Jerry Bird

Jerry Bird became the 20th century's most widely recognized skydiver during the evolution of sport skydiving in America. This book is a compilation of writings by many who knew and flew with Bird, and by Jerry himself-a skydiving life-and-times of Jerry Bird from 1963 into the 21st century. At the heart of the book are inclusions of Jerry's own oral storytelling transcribed in his inimitable voice. It is both a group sports biography and a personal memoir of one man whose name became legendary among jumpers around the world and whose influence on sport parachuting is evident today. Alongside accounts of record-setting dives and competitions are glimpses into the freewheeling skydiving subculture of the 1960s, '70s, '80s and '90s. The book includes many historical images, references, footnotes and bibliography. "A long-awaited salute to skydiving's most iconic and admired ambassador," writes Jan Works, editor with Pat Works of Parachuting: United We Fall and other skydiving publications. "They're all here--the colorful characters who imagined, designed, and practiced their art in the seminal stages of today's formation skydiving. This collection of stories from that time is a delightful memory for those who were part of it, and the tales of boogies, international adventures, and movie stunts that came later make for an entertaining read."

"This book is such an important part of skydiving history."-Dan Brodsky-Chenfeld, 6-time world champion skydiver, author and motivational speaker.

"Jerry Bird's skill and wisdom helped to make me the skydiver I am today!"-Kate Cooper-Jensen, skydiving coach, world record holder, co-founder of Jump for the Cause.

"Skydiving with Jerry Bird is like playing golf with Tiger Woods."-Mark Knutson, owner and CEO at STUNTS Adventure Equipment, LLC.

"A cornucopia of stories"-Dieter Kirsch, German 4 and 8-way champion. FAI World Record holder.