Friday, July 29, 2011

Forgotten Books: Silver Wings by Raoul Whitfield

I tracked down all five of Raoul Whitfield's adult novels (three under his own name and two as Temple Field) long ago, but never paid any attention to his juvenile books. I decided to remedy that recently, and requested a couple of them from InterLibrary Loan. First to arrive was Silver Wings, first published in 1930. (This 1937 edition is a seventh printing).

Along with his work for Black Mask (under his own name and as Ramon Decolta), Whitfield wrote heavily for air war and air adventure pulps, and I figured this book would be either a novel or short stories culled from those. Nope. It is a collection of short stories (plus one novelette), but most of them originally appeared in Boy's Life.

Too bad. Because while Whitfield's prose is as sharp as ever, and his storytelling first-rate, the stories themselves are of true Boy's Life caliber. In other words, they're boyish, clean and nonviolent. Most of the characters are tediously nice and polite, and the few who aren't always learn their lessons by story's end.

The book consists of two short story cycles and a stand-alone novelette. The first cycle, of five tales, features three fresh-faced flight school cadets striving to earn their Silver Wings. The message of these stories (and pretty much the whole book) is summed up in a prefatory quote by someone named Colonel Hastings: "It takes a man to wear them, and it makes a man - to wear them - silver wings." In each tale, one of our three heroes faces a fear and whips it into submission. Yawn.

Next up is the novelette, "The Air Mail Flies." The hero in this one is a young man who thinks and acts like a boy. Again (surprise) he must conquer his fear to make the air mail fly. My problem here was that it begins as a Man Vs. Nature story, a theme guaranteed to put me to sleep. Our hero flies blind into a snowstorm and crashes in the mountains. Ho hum. There is a briefly interesting conflict when he encounters two guys with guns who seem to be up to no good. But we quickly learn they're forest rangers on the lookout for a suspicious flyer who has been buzzing the area. The mystery of the suspicious flyer is interesting for about half a page before our hero quashes it with the revelation that the guy is simply scouting emergency landing sites for the air mail service. And guess what? Our hero conquers his fear, and The Air Mail Flies.

The third cycle, of six stories, stars an 18-year old commercial pilot prodigy called Rush Roberts. Rush (you guessed it again) conquers his fears and overcomes adversity through strength of character and by being an all around swell guy.

OK, I know I'm making this sound like a lousy book, but it really isn't. Whitfield's writing manages to rise above the simpleminded moralizing and make it worth a read. But after this, I'm really looking forward to some old fashioned gratuitous sex and violence.


More (and probably better) Forgotten Books at Sweet Freedom!

44 comments:

Todd Mason said...

More and mostly probably more positively-reviewed books (but few with more elan) at Sweet Freedom, this week, Evan.

George said...

I'd read anything Raoul Whitfield wrote.

Anonymous said...

Great review, Evan. I've always been curious about these books and have hoped that someone would write about them someday. You probably already know about the mystery novel about Whitfield, DEAD HORSE by Walter Sattherwaite. It's a fine character study from an excellent writer.

--Stephen Mertz

Cap'n Bob said...

Reminds me of the Mae West response when asked, "Don't you know what good, clean fun is?"

"No. What good is it?"

Oscar Case said...

My great-grandson subscribes to Boy's Life. I'll have to look at a copy to see if the stories are still the same moralizing stuff, if they still print stories.

Anonymous said...

Have you had the chance to read "Five"? I've been trying to locate it for some time, but have only read an excerpt in an anthology, which was vintage Whitfield.

Anonymous said...

banq longchamp bags KvxQeq 2400
longchamp outlet vqsz http://www.longchampbagspurse.com/ longchamp outlet

Fuxni wbfiwl longchamp handbags 2531
longchamp outlet wcwd http://www.longchamphandbagsusa.com/ longchamp outlet

dmpo longchamp sale SbyDk paris h 9638
longchamp outlet cwnl http://www.longchampsalepurse.com/ longchamp outlet

Ujurz phhaao longchamp le pliage ojc1122
longchamp outlet zvml http://www.longchamplepliageus.com/ longchamp outlet

Exwgw longchamp kiutps
Sjt longchamp outlet kh iwy longchamp paris alx
Sywod longchamp ifuf long champ rx longchamp sale szdbkj
Ktv longchamp outlet vh tyf longchamp paris cih
Dsv longchamp le pliage mo longchamp zxs longchamp le pliage pot
Cqv longchamp outlet jg ec longchamp bags r longchamp paris nbf

Anonymous said...

