Description
In the spring of 1927, a number of pilots and airplane designers aspired to be the first to cross the Atlantic between New York and Paris nonstop. They were spurred on by ambition and the $25,000 Orteig prize offered by a New York businessman. It was a dangerous undertaking and other crews had disappeared or crashed to their deaths preparing for the attempt. The 25-year-old Lindbergh’s rivals were more seasoned and experienced than he, including Commander Richard E. Byrd, a Navy aviator and renowned polar explorer. The competitors gathered at the airfield on Long Island in mid May and waited for the right weather conditions. The impending event captured the public imagination, with crowds showing up each day hoping to see the start. Lindbergh took off on May 20, 1927. After 33 hours in the air — flying solo, without sleeping, and coping with adverse weather conditions — he touched down at an airfield outside Paris. The event transformed the hitherto obscure airmail pilot into an international celebrity and hero. Although Lindbergh’s distance record was broken only a few weeks later by another pilot who made it to Berlin, it was Lindbergh whose story captured the popular imagination. In addition to the Orteig Prize, he received the Medal of Honor — the United States’ highest military decoration. Lindbergh went on to become an advocate for commercial aviation, a prize-winning author, international explorer, inventor and conservationist.
Amy Drevenstedt was an American artist and illustrator known best for two pictorial maps that she designed. She illustrated a large map The Commonwealth of Connecticut, published in 1926, which was republished in 1935 for the Connecticut Tercentenary. She also did a pictorial map of Lindbergh’s famous transatlantic flight published in 1927. In addition, she gained recognition for her illustrations in Thornton Wilder’s “The Bridge of San Luis Rey,” also published in 1927. Drevenstedt also designed decorative papers and greeting cards. Despite her contributions to art and illustration, detailed information about Drevenstedt’s life is elusive.
Condition: Generally good with the usual light overall light toning, wear, and handling.
Allen, C.B. and Lauren D. Lyman. The Wonder Book of the Air. Chicago and Philadelphia: John C. Winston Co., 1939. p. 112-124.
“The Bridge of St. Luis Rey.” Lorne Bair. https://www.lornebair.com/pages/books/22240/thornton-wilder-amy-drevenstedt/the-bridge-of-san-luis-rey?utm_source=chatgpt.com (24 Jan 2025).