The Apostles of Apollo: The Journey of the Bible to the Moon (CL Mersch)

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Author	Topic: The Apostles of Apollo: The Journey of the Bible to the Moon (CL Mersch)
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999	posted 12-15-2010 12:22 PM The Apostles of Apollo: The Journey of the Bible to the Moon and the Untold Stories of America's Race into Space by C.L. Mersch The story is as unique as it is unknown. The technological challenges and triumphs of the Apollo missions were the focus of unparalleled media frenzy in the 1960s and '70s as Americans rushed headlong to the moon. Yet behind the forgotten bylines are the stories of those in NASA who undertook a challenge of a different sort. These explorers were not only men of science, many were men of faith. Expressing their faith in space, however, created a dilemma for many of the astronauts and their government agency. The result was an extraordinary drama that unfolded behind the scenes. From the vast ranks of NASA personnel emerged a chaplain and scientist with a vision for the Apollo Prayer League and a quest to land a Bible on the moon. And along with this came the stories of others — astronauts, families, friends, and dedicated NASA employees — who undertook a personal journey that paralleled the larger one. Their stories are as remarkable as the men and women who lived them. Hardcover: 352 pages Publisher: iUniverse.com (December 6, 2010) ISBN-10: 145026204X ISBN-13: 978-1450262040
rjurek349 Member Posts: 1190 From: Northwest Indiana Registered: Jan 2002	posted 12-21-2010 11:27 AM I picked up a copy of this book. Was concerned about how I might like it given the subject matter and the fact that it is self-published (iUniverse is a self publishing venue). But I will have to admit -- I was quietly and astonishingly surprised: it is very well written and tells a great story. And for the artifact collector -- regardless of your religious stripe -- it weaves a fascinating account of many items taken to the moon, the process, the impact of publicity, etc. While it lacks a "big finish", there is enough here for many a space enthusiast to enjoy. And while I have a few quibbles on some info left out on other artifacts flown -- such as the fact that a Nassau Bay Baptist Church prayer covenant flew to the surface not only on Apollo 15 but also Apollo 16 -- I found it well worth my time, and an enjoyable read. Mersch can write. I'm surprised a mainstream publisher did not take a run at the book.
Larry McGlynn Member Posts: 1255 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003	posted 12-21-2010 12:54 PM Rich, I have read the book too. It is well written and Carol did a very good job in researching many of the facts about this subject. Most of her research was based upon interviews. She did a good job and I agree with you, I am surprised that a publisher didn't pick the book up for publication. I can only think that it was due to the subject matter.
Gilbert Member Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003	posted 12-21-2010 12:58 PM Well, if Rich and Larry recommend it, I'll have to read it.
FFrench Member Posts: 3161 From: San Diego Registered: Feb 2002	posted 02-10-2011 07:26 PM Looking at a photo on at another thread today, I see Ed Mitchell has a copy on his office desk.
ColinBurgess Member Posts: 2031 From: Sydney, Australia Registered: Sep 2003	posted 02-16-2011 07:19 PM I have recently read and thoroughly enjoyed this book, daunting though the title and contents might be for some. For a first-time author, Carol has done a remarkably good job. Although the missions backgrounding the story are very familiar to me, I found many compelling and new stories in there that should sustain the interest of any spaceflight aficionado. To the author's credit, much of the material in her book is solidly based on her first-person interviews with several prominent astronauts and participants in the U.S. space programme. A few issues that other authors have skirted around are covered in far more detail in this book, and the personalities of some astronauts are explored in depth. I have to admit, for instance, that I was surprised by the very touching and untold story of Buzz Aldrin, his Apollo 11 mission, and a dying boy. One problem I did find in the book were a small but noticeable number of factual errors and typos, but when I contacted the author about these she was very gracious and appreciative. As a print-on-demand book changes can be made to the text, and she implemented these after receiving my message. Approach this book with an open mind and you will be very pleasantly suprised.
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999	posted 03-04-2014 07:08 PM A paperback version was released in November: The Apostles of Apollo: The Journey of the Bible to the Moon... and Other Untold Stories Paperback: 378 pages Publisher: Pen L Publishing (November 9, 2013) ISBN-10: 1940222095 ISBN-13: 978-1940222097

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