The reprint edition of “The Lonely Sky,” co-authored by Malibu resident Jacqueline Hazard Bridgeman, was recently re-released. It tells the story of Bill Bridgeman, a pilot who risked his life to push the frontiers of scientific aviation knowledge, and has drawn excellent reviews from various publications including the Los Angeles Times and Time magazine, among others .
After the war, Bill joined Douglas Aircraft as an engineering test pilot and was soon asked to take over the final stages of the Skyrocket testing program. The Skyrocket, a javelin-shaped experimental rocket-powered ship, was a challenge to him. “The Lonely Sky” is the story of his day-by-day life with the plane. Bill Bridgeman died in an airplane accident in 1968.
Jacqueline, who married Bill after their book was published in 1955, is an experienced reporter. Although she had never flown, she had an extraordinary penchant for describing the technical aspects and the sensations of test flights in smooth, compelling prose.
She is the editor of “Huxley and God,” a book of essays published by HarperCollins. Until recently, she was the president of Malibu Stage Company.