Horses Don't Fly

The Memoir of the Cowboy Who Became a World War I Ace

Growing up on a ranch in Sterling, Colorado, Frederick Libby tamed countless horses, drove cattle, and even roped an antelope. When World War I broke out, he enlisted in the Canadian army with the same happy-go-lucky daring and grit with which he approached all things. In France, he became an aviator with the Royal Flying Corp, downing an enemy plane on his first day of battle over the Somme. He went on to become an ace, with 24 victories to his credit, just two less than Captain Eddie Rickenbacher. This is a rare piece of Americana, told in as pure and compelling a voice from the vernacular heart of this country as you will ever hear.

©2000 Sally Ann Marsh. Introduction copyright 2012 by Winston Groom (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Amazing

This is quite the story and well worth reading. I've read a lot about World War I, but I had no idea about the RFC and American involvement. The author was quite the hero.

Great first hand account of flying with the RFC in WW1

I’ve enjoyed Horses Don’t Fly several times in print and now on audible. Capt Libby’s account is a wonderful tale of a young man at the turn of the century. It is a story where living a life of one adventure to the next will lead you to unexpected destinations.
His account of getting into the RFC, embracing the British Officer Corp traditions, and surviving several years of combat flying are told in a compelling way. I recommend this to a reader wanting an adventure story, or a slice of US history, or a military history reader.

A real hero

Not only was this man a high achiever of success in everything he committed to in life, he had a beautiful humility about all of it, and a love and respect for all persons who gave life their best, especially those behind the scenes. A great man. Loved the book. Great firsthand account of life during WWI. Very inspiring.

First class memoir

Excellent RFC story of a cowboy turned fighter pilot. A tale of bravery whose author credits everyone else except himself.

A Fabulous account of an interesting era

What did you love best about Horses Don't Fly?

I enjoyed this book when I was first given it by my great aunt. We are distantly related to the author Frederick Libbey so I may not be completely objective. I love the way he narrates the events of his amazing life in a modest and humorous way. His description of the late cowboy era and World War I aviation is amazing. He focuses on particular episodes in his life that he stumbles into more from curiosity and naïveté than planning. I very much like that he gives credit to all that help him and has a very positive outlook even in the midst of very depressing circumstances. I appreciated the book even more when I studied WWI history. The narration is absolutely superb. This is the finest pairing of wonderful story and excellent narration I have encountered.

Have you listened to any of Stephen Bowlby’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This is a tough question since I enjoyed so much of the book. I really enjoyed the episode where he destroyed his fancy new Sunday suit by roping an antelope.