Photographing America's First Astronauts

This remarkable volume, Photographing America's First Astronauts, presents an extensive photographic history of Project Mercury, showcasing over 600 images that capture the essence of America’s inaugural manned space program. Compiled by Bill Taub, NASA's first staff photographer, this book features a treasure trove of never-before-seen photographs that illuminate the lives and experiences of the Mercury astronauts from 1959 to 1963. Taub's unique access to the astronauts allowed him to document their daily activities, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of this groundbreaking era in space exploration.

Photographing America's First Astronauts stands out from previous Project Mercury publications, which often relied on a limited selection of NASA-released images. By drawing on Taub's recently uncovered archive of thousands of black-and-white and color photographs, slides, and transparencies, this book provides an unparalleled visual account of the Mercury program. It dedicates significant attention to each of the Mercury Seven astronauts, detailing their training, selection, and the operational aspects of NASA during this transformative period.

Each photograph is accompanied by informative captions, enriching the reader's understanding of the context and significance of the images. The foreword, written by renowned NASA Flight Director Eugene Kranz, adds a layer of authenticity and historical insight, making this book an essential resource for anyone interested in the early days of human spaceflight and the pioneering spirit of the astronauts involved.