts. Its entreatment, nevertheless, may be express to that group which has a strong interest in a niche of aviation history from the viewpoint of a personal memoir. It was published in 1961 and at present reads like a period piece. The author'south viewpoint and rich vocabulary are highly reflective of a dissimilar generation. For me, that was part of the appeal, reading about those times of an earlier era of air transport from a human being who lived them. Gann started his flying career former in the 1930's and flew as an airline pilot from the belatedly 1930s into the 1950s, at least. He also spent the years of WW2 flight air transport missions around the globe as a civilian, but on war machine support operations. What I did occasionally notice frustrating in the volume was his lack of certain specifics in many cases, while notwithstanding describing many details of some flight experiences in great detail. What this oft meant was that he does not give dates of events. That may sometimes be a minor particular, but to me it lends some actuality to know exactly when something occurred. He too never states the names of the specific companies he flies for. In full general, though, he illustrates with slap-up detail some of the harrowing experiences he had over many thousands of hours in the air and his many close brushes with disaster. I can see how, when this book came out, it was a new approach to writing almost something which was even so exotic and rare, unlike the crowded bus-like experience flying on airlines often is these days. ...more

February 14, 2012 Brian rated it information technology was astonishing

Wow! As I sat, rapidly thumbing through the pages in my spare time, I was awestruck from the first to the concluding page. I love historical books and, as a pilot, historical aviation books are especially delightful. Capt Gann paints a masterful picture of the dangerous days of early aviation and of the mysterious force, fate, that keeps excellent young aviators from long careers, while older, equally capable men live on by staying a fingernails length away from death'south grasp. The recounted events are Wow! As I sabbatum, quickly thumbing through the pages in my spare time, I was nonplussed from the first to the last folio. I love historical books and, as a pilot, historical aviation books are particularly delightful. Capt Gann paints a masterful picture of the dangerous days of early aviation and of the mysterious force, fate, that keeps excellent young aviators from long careers, while older, as capable men live on past staying a fingernails length away from death's grasp. The recounted events are harrowing, heartbreaking, mystifying and eerie. Y'all don't need to exist a pilot to appreciate "Fate is the Hunter," or have an aviation background, every bit this book only uses the backdrop of aviation to hash out the deeper question of "why" in so many deaths. Is it always genetics, or lack of teaching, or misjudgements that atomic number 82 to ones expiry? Or could luck play a large function? Capt Gann makes a plausible case for the later explanation throughout this incredible work. A definite must read for those that like historical works as well as aviation enthusiasts and those that believe in the unexplainable. ...more than

Someone might naively call back that there can't be much of interest that happens in the daily life of a commercial aviation pilot. With a dedication to over 400 commercial pilots who had lost their lives in the class of their duties, this book dispels that notion. The writer takes the reader with him into the cockpit and the reader vicariously lives through some remarkable and terrifying white knuckle experiences. It gives 1 a whole new appreciation for the dedication and skill of those pioneers Someone might naively retrieve that there can't exist much of interest that happens in the daily life of a commercial aviation pilot. With a dedication to over 400 commercial pilots who had lost their lives in the grade of their duties, this volume dispels that notion. The author takes the reader with him into the cockpit and the reader vicariously lives through some remarkable and terrifying white knuckle experiences. It gives i a whole new appreciation for the dedication and skill of those pioneers who paved the way (like Gann) from the 1930s when flying was something of a novelty through the explosive growth of aviation brought nearly by WWII and on into the postal service-war commercial era. For anyone who has the slightest interest in what happens aloft, this is a volume to read. ...more

In Fate is the Hunter, Ernest Thousand. Gann recounts his career learning to fly, then traveling the world as an airline airplane pilot.  Gann commencement describes his training forth a mail route in the American northeast during the 1930s, then uses his skills in the Amazon, N Atlantic, and Himalayas during World War II, and ends his career flying passengers betwixt California and Hawaii.  Between the hostility created from natural environments and that from malfunctioning aircraft, Gann muses almost his combinat In Fate is the Hunter, Ernest K. Gann recounts his career learning to fly, then traveling the world every bit an airline pilot.  Gann first describes his grooming along a mail route in the American northeast during the 1930s, and then uses his skills in the Amazon, North Atlantic, and Himalayas during World War II, and ends his career flying passengers between California and Hawaii.  Between the hostility created from natural environments and that from malfunctioning aircraft, Gann muses about his combination of skill and fate while contrasting how skill and fate manifested themselves in the lives of his beau aircrew. While the stories virtually in-flight emergencies may simply interest the reader with flying experience, Fate is the Hunter is an entertaining relate of a noteworthy career. ...more than

Say what you will about this book, simply Gann sure knows how to tell a fish story. While a lesser author would have made this book unbelievably deadening, Gann was able to proceed me captivated fifty-fifty though he essentially told the same tale again and again.

