Writing and publication The Right Stuff (book)

first-state dust jacket, showing initial design never released in public edition

in 1972 jann wenner, editor of rolling stone assigned wolfe cover launch of nasa s last moon mission, apollo 17. wolfe became fascinated astronauts, , competitive spirit compelled him try outdo norman mailer s nonfiction book first moon mission, of fire on moon. published four-part series rolling stone in 1973 titled post-orbital remorse , depression astronauts experienced after having been in space. after series, wolfe began researching whole of space program, in became seven-year project took time write painted word, book on art, , complete mauve gloves & madmen, clutter & vine, collection of shorter pieces.

in 1977 returned astronaut book full-time. wolfe planned write complete history of space program, though after writing through mercury program, felt work complete , captured astronauts ethos — right stuff astronauts , test pilots of 1940s , 1950s shared — unspoken code of bravery , machismo compelled these men ride on top of dangerous rockets. while conducting research, consulted general chuck yeager and, after receiving comprehensive review of manuscript, convinced test pilots yeager should form backdrop of period. in end, yeager becomes personification of many postwar test pilots , right stuff . phrase may have originated in joseph conrad story youth , used.

the right stuff published in 1979 farrar, straus , giroux , became wolfe s best selling book yet. praised critics, finalist national book critics circle award, , won national book award nonfiction.

in foreword new edition, published in 1983 when film adaptation released, wolfe wrote book grew out of ordinary curiosity makes man willing sit on top of enormous roman candle… , wait light fuse .