Buy new:
-10% $8.99
FREE delivery Thursday, July 25 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$8.99 with 10 percent savings
List Price: $9.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
FREE pickup Thursday, July 25 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 1 hr

1.27 mi | ASHBURN 20147

How pickup works
Pick up from nearby pickup location
Step 1: Place Your Order
Select the “Pickup” option on the product page or during checkout.
Step 2: Receive Notification
Once your package is ready for pickup, you'll receive an email and app notification.
Step 3: Pick up
Bring your order ID or pickup code (if applicable) to your chosen pickup location to pick up your package.
In Stock
$$8.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$8.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.

Return instructions

Item must be in original condition and packaging along with tag, accessories, manuals, and inserts. Unlock any electronic device, delete your account and remove all personal information.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the authors

Leo Janos
Follow
Chuck Yeager
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Yeager: An Autobiography Paperback – September 1, 1986

by Chuck Yeager (Author)
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$8.99","priceAmount":8.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"EyPSuvxwxoFerAc8B8q6hkpR8dvJx4Eo3SF3Fx55k8JaruUmjWfSkjzsdtqtm42Q4TXq0n%2BS88d8qwAojiJL9FbHGg68b8E1bYuRt1NExTxy7lh8Q0vnExmMRMzjGJnqHxquFFWwNU8%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$8.03","priceAmount":8.03,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"03","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"EyPSuvxwxoFerAc8B8q6hkpR8dvJx4Eo7aOLiWIcsPh%2F09RjcbWd8%2Fq2D0nY%2BxdQsTi6ueRAaTPN5YDVHUEDyn9nJQ9xyN2vbLbbP4A42%2BCMlR8%2FaLvfwj8OUv0OBWThvfw%2B5Z%2BMbI8D4QV7ccXxRmKsTzfnEnxjfUwFmnz84Numnoe23rBcCza%2FF7L4v%2F0a","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}],"desktop_buybox_group_2":[{"displayPrice":"$8.99","priceAmount":8.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"8","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"EyPSuvxwxoFerAc8B8q6hkpR8dvJx4Eo3SF3Fx55k8JaruUmjWfSkjzsdtqtm42Q4TXq0n%2BS88d8qwAojiJL9FbHGg68b8E1bYuRt1NExTxy7lh8Q0vnExmMRMzjGJnqHxquFFWwNU8%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"PICKUP","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":2}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

#1 MULTI-MILLION-COPY BESTSELLER • A one-of-a-kind portrait of a true American hero: General Chuck Yeager 
 
“The secret of my success is that I always managed to live to fly another day.”
 
General Chuck Yeager was the greatest test pilot of them all—the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound . . . the World War II flying ace who shot down a Messerschmitt jet with a prop-driven P-51 Mustang . . . the hero who defined a certain quality that all hotshot fly-boys of the postwar era aimed to achieve: the right stuff.

Now he tells his whole incredible life story with the same “wide-open, full throttle” approach that has marked his astonishing career. What it was really like engaging in do-or-die dogfights over Nazi Europe. How after being shot down over occupied France, Yeager somehow managed to escape.  The amazing behind-the-scenes story of smashing the sound barrier despite cracked ribs from a riding accident days before.

The entire story is here, in Yeager’s own words, and in wonderful insights from his wife and those friends and colleagues who have known him best. It is the personal and public story of a man who settled for nothing less than excellence.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    448 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Bantam
  4. Publication date
    September 1, 1986
  5. Dimensions
    4.18 x 0.97 x 6.85 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0553256742
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0553256741
  8. Lexile measure
    1060L
  9. See all details
Next slide of product details
Books with Buzz
Books with Buzz
Discover the latest buzz-worthy books, from mysteries and romance to humor and nonfiction. Explore more

Frequently bought together

Yeager: An Autobiography
$8.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 25
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Fighter Pilot
$10.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 25
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Forever Flying: Fifty Years of High-flying Adventures, From Barnstorming in Prop Planes to Dogfighting Germans to Testing Sup
$12.49
Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 25
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Similar items that may ship from close to you

