Moonfire: a book out of the ordinary

The books published on the occasion of Apollo 11’s 40 anniversary are numerous and often — fortunately — good quality. Some are outstanding, notably the magnificent “Moon” by Olivier de Goursac (of which we will speak next) and some are out of the ordinary like “Moonfire” from Taschen.
The publishers are offering 2 editions, both top of the range. The first at €750 or $1,000 (you read correctly, there’s no mistake) comprises a book of 350 pages (36.5x44 cm format) and a dedicated photograph of Buzz Aldrin. The entire edition is numbered and limited to 1957 copies. The second edition (numbered from 1958 to 1969, this last number obviously referring to the year of Apollo 11) is even more exclusive as it also offers a piece of lunar meteorite! The price is communicated on request...
Although we have not been able to acquire a press copy (understandable, given the price), we have, on the other hand, already observed that Taschen demonstrates a certain “fastidiousness” as to the production quality of its books. Fact confirmed by the 10 page extract that we received. For Moonfire, the publisher has, essentially, selected long extracts from the feature written by the famous American author Norman Mailer at the time for Life magazine. The content is not therefore technical, but constitutes a unique account of the feelings surrounding events, written from a highly personal point of view and a rather unusual angle (the description of Armstrong during a press conference for example). The photographs, magnified by faultless printing, not only collate the major classics known to all, but also some “little treasures” more or less forgotten such as a lunar space suit of an improbable design (we would think it from a poor sci-fi film) or even Wernher von Braun sitting nonchalantly in his office, feet on the table, with an impressive collection of rocket models behind him. It is clear as far as the subject goes that Moonfire is a collector’s item par excellence. But at €750 a copy (and we’re not even talking about the “Lunar Rock” edition), this wonderful book is, unfortunately, beyond the reach of most pockets. However, we would point out here that Taschen is sometimes in the habit of subsequently producing some less luxurious editions of its outstanding books in order to reach a wider audience. We are, therefore, keeping our fingers crossed that the publisher will one day do the same for Moonfire.

Moonfire from Taschen (publisher’s website - you can leaf through the book online)

Published on 3 august 2009