[url=http://louboutinshop.co.uk]christian louboutin shoes[/url] Naturally, with so many scientists in residence, an experiment was quickly devised to see how to get Oscar to bellow again. [url=http://dkgoose.com]canada goose[/url] Awbdwykvp [url=http://canadagoosesweden.com]canada goose sverige[/url]
dulfza 781944 [url=http://www.canadagoosestorontofactory.ca]canada goose trillium parka womens[/url] 096292 [url=http://www.officialcanadagooseparkas.ca]canada goose jackets price[/url]

Anonymous said...

A wonderful dawn for the wizards of finance! Throwing away all caution, the biggest financial houses in the world have convinced the biggest central banks to arbitrarily reduce to cost of borrowing money so the savings crisis in the West can get much worse. http://www.christianlouboutinofficial.co.uk lynoesd [url=http://www.louboutinoutletstore.co.uk]christian louboutin[/url] 53487032
[url=http://www.crystalsaleuk.co.uk]Swarovski [/url] gxfaasy [url=http://www.jewelrytiffanyuk.co.uk]tiffany jewellery[/url] [url=http://www.mulberryshopping.co.uk]mulberry bag sale uk[/url]

Anonymous said...

i'd rather just not eat it, but to each his own i guess.. [url=http://www.christianlouboutinofficial.co.uk]christian louboutin[/url] mrhwvpl [url=http://www.louboutinoutletstore.co.uk]christian louboutin[/url] 83225188
[url=http://www.crystalsaleuk.co.uk]Swarovski jewellery[/url] acjefmn [url=http://www.jewelrytiffanyuk.co.uk]tiffany uk[/url] [url=http://www.mulberryshopping.co.uk]discount mulberry purses[/url]

Anonymous said...

"People do not understand," she said. [url=http://www.christianlouboutinofficial.co.uk]christian louboutin outlet online[/url] waiespf [url=http://www.louboutinoutletstore.co.uk]christian louboutin uk[/url] 54516117
[url=http://www.crystalsaleuk.co.uk]Swarovski outlet[/url] klkrjsn [url=http://www.jewelrytiffanyuk.co.uk]tiffany uk sale[/url] [url=http://www.mulberryshopping.co.uk]mulberry purse wallet[/url]

Anonymous said...

Why? Habbo's focus on teens and chatting is one reason, as is its price tag: it's free. [url=http://www.christianlouboutinofficial.co.uk]louboutin outlet[/url] zohwjem http://www.louboutinoutletstore.co.uk 23851141
[url=http://www.crystalsaleuk.co.uk]http://www.crystalsaleuk.co.uk[/url] orblnwk [url=http://www.jewelrytiffanyuk.co.uk]tiffany charms[/url] [url=http://www.mulberryshopping.co.uk]mulberry outlet sale[/url]

Anonymous said...

The crying continued uninterrupted for the first part of the morning, and I figured that once the monotony of the day was broken up with outside play things would improve. [url=http://www.christianlouboutinofficial.co.uk]christian louboutin outlet online[/url] hxwvfzu http://www.louboutinoutletstore.co.uk 69744138
[url=http://www.crystalsaleuk.co.uk]Swarovski outlet[/url] mnaqtqi [url=http://www.jewelrytiffanyuk.co.uk]tiffany bracelet[/url] [url=http://www.mulberryshopping.co.uk]mulberry handbags women[/url]

Anonymous said...

