Press Reviews

5-stars - Amazon.com

5-stars - Air Classics magazine

5-stars - Barnes and Noble

5-stars - Over the Front magazine

5-stars - Aerodrome magazine

5-stars - Windsock Worldwide magazine

5-stars - TheAerodrome.com 

"A must for any aviation library" 

Today, most Americans do not realize Luke AFB in Arizona was named after a World War I pilot awarded the Medal of Honor. The monumental [work] THE STAND by Stephen Skinner has to be the final word on this aviator. 

Subtitled "The Final Flight of Lt. Frank Luke, Jr.," this massive volume is the result of years of research undertaken by the author to, after nine decades, sort faction from fiction to accurately tell of Luke's short and violent life. The fact the author was able to uncover so many new facts and present them in a readable manner is commendable. 

The author traces Luke from his beginnings through eighteen detailed chapters. As the subtitle states, a major portion of the book is given over to Luke's last battle - a subject that has always been shrouded in mystery. The reader will find out why Luke tackled the hazardous German observation balloons, why he was so disliked by his comrades, and about the aviator's planned court martial. 

Photographically, the surviving photos of Luke are fairly well known, but the author has managed to unearth shots that have not yet been published. Also, Luke's SPAD fighters are examined by Alan Toelle and illustrated in color profiles. If you want to learn about a most unusual aviator, this is the book. 

- Air Classics magazine, October 2009

---

  "Unlikely to be matched, let alone eclipsed" 

Stephen Skinner's new book stands well apart from all previous writings on this enigmatic figure; the fruits of many years' diligent research and careful analysis. This lavishly illustrated, 260-page volume must surely be the final word not only on Luke's life but his dramatic exit from it at Murvaux on 29 September 1918. 

Tracing Luke's family origins, entry into the war, astonishing combat detail - packed with narrative with so much engrossing detail, every facet of Luke's life so meticulously examined, it would have crippled a lesser writer's ability to present a readable, flowing story. But Stephen Skinner is well up to the task and your reviewer became firmly engrossed from the very first pages. That this project has become a "labour of love" by its author quickly becomes clear, for future writers aspiring to record WWI aviation history, they could do little better than set THE STAND as their benchmark. 

The photo content is as generous as it is surprising; images of Frank Luke are few and far between but Stephen has not only unearthed several new ones, but supplied chapter and verse on those iconic plates we know so well, providing the story behind them and the photographers concerned. There are scores of other examples, and with aerial views of combat zones, various balloon and aircraft wrecks, relevant sites then and now, and all those various personalities that touched Luke's life - and death - it's a visual feast from start to finish. 

Luke's final moments are examined in extreme depth and it's a compelling analysis that Mr. Skinner provides. "Exhaustive" would be an appropriate way to describe THE STAND. Mere brief reviews like this can barely do it justice; my advice is for readers to invest in a copy and judge for themselves. It is possibly one of the best books of its kind produced in the last few years. 

- Windsock Worldwide magazine, May/June 2009  

---

"The final word on the subject"

It is a rare occurrence in the field of WWI aviation literature when a new book can truthfully be called "definitive" or "the final word on the subject," though such claims are often made. In this writer's opinion, THE STAND can claim both those titles when it comes to the fabled and controversial last mission of Frank Luke, Jr. 

Stephen's exhaustive and meticulous research has fully solved the mystery of what actually happened on that fateful evening of 29 September 1918 in the skies and fields around the village of Murvaux. 

There is much more to this book than the tale of Luke's final flight, however. The author has painted a complete and complex portrait of the enigma that was Frank Luke with revealing insight into the ace's social background, upbringing and character. For decades Stephen pored through family and school records, yellowed newspaper accounts, letters and diaries of Luke's acquaintances, and military archives from both sides. He interviewed U. S. Air Service veterans who were contemporaries of the Balloon Buster, and the descendants of those residents of Murvaux who witnessed Luke's actions on his final sortie. 

As both an avid and well-informed aviation historian and a seasoned journalist, Stephen cast a critical and discerning eye on every bit of information and clue that he uncovered. He actually "walked the walk" as he pored over maps and trod the ground where Luke lived and died. Leaving no stone unturned (literally), Stephen conducted unprecedented archaeological digs in the Murvaux area. Upon completion of this book readers will once and for all understand what made the "towheaded kid" from Arizona tick, how he accomplished his incredible string of aerial victories, and how he met his end. 