What surprised me the most most this volume is just how many airline pilots died in the early on years of commercial aviation. If anywhere near the number of fatal accidents occurred in commercial aviation today equally did back so, there wouldn't be a comme

Say what you will virtually this book, but Gann certain knows how to tell a fish story. While a bottom author would have made this book unbelievably wearisome, Gann was able to proceed me captivated even though he essentially told the aforementioned tale again and over again.

What surprised me the nigh about this book is only how many airline pilots died in the early years of commercial aviation. If anywhere near the number of fatal accidents occurred in commercial aviation today as did dorsum then, there wouldn't be a commercial airline industry anymore.

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Gann wrote this book in 1961 to document his years flying every kind of aeroplane over every conceivable route on the planet. He piloted airplanes during the years when they were fickle, unpredictable machines that challenged fate at every turn.

His experiences were incredibly and all but incomprehensible to we earthbound mortals. His skill as a writer is unmatched.

Nosotros don't just read about his experiences, we share them.

Do yourself a favor and read this.

Wonderful memoir of an airline pilot. Likewise author of The High and the Mighty (both films, as well). Wonderful descriptions with virtuosity of language (great vocabulary). This book demonstrates how a person can write quite effectively about things most people know naught near (flight an plane). Gann contrasts "fortune" and "fate" repeatedly throughout equally a motif.

Ernest M Gann was an aviator, writer, filmmaker, sailor, fisherman and conservationist.

Later earning his airplane pilot license, Gann spent his much of his free time aloft, flying for pleasure. The continuing Great Depression soon cost him his job and he was unable to notice another position in the movie business. In search of work, he decided to move his family to California. Gann was able to notice odd jobs

Ernest Thou Gann was an aviator, author, filmmaker, sailor, fisherman and conservationist.

After earning his airplane pilot license, Gann spent his much of his free time aloft, flying for pleasure. The continuing Great Low before long toll him his job and he was unable to discover another position in the motion picture business organisation. In search of work, he decided to movement his family to California. Gann was able to find odd jobs at Burbank Drome, and also began to write short stories. A friend managed to get him a part-fourth dimension job equally a co-pilot with a local airline visitor and information technology was at that place that he flew his starting time trips every bit a professional person aviator. In the belatedly 1930s many airlines were hiring as many pilots as they could detect; after hearing of these opportunities, Gann and his family returned to New York where he managed to get hired by American Airlines to fly the Douglas DC-2 and Douglas DC-3.

For several years Gann enjoyed flying routes in the northeast for American. In 1942, many U.S. airlines' pilots and aircraft were absorbed into the Air Ship Command of the U.South. Army Air Forces to assist in the State of war Endeavour. Gann and many of his co-workers at American volunteered to bring together the grouping. He flew DC-3s, Douglas DC-4s and Consolidated C-87 Liberator Express transports (the cargo version of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator bomber). His wartime trips took him across the North Atlantic to Europe, and and so on to Africa, South America, India, and other exotic places. Some of his about harrowing experiences came while flying The Hump airlift across the Himalayas into Red china. In the years to come Gann'southward worldwide travels and diverse adventures would get the inspiration for many of his novels and screenplays.

At the end of World State of war II, the Air Transport Command released the civilian pilots and aircraft back to their airlines. Gann decided to leave American Airlines in search of new adventures. He was apace hired equally a pilot with a new company called Matson Airlines that was a venture of the Matson steamship line. He flew from the U.S. Due west Declension across the Pacific to Honolulu. This feel spawned ideas that were developed into ane of his best-known works, 'The High and the Mighty.' Matson ultimately soon fell prey to the politically well-continued Pan American Airlines and failed. After a few more than short-lived flying jobs, Gann became discouraged with aviation and he turned to writing as a full-time occupation.

Gann'due south major works include the novel The High and the Mighty and his aviation focused, almost-autobiography Fate Is the Hunter. Notes and brusque stories scribbled down during long layovers on his pioneering trips across the North Atlantic became the source for his first serious fiction novel, Island in the Sky (1944), which was inspired by an actual Chill rescue mission. Information technology became an immediate all-time-seller as did Blaze of Noon (1946), a story about early air mail operations. In 1978, he published his comprehensive autobiography, entitled A Earnest to Fortune.

Although many of his 21 best-selling novels show Gann's devotion to aviation, others, including Twilight for the Gods, and Fiddler's Green reflect his love of the sea. His experiences as a fisherman, skipper and sailor, all contributed storylines and depth to his nautical fiction. He later wrote an autobiography of his sailing life chosen Song of the Sirens.

Gann wrote, or adapted from his books, the stories and screenplays for several movies and television shows. For some of these productions he besides served as a consultant and technical adviser during filming. Although information technology received positive reviews, Gann was displeased with the film version of Fate Is the Hunter, and removed his name from the credits. (He after lamented that this determination cost him a "fortune" in royalties, equally the pic played repeatedly on television for years later on.) He wrote the story for the television miniseries Masada, based on 'The Antagonists.'

...more than

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