It all starts when you BUY MORE." Along with the regular sales staff, the "greenshirts," the store tech support staff in white shirts and ties is called the Nerd Herd, with a small fleet of lettered and logo cars for service calls. [url=http://www.christianlouboutinofficial.co.uk]louboutin outlet[/url] qpfbqfl [url=http://www.louboutinoutletstore.co.uk]louboutin uk[/url] 87196738
[url=http://www.crystalsaleuk.co.uk]http://www.crystalsaleuk.co.uk[/url] wujsxdg [url=http://www.jewelrytiffanyuk.co.uk]tiffany jewellry[/url] [url=http://www.mulberryshopping.co.uk]cheap mulberry handbags women[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosechilliwacksfemme.fr]Canada Goose Kensington Parka[/url] Be sure to choose lights and lamps that suit your design style and strategically place them to best accent the features of your rooms.. [url=http://canadagoosehandlesalg.com]canada goose langford parka[/url]
qgtzsrzs [url=http://www.vipscanadagoose.com]canada goose outlet[/url] abitkctl [url=http://www.doudounecanadagooseparis.fr]doudoune canada goose [/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosessoldeparis.fr]canada goose[/url] But there is something to be said about a pocket watch that is attached to a belt loop or lapel via a short chain.. [url=http://canadagoosehandlesalg.com]canada goose[/url]
nfgyspas http://axedirect.com shpricqt [url=http://www.doudounecanadagooseparis.fr]Canada Goose[/url]

Anonymous said...

The three other boundaries of the park are Parkside Drive to the east, the Queensway to the south, and Ellis Avenue to the west.. [url=http://www.canadagooseparkasoutlet.ca ]canada goose outlet[/url] dnkkiqn [url=http://www.beatsbydrecheap4s.com]beats by dre cheap[/url] 39217034
[url=http://www.crystalsaleuk.co.uk]Swarovski uk[/url] ugcgtsv [url=http://www.vanessasoldes.com]longchamp le pliage[/url] [url=http://www.shopgooseoutlet.com]canada goose canada[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosessoldeparis.fr]canada goose pas cher[/url] Made from faux leather and with a detailed button design, these dog beds boast a comfortable, soft mattress in spotted velboa. [url=http://canadagoosehandlesalg.com]canada goose chilliwack bomber[/url]
qryssjmm [url=http://www.vipscanadagoose.com]canada goose outlet[/url] jemipddx http://www.doudounecanadagooseparis.fr

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosessoldeparis.fr]canada goose pas cher[/url] Item #3 - the polo neck sweater Casual, preppy and formal all at the same time, a polo neck sweater will take you to the hallways of your office if you don't work in a strictly suit-and-tie environment, and will take you to the local jazz bar for a more laid-back look. [url=http://canadagoosehandlesalg.com]canada goose chilliwack bomber[/url]
eomdfgod [url=http://www.vipscanadagoose.com]canada goose jackets [/url] bdvealiz [url=http://www.doudounecanadagooseparis.fr]doudoune canada goose [/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosessoldeparis.fr]canada goose doudoune[/url] The interesting lectures will give y . [url=http://canadagoosehandlesalg.com]canada goose jassen kinderen[/url]
snbgjzuk http://axedirect.com rolyqtct [url=http://www.doudounecanadagooseparis.fr]Canada Goose Pas Cher[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosessoldeparis.fr]Canada Goose Kensington Parka[/url] The greatest novels do not show tell. [url=http://canadagoosehandlesalg.com]canada goose jassen kinderen[/url]
lgvdxsju [url=http://axedirect.com]christian louboutin outlet[/url] qvnzfpyx [url=http://www.doudounecanadagooseparis.fr]Doudoune Canada Goose[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosessoldeparis.fr]canada goose[/url] I can see why skirts and abayas are more preferrable (more modest) but living in the west, you don want to look like an outcast. [url=http://canadagoosehandlesalg.com]canada goose jassen[/url]
zmhpqtdg [url=http://www.vipscanadagoose.com]canada goose jackets [/url] eckeddwi [url=http://www.doudounecanadagooseparis.fr]canada goose france [/url]

Anonymous said...

http://www.canadagoosessoldeparis.fr The designs they come up with sell like hot cakes, so make sure you regularly keep checking for new stuff before it gets sold out. [url=http://canadagoosehandlesalg.com]canada goose chateau parka[/url]
tfempsni [url=http://axedirect.com]christian louboutin shoe sale[/url] zosqzlov [url=http://www.doudounecanadagooseparis.fr]Canada Goose[/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.canadagoosessoldeparis.fr]canada goose paris[/url] Narrow stripes look best on petite frames, and if you are fuller in one part of your body than you would like, then consider a stripey style with a single color-block in that area. [url=http://femmescanadagoose.com]doudoune canada goose [/url]
mgcfrpiz [url=http://bedding2sale.com]canada goose outlet[/url] ntjgxnad [url=http://www.doudounecanadagooseparis.fr]Doudoune Canada Goose[/url]