THE STAND is gripping biography, precise military history, and fascinating detective story all in one. This book will come as a surprise and a delight to both died-in-the-wool WWI aviation historians and the reader with a general interest in the topic. 

It immediately makes every other Luke book and article obsolete, if not unnecessary. 

You're in for a treat. 

- Greg VanWyngarden, Osprey Publishing 

---

"Will probably never be outdone"

Stephen Skinner spent over ten years researching source material, interviewing relatives of Luke and others with whom he had contact, and making repeated visits to Murvaux, France, where Luke met his end. 

Combing through sources as diverse as newspaper interviews and cartridge casings, Skinner has reconstructed Luke's life from birth to the day of his death, and in the process resolved many of the conflicting interpretations of the story. 

This is really two accounts in one - the first, a detailed reconstruction of Luke's life, with special emphasis on his last days, and the second, an account of the process by which Skinner carried it out. It is not derivative history - the author has relied heavily on original material, some from previously untapped sources, and interpreted it with great care and careful skepticism. 

The result is a reconstruction of Luke's story that will probably never be outdone. THE STAND affirms parts of the Luke myth and debunks others. I'm not going to tell you which - buy the book and find out. 

- Over The Front Journal, Summer 2009 

---

"THE STAND breaks new ground"

This is an outstanding book that will stand as the major work on Frank Luke for the next century. 

Stephen Skinner's research is amazing in its breadth and depth. He delves into every aspect with enthusiasm and a thorough attention to detail, telling the story of Luke's fascinating life and mysterious death with a fresh perspective. 

Along the way, he analyzes the work of prior historians, debunks myths, sheds new light on key questions and makes significant discoveries. 

Skinner is no armchair historian. He has made numerous trips to France, walked the ground, climbed the hills, pored over maps, examined countless documents and studied the testimony of eyewitnesses. His analysis uncovers surprising details about the events leading up to Luke's final flight, what happened on that mission, and how he met his end. Skinner's research is solid and his conclusions are backed by sound reasoning and known facts. 

THE STAND breaks new ground in resolving the mystery surrounding the events of September 29, 1918 in a way that will make aviation historians and Frank Luke fans alike take notice. I won't be surprised if they also stand up and applaud Stephen Skinner for the excellence of his work. 

- Aerodrome magazine, Autumn 2009  

---

"Five stars... at least"

In Wagnerian terms, the opera isn't over until the fat lady sings. But if ever an oft-told tale awaited the final aria, it's the Frank Luke story. 

Since 1918 the saga of the Arizona Balloon Buster has endured amid a brew of fact, myth and legend. But Stephen Skinner has sorted all that out, thanks to extensive detective work in archives and spadework in the ground. 

His work so impressed Luke's descendants that THE STAND bears the family's approval as the authorized biography. Solving the many Luke riddles required unraveling a complex knot of multiple players, mostly unknown to one another, on both sides - in the air and on the ground. 

Most historians tried to reconcile the blatantly contradictory French and German accounts but Skinner drew the obvious conclusion: at least one had to be wrong. As it developed, several witnesses erred in their statements over the decades, most notably the commander of the German unit that ended Luke's spectacular career. 

In addition to history, THE STAND also concerns historiography - how history is recorded and written. The immediate postwar investigation into Luke's death, the process for his Medal of Honor, and 80 years of conventional wisdom are all addressed. 

As with all Schiffer books, there's heavy emphasis on photos and artwork. The huge majority of the pictures probably have never been published, including aerial maps of the combat area. Russell Smith's striking cover and Allan Toelle's superb aircraft profiles further enhances the overall quality. 

The only criticism involves two omissions: THE STAND needs an index and the excellent photo maps would benefit from scale. Other than that, if you listen closely you'll hear the fat lady singing. 

Five stars... at least. 

- TheAerodrome.com 

---

Reader Reviews

"The standard by which all other books on Luke's life will be judged"

Stephen Skinner has written what will become the book on the Arizona Balloon Buster, Frank Luke, Jr. 

Lavishly illustrated with photographs and never before published information, Skinner presents the first detailed biography of this famous U.S. Army aviator and also answers and finally sets the record straight on his death. 

His book will become the standard reference on Luke's life and exploits, and by which all other books on Luke's life will be judged. 

