Perhaps not unexpectedly, the fiftieth anniversary of the lunar landings has yielded a plethora of commemorative publications. The intended audiences vary, but most publications focus on either the technological aspects; the Astronauts, or the mission itself. The remaining publications are glossy, lavishly produced coffee table books devoted to Earth Rise, and the comparative austerity of the lunar landscape and/or fragility of the Earth. Commendable though some of these publications are, they do not, and cannot tell the complete story of the Apollo missions. In my view the 50th anniversary therefore demands a reappraisal.

In order to fully appreciate project Apollo, and the impact of the lunar landings on American society and the broader global audience, a new, non-partisan approach is required which considers the human; the political, the technological and socio-economic framework which gave rise to the endeavour in the first instance. ‘Apollo 11: The Moon landing in real time’ is a book which embraces such an approach.

The book itself is a collection of newspaper reports; press releases, transcripts and interviews arranged in chronological order. The book commences with articles covering the ‘the Space Race’ of the late 50’s and early 60’s before moving onto ‘launch minus 14 days’, and concluding on 24/07/1969. Whilst this may sound rather dry, the reverse applies. The author’s skill lies in the selection of articles inserted into the book and the broad range of public opinion which is subsequently articulated. Chapter by chapter, as we rapidly approach the launch of Apollo 11, the author captures and distils the often contradictory sentiments and goals which underpinned the project as well as broader socio-economic dilemmas such sentiments as ‘re-doubling efforts for World peace’ against the backdrop of a spiralling arms race and the Vietnam War. Short to long-term expressed goals of lunar colonies; space stations, and the exploration of Mars, are all similarly articulated to the broader public as being the net result of Apollo, against a political backdrop of a budgetary cuts and unease at the inability to galvanise sections of a divided society via the Moon shot.

Unsurprisingly, the underlying narrative is devoted to the Apollo 11 crew; their training and the equipment they utilised. The unseen support staff members are also given a voice, with some genuinely enthralling and moving insights which go beyond the usual names and places. Couple these aspects with the minute-by-minute drama of the lunar landing itself, the fast-paced and gripping narrative of the book overall meant that it was captivating and genuinely difficult to put down. It should also be noted that whilst the tone of the narrative is neutral, there is sufficient information available to permit further study in a variety of directions, thereby allowing an effective reappraisal to take place.

Taking everything into consideration, ‘Apollo 11: The Moon landing in real time’ is best understood as a literary time capsule which places the reader at the heart of the national debate which confronted 1960’s America. This book commemorates an astonishing technological triumph underpinned by incredible bravery, whilst crucially giving a voice to the disaffected and the outright opponents of Apollo. Such an approach allows us to accurately reassess project Apollo on its 50th anniversary. As a result, this book should be considered required reading for all Apollo enthusiasts.