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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Books, Maps & Manuscripts / Liquid-Propellant Rocket Development
GODDARD, Robert H. (1882-1945). A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes . Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1919. AND: Liquid-Propellant Rocket Development . Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, March 16, 1936. Presentation copies of two important rocketry papers, first edition offprint issues, one signed by the author, apparently for his important collaborator, C.N. Hickman (1889-1981). Second work inscribed and signed on the front cover: "With the author's compliments / R.H. Goddard." The first work with a partially effaced presentation inscription on lower right of front cover and ownership inscription at the head of C.N. Hickman. The 1919 work is Goddard's first separate publication on rocketry, hinting at the possibility of launching a rocket to the moon. Although he was criticized in The New York Times and referred to as the professor with the "moon-going" rocket, Goddard received support from the Carnegie and Smithsonian Institutes, as well as Charles Lindbergh. Goddard achieved modest successes in his rocket research and is thought of as the first scientist to realize the potential of space flights and missiles. He went on to launch the first liquid-fuel rocket on 16 March 1926 near Auburn, Mass. The ten-foot rocket, nicknamed "Nell" reached an altitude of 41 feet, traveled a distance of 184 feet and landed 2.5 seconds after lift-off in a cabbage patch. "Although his list of firsts in rocketry was distinguished, Goddard was eventually surpassed by teams of rocket research and development experts elsewhere, particularly in Germany. By temperament and training Goddard was not a team worker, yet he laid the foundation from which team workers could launch men to the moon" ( DSB ). The 1936 publication summarizes Goddard's progress in liquid-propellant rocket development and demonstrates the practical success of liquid-oxygen and gasoline propulsion. The 11 photographic plates record static tests and flight trials carried out near Roswell, New Mexico, between 1930 and 1935, including experiments in gyroscopic stabilization and high-speed flight. Clarence N. Hickman (1889-1981) was one of Goddard's earliest collaborators in rocket research, working alongside him at Clark University and on the experimental rocket projects that directly preceded and informed the publications offered here. See https://ethw.org/Oral-History:Clarence_Nichols_Hickman. Two volumes, octavo (245 x 160mm). Illustrated, including photographic plates. Original printed wrappers (1919 work with corner chip to upper wrapper at top right, and ownership inscription partially rubbed out lower right, backstrip worn, both with a little thumbing). Housed together in custom chemise and quarter calf clamshell box.
Estimate:£8,963.4
To the auctionView all items fromChristie'sorBooks, Maps & Manuscripts
Estimate:
£8,963.4
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