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  1. Fighter Pilot
    Christina Olds
    4.8 out of 5 stars 3,032
    Paperback
    $10.99
    Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 25
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  2. RIGHT STUFF
    Tom Wolfe
    4.6 out of 5 stars 5,394
    Paperback
    $11.64
    Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 25
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  3. Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed
    Ben R. Rich
    4.7 out of 5 stars 3,829
    Paperback
    $9.49
    Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 25
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  4. Forever Flying: Fifty Years of High-flying Adventures, From Barnstorming in Prop Planes to Dogfighting Germans to Testing Sup
  5. Chuck Yeager: World War II Fighter Pilot (American War Heroes)
    Don Keith
    4.7 out of 5 stars 38
    Paperback
    $10.97
    Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 25
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
  6. CHUCK YEAGER: WHAT A RIDE!: My Amazing Life with The Original Right Stuff, Chuck Yeager
    Victoria Yeager
    5.0 out of 5 stars 4
    Paperback
    $25.00
    Get it as soon as Thursday, Jul 25
    FREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by Amazon
Next page

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

General Chuck Yeager, the greatest test pilot of them all -- the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound . . .the World War II flying ace who shot down a Messerschmitt jet with a prop-driven P-51 Mustang . . .the hero who defined a certain quality that all hotshot fly-boys of the postwar era aimed to achieve: the right stuff.

Now Chuck Yeager tells his whole incredible life story with the same "wide-open, full throttle" approach that has marked his astonishing career. What it was really like enaging in do-or-die dogfights over Nazi Europe. How after being shot over occupied France, Yeager somehow managed to escape. The amazing behind-the-scenes story of smashing the sound barrier despite cracked ribs from a riding accident days before.

The entire story is here, in Yeager's own words, and in wondeful insights from his wife and those friends and colleagues who have known him best. It is the personal and public story of a man who settled for nothing less than excellence, a one-of-a-kind portrait of a true American hero.

From the Inside Flap

k Yeager, the greatest test pilot of them all -- the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound . . .the World War II flying ace who shot down a Messerschmitt jet with a prop-driven P-51 Mustang . . .the hero who defined a certain quality that all hotshot fly-boys of the postwar era aimed to achieve: the right stuff.



Now Chuck Yeager tells his whole incredible life story with the same "wide-open, full throttle" approach that has marked his astonishing career. What it was really like enaging in do-or-die dogfights over Nazi Europe. How after being shot over occupied France, Yeager somehow managed to escape. The amazing behind-the-scenes story of smashing the sound barrier despite cracked ribs from a riding accident days before.



The entire story is here, in Yeager's own words, and in wondeful insights from his wife and those friends and colleagues who have known him best. It is the personal a

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bantam (September 1, 1986)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0553256742
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0553256741
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1060L
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.18 x 0.97 x 6.85 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the authors

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Previous page
  1. Leo Janos

    Leo Janos

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
  2. Chuck Yeager

    Chuck Yeager

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

    See more on the author's page
Next page

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
850 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the accomplishments incredible, inspiring, and interesting. They also appreciate the themes and life lessons. Readers describe the book as great, hard to put down, and written by a true hero. They say the history is great and the storyline is amazing.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
StorylineCharacter traitsThemesHistoryReadabilityAccomplishmentsPaceHumor
70 customers mention "Storyline"70 positive0 negative

Customers find the storyline amazing, masterful, and spectacular. They also say the book is well written and a great motivator for boys.

"...An excellent read about a breed of human male that no longer seems to exist. Highly recommended." Read more

"This is such a great story of an American Hero starting life with humble and modest roots…towering to the top of American and aviation history!..." Read more

"...So I read it too. Interesting, well-written chronicle of a hero's life. By the end of it, I felt like I know him personally...." Read more

"The text is compelling, of course, but the actual book is small, the print and photos are not crisp, and this whole thing could use a redesign...." Read more

29 customers mention "Character traits"29 positive0 negative

Customers find the character traits of the book great, talented, colorful, and gutsy. They also say the author is a true hero with humble beginnings.

"...A colorful man and a hero." Read more

"What an amazing autobiography. Words cannot express how many great lessons are in this book. The only downside is the grammar and punctuation...." Read more

"...This is an example of his courage and character and I am certain his editor suggested that he remove the information...." Read more

"...Chuck Yeager tells his life story in approachable language, with brief cut ins from the service members and civilians that played a part in the story..." Read more

24 customers mention "Themes"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the themes in the book interesting, absorbing, and amazing. They also say the first-person accounts are revealing and give an inside look at this one-in-a-generation pilot. Customers also say it's an inspiring book with a message about humility and using God's gifts.