Lt. Colonel Robert A. Lynn, Florida Guard 
Orlando, Florida


"Nothing less than outstanding" 

After wading through other poorly-researched biographies of historical figures by professors with a string of academic degrees, it is refreshing to find this biography of Frank Luke, Jr. This is the way research should be done; in detail and not in a slap-dash manner. 

Stephen Skinner has pulled out all the stops and has left no proverbial stone unturned in giving us this definitive biography of one of the great World War I Airmen. 

It should be on the shelf of every university library. It is nothing less than outstanding. My highest recommendation. 

- Dr. Watson 


"Absolutely incredible!"

I just finished THE STAND. Thank you for the best read since "The Red Baron's Last Flight!" I couldn't put it down! I have been reading WW1 Aviation books for 40 years and this was absolutely incredible and fascinating!

What a herculean labor to research and compile this information. Thank You again! It gives a whole new dimension and detail to Lt. Luke! This book is a "must-read!"

- Mike Bay


"This book is a must-read!"

In THE STAND, Stephen Skinner takes all the familiar stories about Luke and attempts discern fact from fiction. Not only does Skinner research Luke's combat record, but he even details events from Luke's early life. After reading The Stand, I feel I have a much better understanding of not only Frank Luke the combat aviator, but him as a man.

In places where Skinner is unable to locate direct evidence, he approaches events as a detective. He dissects evidence and statements to reach to the most logical explanations. He takes the reader through the process so you can come to your own conclusions.

I particularly enjoyed the sections of the book where Skinner explains the circumstances of some of the few remaining pictures of Frank Luke. Skinner does an excellent job of propelling the reader back through time to the extent you almost feel you were present when the picture was taken. This book is a must read for anyone with a serious interest in Frank Luke's life.

- Barnes and Noble book reviews


"Tremendous! If you do not have it - buy it." 

My copy arrived about two weeks ago and I've read it through.All I can say is that if it's not the definitive work on Luke, I don't what will be. I think you'd need to interview the man himself to get any more detail on his life and military career. 

The book is a grand tome. The book is well and thoroughly researched, the reconstruction of events given the evidence are logically and rationally presented and the story is very thoughtful in presentation. 

When I received it, I was going to simply cut to the chase and read the last chapter to see what really happened on 29 September 1918 when Luke was shot down, but I read the introduction first and was impressed with the way it was written, and Stephen's flair for leading us on to the story. 

I thought if the main text was as engaging as the intro, it would be a good read - not just a laundry list of facts, but something that kept my attention as the story unfolds. He does this consistently throughout the book from incident to incident and chapter to chapter. You follow the trail of breadcrumbs because they appear to be leading us somewhere interesting and ultimately, that's exactly what happens. 

The book will not disappoint anyone who thinks they know what happened that September evening and it will completely inform those who are new to the subject.

Luke fan or not, it's a model presentation of research done both on site and in the archives and it leverages the expertise of many people who are intimately acquainted with the many facets of the story. Instead of trying to research the minutiae of the supporting sub-stories (M-Flak guns, balloon unit tactics and organization, the German occupation of Murvaux), Stephen has done a good job of using his resources to help broaden the story and understand it's nuances without having to recreate the wheel. Above all else though, it's a work that shows Stephen's deep respect for Luke and is a fitting tribute to the man and his accomplishments.

Now, to prove I am not on the payroll... I was not impressed with the photo reproduction. There are a few great shots Stephen has dug out that I was impressed by though, and the photos are supportive of the text. I think most are the same size on the page and a few of the gems would have more impact in a larger format. Secondly, it would have benefited from an index. In a work of this size and scope, it's almost a requirement.

But that's it - the cover artwork by Russ Smith, the color interior work by Alan Toelle, the writing style, content, chapter division, endnotes, appendices - you name it. 

It's a great piece of work. If you do not have it - buy it - you will not be disappointed. 

I'm waiting on the DVD "The Search for the Stand" - but suspect given Stephen's background in media, it'll be every bit as good as the book. Super job. 

- Mike O'Neal, New Jersey 


"Your efforts have effectively closed the book on Frank Luke"

I've just finished THE STAND. I've been a WW1 aviation buff and Frank Luke fan since the mid '60's but nothing in my experience compares to your fine piece of work! I think your efforts have effectivley closed the book on Frank Luke, Jr. 

THE STAND is an outstanding achievement. Thank you for this great piece of work.