Anonymous said...

fQsk ghd australia
gYwr cheap ugg boots uk
sUxd michael kors purse
7oZly ugg boots uk
4lPlq chi iron
7eZqf michael kors purses
0cHtn nfl jerseys
8mFmg ghd
5qZpy north face outlet
9uDcp ugg españa
4lTan ghd sale
6bFjx michael kors
8lCzz nfl shop
9sBuu ghd
1uXwn cheap ugg

Anonymous said...

ugg france icjgetpp ugg pas cher vledqfnb bottes ugg knrylgoq ugg australia yqyfcsep bottes ugg pas cher hpfatlxx ugg

Anonymous said...

beats by dre hcknjxch casque beats by dre pas cher mdwmvbwl casque beats by dre dtexleij casque docteur dre ixsiezes casque monster beats pas cher yaotluzs casque monster beats wxtmmnif ecouteur beats rudbknno monster beats pas cher awkjyeya monster beats szefohco

Anonymous said...

longchamp jqchmywa longchamp sale opaenkkg longchamp bags kkgquebi longchamp uk xfwwunvp longchamp bags uk qarpbnro

Anonymous said...

cheap ugg boots sale pvimapcc cheap ugg boots uk mspqjeov cheap ugg boots mecizeja cheap uggs dbenjost ugg boots sale uk nooowtsg ugg boots sale lgbjxtyi ugg boots uk mgkzgyho ugg boots snovzgcd ugg sale pdgkkboc

Anonymous said...

coach outlet scwoykxl coach usa tbyazycd coach factory outlet fajuejnf coach factory vfozapbh

Anonymous said...

These are all just remakes of the older models of Air Max. It is the explanation that why you
ought to get a pair of well known branded sneakers.
Do not give in towards the temptation. So if
you are on the lookout for Nike sneakers, you will not likely have to appear for them
way too tricky. http://www.airmax90s2013.
co.uk

Anonymous said...

Hey there! I realize this is somewhat off-topic however I had to ask.
Does operating a well-established blog such as yours take a lot of work?

I'm brand new to writing a blog however I do write in my journal daily. I'd like
to start a blog so I can share my experience and thoughts online.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.
Thankyou!

Here is my web site ... michael kors history

Anonymous said...

I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
I'm quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!

Here is my blog - michael kors jewelry collection

Anonymous said...

Have you ever considered publishing an ebook or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog based upon on the same information
you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information.
I know my subscribers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot
me an e-mail.

Also visit my web site; michael kors watches

Anonymous said...

bookmarked!!, I love your website!

Have a look at my web page; michael kors perfumes

Anonymous said...

After looking into a few of the blog posts on your blog, I really like your
way of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark site list and
will be checking back in the near future. Please check out my website as well and tell me
what you think.

Also visit my web page; cruise vacation

Anonymous said...

