Charles Lindbergh

A biographical profile of Charles Lindbergh, the American Lone Eagle. Lindbergh was not ready for stardom, and therein lies the story, like a quintessential Greek tragedy where the hero suffers a serious misfortune which is connected to his actions, demonstrating humankind's vulnerability to suffering brought about by human and divine intervention. Lindbergh became interested in flight when airplanes were mystical; few people had seen one and even fewer had ever been on one. Although 81 pilots had crossed the Atlantic by the time Lindbergh strapped himself into the Spirit of St. Louis on May 20, 1927, none had qualified for the 25,000 grand prize for a nonstop flight across the ocean. Edging out Admiral Byrd, whose Fokker trimotor was being repaired, Lindbergh arrived in France and became an instant international hero. Fame was closely followed by misfortune and his story is one of the more exciting annals of exploration and inspiration in the classic American sense. Award-winning author and syndicated columnist Daniel Alef, who has written more than 300 biographical profiles of America's greatest tycoons, brings out the story of Lindbergh and his remarkable life of ups, downs and achievements. [2,646-word Titans of Fortune article]