Still aviation, with change of sex, change of time and a change of the
meaning of WASP. Amelia Earhart’s Daughters, by Leslie Haynsworth and David
Toomey, is the story of the women pilots of the US during the Second World War
and afterwards. Then, WASP meant Womens Airforce Service Pilots. Though never
militarised, women ferried planes, flew the biggest machines, including some
that men were wary of, and even became test pilots. After the war many of them
continued flying. Women were prevented from becoming space pilots only by an
edict of Eisenhower’s. A bit too detailed maybe, but interesting. Published by
William Morrow, $24, ISBN 0688152333.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
The secrets to keeping your brain sharp in old age
2
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
3
Sperm have been made magnetic to allow IVF inside the body
4
Autism may have two distinct subtypes that vary by brain activity
5
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
6
Has the answer to life's origins been hiding in our cells all along?
7
Do turmeric and curcumin have any actual health benefits?
8
Arctic Ocean reaches tipping point that could be dire for marine life
9
Walking shark found in Papua New Guinea is new to science
10
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