Whoa, [url=http://isabel-marant-baskets7.webnode.fr/]isabel marant en ligne[/url] remarkable product. [url=http://sac-longchamps-soldes.webnode.fr/]longchamp pas cher[/url] Your organization got to consider shoes instantly whilst it is still available ! ! [url=http://soldes-longchamp-sacs.webnode.fr/]longchamp le pliage[/url] Drop Whining , Start Off your very own [url=http://basketisabelmarant6.webnode.fr/]isabel marant en ligne[/url] Email campaign [url=http://sacsmichaelkors4.webnode.fr/]sacs michael kors france[/url] Preferably
HlaNmh [url=http://sneakers-isabel-marant-13.webnode.fr]sneakers isabel marant[/url] MoyZwn HrpBvz [url=http://longchampbagsuk.ucoz.co.uk]home[/url] YrsEpp http://longchampbagsuk.ucoz.co.uk EedSba [url=http://guesssacmain.webnode.fr]soldes sac guess[/url] JhjVqn http://guesssacmain.webnode.fr OumDfm [url=http://soldes-sacs-longchamp4.webnode.fr]sac à main longchamp[/url] LjwCik SqyYpm [url=http://basketsisabelmarantfr.webnode.fr]baskets isabel marant[/url] OvmUay
GaiAqq [url=http://soldesaclongchamp0.webnode.fr/]longchamps pas cher[/url] RiwMjc YryQsx [url=http://longchampsacssoldes.webnode.fr/]longchamp sacs soldes[/url] IpwEvt http://longchampsacssoldes.webnode.fr/ KrdPek [url=http://soldessacslongchamp2013.webnode.fr/]sac longchamps soldes[/url] IbbEdx http://soldessacslongchamp2013.webnode.fr/ MchUcg [url=http://longchampsolde2013.webnode.fr/]longchamp solde[/url] CoqZkx StkIuo [url=http://longchamps2013.webnode.fr/]solde sac longchamp[/url] FftKva http://longchamps2013.webnode.fr/ fdDtd
TnbSpi [url=http://saclongchampspliagepascher.webnode.fr/]sac longchamps pliage pas cher[/url] BgiKrp CmcTcb [url=http://saclongchampprix.webnode.fr/]sac longchamp prix[/url] WsnKqh http://saclongchampprix.webnode.fr/ WizMrj [url=http://longchampsacprix.webnode.fr/]sac longchamp solde[/url] YwqQgt PykCda [url=http://longchampsparis.webnode.fr/]longchamps sac soldes[/url] YtoGur http://longchampsparis.webnode.fr/ NxaVwi [url=http://saclongchampsnoir.webnode.fr/]sac longchamp noir[/url] DtnWxp uoZbv
Fed up with all online chit chat? [url=http://longchampsacshobo.webnode.fr]longchamp sacs[/url] at this site available for you [url=http://isabelmarantsneakers2013.webnode.fr]isabel marant sneakers[/url]! This particular online are really wonderful, it has numerous [url=http://longchampsoldesenligne.webstarts.com/]longchamp pliage soldes[/url]functions as well as functions [url=http://portefeuillelongchamppascher.webnode.fr/]portefeuille longchamp[/url]. Perform the following to learn more about [url=http://longchampcuirpascher.webnode.fr/]longchamp cuir soldes[/url] well before you are left out.

Anonymous said...

The best method to ensure the online retailer you're dealing with is reliable is to acquire feedbacks and information from people that have dealt using the website. Leave the tea to brew for between 20 minutes the other hour. The financial branch from the Italian police is accusing the brand of redirecting a few of its revenues to these two small tax-friendly countries to prevent paying their Italian taxes in full - as well as the outstanding bill is reported to be 70 million.

Feel free to visit my blog ... 財布 コーチ

Anonymous said...

One man demanded to get off, but the driver actually wouldn't allow him to without extra money. "For our business it's an incredibly difficult time," he said. All of the children and mothers inside study lived inside the Faroe Islands, located between Iceland and Scotland.

Have a look at my page - バレンシアガ メンズ

Anonymous said...

Behind heavy security in the middle of Beverly Hills -- Jason.
Promotional Pocket Calendars - Handy, Practical,
and Useful. They make use of that data to cope with strengths and weaknesses
with the curriculum.

Also visit my homepage コーチ バッグ

Anonymous said...

Lava lamps that you acquire use high heat and toxic chemicals,
but you can come up with a lava lamp in your house using
safe kitchen ingredients". The company serves customers in every state in Canada, and also has a niche in the New England states so when far west as North Dakota. With a stovepipe jeans, wear volume denim skinny pants trouser legs, exposing the red and black plaid pattern, fashionable and casual.

My website ... www.chanelbagguoutlet2013c.com

Anonymous said...

whoah this weblog is great i love rеаԁing уοur pοѕts.
Stay up the good worκ! Υоu κnow, manу inԁivіduаls aгe seaгсhing rоunԁ fοг this info, you can help
them gгeatly.

my blog post: reputation management

Anonymous said...

Greetings from Carolina! I'm bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can't wait to take a look
when I get home. I'm shocked at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I'm not even
using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, good blog!

Also visit my site; nike air max 2013

Anonymous said...

Does уour website havе а contаct page?
I'm having problems locating it but, I'ԁ like tо
send yοu аn emаіl. I've got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it expand over time.

Check out my web blog :: Arjun Kanuri