FIRST EDITION OF OUT OF THE BLUE AND INTO HISTORY, SIGNED ON A TIPPED-IN PRE-PUBLICATION BOOKPLATE BY AUTHOR AND WORLD WAR II WASP BETTY STAGG TURNER

TURNER, Betty Stagg. Out of the Blue and Into History. (Arlington Heights, Illinois: Aviatrix, 2001). Quarto, original blue cloth, original dust jacket. $275.

First edition of this impressive photo-illustrated encyclopedia of the WASPs in World War II, featuring over 600 profiles of WASP pilots, signed by the author, WASP veteran Betty Stagg Turner, on an illustrated pre-publication bookplate tipped onto the half title.

"As the need for combat pilots increased and the pilot shortage became acute… the AAF was galvanized into the precedent-breaking action of employing women pilots to fly military aircraft. The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) were, truly, pioneers. Out of the Blue and into History by Betty Stagg Turner is an essential reference for anyone interested in the WASP or women's military history. Betty Stagg Turner relates the collected stories of 673 (out of 1,102) women who served in the WASP. Compiling the book required several years of painstaking effort and involved an ongoing correspondence with hundreds of former WASP, their families, and friends… While the individual stories are all-too-brief, Betty Stagg Turner's book provides fascinating glimpses into the lives of these remarkable women. I highly recommend adding it to your reference shelf" (Pat Jernigan). Later owner signature.

Very nearly fine condition.