"First person accounts were revealing and gave an inside look at this one in a generation pilot...." Read more

"...He loves to fly and wants to be a pilot. So I read it too. Interesting, well-written chronicle of a hero's life...." Read more

"...The narration is stuffed with absorbing anecdotes: evasion of Nazis after bailing out in occupied France, dogfighting in a P-51 Mustang, breaking..." Read more

"...He's captivating to listen to. He's modest, honest and has some amazing lessons to share...." Read more

11 customers mention "History"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the history in the book great, fascinating, and a first-hand account of the war. They also say it's a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of an American hero.

"This is a great book about the history of the design of modern day aircraft and the men and woman who participated to make it happen...." Read more

"...Learning about Chuck Yeager's contribution to these iconic pieces of US history is fun, especially when he is direct - which is most of the time...." Read more

"...my fellow aviators would be grateful of this book if only for its historical value; it answered many of my questions...." Read more

"It was a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of a genuine American hero. The life he lived has been an amazing one...." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written, carefully documented, and readable. They also say the dialect is endearing.

"...But it was easy to read, I hung in there, and soon I was richly rewarded...." Read more

"...two days ahead of schedule - GREAT SERVICE - plus the book was very well written; at least that is my opinion...." Read more

"...It is written in a polished down-home, backwoods dialect that is so endearing...." Read more

"Excellent, easy to read" Read more

6 customers mention "Accomplishments"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the accomplishments in the book incredible and excellent.

"...By the end of it, I felt like I know him personally.Amazing feats; his exploits are legendary but he's just a regular guy...." Read more

"Excellent, easy to read" Read more

"...They did so brilliantly...." Read more

"...This book does not disappoint as Yeager with Janos's help takes you through a thrilling ride through a very busy and interesting life. GREAT READ!" Read more

4 customers mention "Pace"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fast and a great read.

"Great read, fast book" Read more

"...Good Story and a fast read, plus now I can watch "The Right Stuff" and have much more backstory." Read more

"Great Book was delivered on time perfect!! a very must read on how the Early days were at Muroc" Read more

"Great book and delivery service..." Read more

3 customers mention "Humor"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous and entertaining. They also say it's informative.

"One of the best reads. could not put it down. It was humorous and insightful. Yeager is a real character. I wish I could meet him." Read more

"Very good book, informative and entertaining." Read more

"A wonderful read, at times told with great humor...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

jpooch00
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
If you like reading about what Real Men are actually like, or at least what they WERE like before millennials and Gen-Z'ers and other "mommie's special little men" came along, then this book is for you. He never even questions whether he's gender-correct or anything, if you can believe that! "Breaking the sound barrier" was just one of many things that he did. An excellent read about a breed of human male that no longer seems to exist. Highly recommended.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Ben Strafuss
5.0 out of 5 stars candid
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
First person accounts were revealing and gave an inside look at this one in a generation pilot. I had the honor of flying with General Yeager in a P51 years ago and he was just the same as he is depicted in this book. At one point in our flight, he pulled in a notch of flaps and banked hard to the left saying “This was how I got behind those Japs”. A colorful man and a hero.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jason B Patton
5.0 out of 5 stars Sentimental and adventurous blend of American History and love of aviation! Must read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is such a great story of an American Hero starting life with humble and modest roots…towering to the top of American and aviation history! Highly entertaining story telling that reaches so far beyond the typical military aviators tale! A sentimental glimpse into the life of an incredible pioneer who truly influenced so much of our National history the last 75 years!! If you love America, love aviation, or just interested in learning US history…this is a must read!! Couldn’t put it down!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
K C.
5.0 out of 5 stars It's so good, I needed to read it again.
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
I owned this in hardback decades ago and wish I had never gotten rid of it, but now it's time for a re-read.
Helpful
 Report
Lulu's favorites
5.0 out of 5 stars A HERO BOTH IN THE AIR AND OUR DREAMS
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2024
Verified Purchase
YEAGER IS AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE COMMON PERSON CAN BECOME WITH GRIT, HEART ,COMMON SENSE AND TRUE DETERMINATION PLUS A LOVE OF THE UNIVERSE. IT WAS HIS COURAGE THAT ALLOWED OUR COUNTRY AND ALL PERSONS TO REALIZE THAT THEIR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE. BECAUSE OF HIS EFFORTS WE HAVE OUR SPACE AND BEYOND PROGRAM. HE WAS A STAR LOOKING UP TO THE STARS AND BECOMING ONE..
Helpful
 Report
Peggy Stevenson
4.0 out of 5 stars A fun and interesting read about a real-life hero
Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2014
Verified Purchase
My great nephew had to read this for a book report in high school. He loves to fly and wants to be a pilot. So I read it too. Interesting, well-written chronicle of a hero's life. By the end of it, I felt like I know him personally.Amazing feats; his exploits are legendary but he's just a regular guy.I guess after all, that's what makes a real hero.He met and worked with an illustrious group of interesting people, from presidents to saloon owners to aeronautic geniuses. Well worth reading, even if you're not that interested in flight.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
June R. Much
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
Informative
Helpful
 Report
Solipso
5.0 out of 5 stars The extraordinary story of one of the world's best pilots.
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2011
Verified Purchase
Chuck Yeager is one of America's heroes, like John Paul Jones, Davy Crockett, Stonewall Jackson, Wyatt Earp, Sergeant York, and others. If not the best pilot in the world so far, he is one of the best. En route to logging in 10,000 flight hours in 180 (!!!) different military aircraft, he was a double ace in World War II, he was the first human to break the sound barrier, and he survived three bailouts. He won the bronze star, the silver star, two distinguished flying crosses, and the Medal of Honor (commonly known as the Congressional Medal of Honor because it is awarded by Congress).