- Dale E. Mallett


"Incredible... I have shelves of books on the subject but none like yours."

I have received the DVD for "The Stand". I have also read the book and companion book (The Quest). It is an incredible account of an event lost in time. I could tell that many years of work went into the research and it paid off. I have loved WWI aviation for many years and I have shelves and shelves full of books on the subject but none like yours.

I am really happy that you did not stop at the book but instead did the video and painting. I am thrilled to have the complete set and it was well worth the wait.

For the past few years I have been flying World War 1 replica aircraft at an aerodrome in Bealeton, VA and every pilot I fly with has purchased your book. We were even able to correct the markings on the Luke replica plane we have with one of your photos. You should be very proud of what you have accomplished. You turned a legend into a reality with your research.

There were a lot of people who did not think Lt. Luke was worthy of the Medal of Honor but that can no longer be said. I can't wait to see what you have planned next.

I was wondering if I could purchase a copy of the music used in the video, specifically the Olivia Kay song "Back In Time." Again, thank you for everything!

- Jeremy Seabright, VA


"Mind boggling" 

I read THE STAND again and it was even more amazing the second time. There is so much detail and research in that book that it is mind boggling. 

I will be ordering the DVD and everything else that comes with it soon.

- Alex Aguila


"Illuminated the story like no one else" 

Of all the Frank Luke books that I've read, THE STAND was far and away the best. Skinner illuminated the story like no one else has. 

- Gary Bettman 


"By far the best I've ever read"

I've just finished reading your book on Lt. Frank Luke, Jr. and I must commend you on a great research job - by far the best I've ever read on Lt. Luke. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give it a 10 with no hesitation. 

- Harry Logiudice, CT


"A great body of work"

The promo disc, the book with photo print (very nice touch), and the letter also arrived. Almost done reading the book, but I know I have only started learning. First class work all around. 

Your analysis of the data you collected is well reasoned, and highly probable (approaching a probability of 1.00, frankly). I was impressed with the way you handled, and most completely accurately, the variations in the testimonies, especially of Lt. Mangels. Memory is indeed a tenuous tool over time. Your conclusion was well weighed.

So again, thanks. You have given us a great body of work. - Glenn "Chip" Burt, UK 


 "A fine piece of historical research"

I have never written you to say THANKS! It is real wonderful to read the words your grandfather and namesake heard just before he took the flight that earned him his DSC. Amazing and totally unexpected. I'm also surprised at how many of the other members of the squadron were names I heard my father and mother discuss at the kitchen table.

I read history often and recognize good work when I see it. I will be proud to hand down such a fine piece of historical research and writing to future generations of Stout's. Thanks again.

- Pen Stout


"A definitive account - 5 Stars!" 

"THE STAND:The Final Flight of Lt. Frank Luke, Jr." by Stephen Skinner provides a fascinating historical insight into the life and meteoric air combat career of Frank Luke, particularly his final fateful flight which is examined with a wealth of rigorously documented research.

- Great War Eagle, Amazon.com


"The last word on Luke - unless Stephen uncovers new material!"

I received my copy yesterday by Priority Mail. I'm very impressed with it. Not only is it obviously the culmination of a great deal of well-documented first-hand research, the book is very nicely laid-out and Stephen's text is very clear and readable. The organization makes good sense and the historical inter-connections are clearly presented.

The book is packed with photographs, many apparently never before published, and the book could well be the last word on Luke - unless Stephen uncovers new material!

- Maten


 "Wow! It's really unbelievable." 

Wow! I just received my copy of Stephen Skinner's long-anticipated book THE STAND. First let me say that I knew Stephen put a lot of work into this project, but I had no idea that the book was going to be so thick! Congratulations to Stephen on such a wonderful achievement! I know its the culmination of a LOT of work.Looking at the size of this volume, its really unbelievable to think that there are some things that he left out of this book. I know he must be really proud (and relieved)!

Second, let me extend a personal thank you once again to Stephen for bringing me in on this project. He entrusted me with the task of taking 15+ years worth of his life's work, summing it all up in one image, and and doing so in a manner that is worthy enough to be the of the book. I am honored to have been a part of it!

- Russell Smith, NC


 "Amazing research, great book - 5 Stars!" 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has interest in aerial warfare during the first world war or anyone that is looking for a highly researched book on the great balloon buster Frank Luke.

- AA from Amazon.com