posted 09-28-2011 11:37 PM               

In this case, it's a beautifully produced insert, hand signed by seven of the original surviving Mercury candidates. It took a monumental effort to have this insert hand signed by each, given they reside in points all over the United States and are up in years. That notwithstanding, the task has been completed and the inserts are more than impressive with graphics reminiscent of what was provided with our copies of Al Worden's, Falling To Earth.

This will without question be your only chance to obtain the signatures of these men who have made me pledge to protect their privacy by not divulging contact information. They are not interested in receiving mail, email or making public appearances for speaking or signing autographs. They were however gracious enough to agree to hand signed a maximum of 300 inserts with a promise that they would only be included with purchased copies of this book and not sold separately.

I am accepting orders at this time with full payment of $44.95 plus shipping due at time of order. They will begin shipping just after Nov. 2, 2011 following a visit by author Colin Burgess who will be hand signing each of our copies on it's title page.

That this book is only priced at suggested retail is amazing considering what was required to produce and obtain the signed inserts. Anyone interested in this special edition of Colin's book may email or call and I suggest you do so at your earilest convenience because when they're gone... they're gone.

For more information about this book, visit Farthest Reaches. Thanks to all for your ongoing support...

posted 10-02-2011 04:14 AM               

Just to reiterate, there are only nine surviving, non-selected Mercury candidates (and two selected - Glenn and Carpenter) still with us. One of the surviving candidates chose not to sign for personal reasons, and the other was, much to his regret, physically unable to sign. That left us with seven candidates; quite ironically, 3 USAF, 3 USN and I USMC - exactly the same makeup as the Mercury Seven astronauts.

The accompanying book tells the stories of 32 remarkable men - the nation's best test pilots of the time - and it is a truly fascinating story of their lives and how they came to be involved in testing for the role of Mercury astronaut. Following the success of the signed Al Worden poem insert to go with his new book, Steve took the plunge and we set about designing a similarly attractive insert and having as many of the surviving, non-selected guys as possible to sign 300 of them for us. I must admit I didn't expect as many as seven to rally to the call, but they did, and it will become a true treasure to own, along with the book (if I may be so bold).

posted 10-02-2011 10:31 AM               

quote:

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Originally posted by benfairfax:
Can you make any available at the AAMS? I'm heading over from Oz and would love to buy a copy signed with the insert.

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posted 10-29-2011 08:58 PM               

Obviously, Steve cannot hold back shipment of these books until I finally get across to Los Angeles, which may be weeks or even months away, so in the last hour or two we have come up with an urgency-based interim solution. It may not be entirely satisfactory to all, but it's the best we can come up with so that things are not delayed any more.

I am going to purchase 300 gummed bookplates which I will sign and send straight over to Steve. The airline shutdown may cause these to arrive a few days later than normal, but that's up to the Post Office. Steve will then send out any books ordered through Farthest Reaches together with the fully-signed insert plus my signed bookplate. It will then be up to the recipient as to whether they will affix this to their copy or not (I know a lot of folks are not big fans of bookplates). However, once I can get back over to Los Angeles again (which may not be for some weeks or months now), Steve will let those on his pre-order list know and they will be able to send their books back to him for my signature and return to them. Of course books can be sent to me here in Sydney if pre-arranged beforehand with me through my e-mail address, but only if a return-stamped envelope can be provided, as air mail costs from here are quite prohibitive and I can't sustain that.

Fortunately I'm not an astronaut like Al Worden, so my signature on the title page doesn't command anywhere near as much attention, so hopefully you will find this stop-gap measure acceptable. Steve and I have worked long and hard over this book/insert project for some months now, and while we are extremely disappointed that my travel plans have had to be abandoned, we both want to try to do our very best for everyone who has ordered through Farthest Reaches and are now waiting on their shipment.

posted 10-30-2011 06:19 PM               

When he is next able to travel this way, which he is committed to doing as soon as it is practical, Farthest Reaches will coordinate an author signing and our clients who would prefer Colin's actual signature in their book(s) will be invited to return them for that purpose. The only cost involved with be that of the shipping to and from your door. Otherwise, will be a courtesy signing to make up for the cancellation of his trip.

posted 11-08-2011 07:56 PM               

I just got off the phone with Steve; Colin will be arriving this coming Monday and signing the books.

posted 11-08-2011 10:49 PM               

We were most fortunate and grateful to have the 7 Mercury Candidates hand sign these 300 inserts. They were somewhat reluctant but in the end, graciously consented to do so and yet, I'm sure will not be a "round two". The inserts themselves fit perfectly into the book and makes this a wonderful package, so give me a shout if interested in adding one to your bookshelf.

posted 11-17-2011 11:10 PM               

Now that I've finally seen the insert in all its real glory I can truthfully say it is an absolutely wonderful and exciting thing, and one that any spaceflight enthusiast will simply have to have, I'm sure. As always, Steve has done an exemplary job in designing and putting this insert together and sending it around to seven elderly but willing former Mercury candidates for their signatures.

posted 11-18-2011 01:44 AM               

Beyond that, though I'm a bit biased, the book and insert make a most impressive package and am confident all who choose to avail themselves of this offer, will enjoy having this title on their bookshelf.

posted 11-24-2011 07:12 PM               

I'll be available throughout the week and weekend so don't hesitate to call or email if interested.