Do not be deterred by the presence of Leo Janos as co-author. This is an autobiography, and Yeager's voice comes through loud and clear. He puts us in the cockpits. Also, in interludes called "Other Voices," we read the words of Yeager's wife Glennis, best friend Bud Anderson, and a few other of Yeager's acquaintances.

Though this was one of my favorite biographies, along with Bill Clinton's My Life and Winston Churchill's Marlborough, the first few pages of Yeager made me wonder if my purchase had been a mistake. The content of those pages--Yeager's interesting though uneventful childhood--was unremarkable,and the multitude of simple sentences seemed beneath my intellect. But it was easy to read, I hung in there, and soon I was richly rewarded.

The narration is stuffed with absorbing anecdotes: evasion of Nazis after bailing out in occupied France, dogfighting in a P-51 Mustang, breaking the sound barrier and enduring the burdens of a celebrity, grim escapes from dangerous test planes, commanding a school for space and research pilots, commanding squadrons for NATO and Vietnam, and twilight years as a general and as a retiree.

Three interesting women are prominent in his life: Wife Glennis (some of those "Other Voices" are hers). Pancho Barnes: owner of a restaurant/dude ranch/adult recreation center (she was also in Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff and its movie). Jackie Cochran: As a young aviatrix, she was a friend of Amelia Earhart. Later she became a wealthy and outspoken socialite, and a hostess and friend to Chuck and Glennis.

This book is an example of how good nonfiction is worthy of anyone's while. The cover of my 1986 paperback edition hypes it as a multi-million copy bestseller. It has sixteen pages of photos to sweeten the text, but it is the text that made the book a bestseller. Try it.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Eloy
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente livro.
Reviewed in Brazil on September 28, 2023
Verified Purchase
Livro sensacional sobre uma das lendas da aviação mundial. A leitura da versão em inglês é um pouco difícil, principalmente com a quantidade de adjetivos estranhos que o autor usa, mas nada que um dicionário não resolva kkkkk
Report
Mario Mora Lara
3.0 out of 5 stars el libro amerita una mejor edición
Reviewed in Mexico on July 11, 2021
Verified Purchase
la edición es tipo bolsillo, me gustaría una edición mejor
Sin duda, un muy buen contenido que se vería mejor en una edición mas grande

si saben de alguna, avisen
Report
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!
Reviewed in India on September 21, 2023
Verified Purchase
First hand account of an ace combat pilot.
Report
Silverstark
5.0 out of 5 stars exciting
Reviewed in Germany on October 16, 2022
Verified Purchase
What a life. Book is exciting from the first page to the last. A unique person right in an unique era of inventions of aircraft. His way was not ever straight, quite often besides the "correct" path but successfull and pure joyousness in flying aircraft of any kind. A natural born flyer.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Yeager. - Made of the “right stuff ! “
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2021
Verified Purchase
One of my first heroes - what a brave man - his story is breathtaking
This is a great read if you know about the man and his epic achievements and a great read even if you don’t !

The first to break the sound barrier in an experimental craft - the eventual & successful future missions to the moon owe so much to his training of others in the space programme

I am delighted with my purchase
Report